There's one thing that's pretty consistent across all of the examples featured on this site — they're all as contemporary as it gets. There are no awkward features, everything is smooth, seamless and damn right modern.

Over the years the construction industry has seen technologies come and go, arguably at a faster rate than in other fields. It would be fair to say that one technology which has grabbed building experts by the scruff of the neck is solar. It's something which is being applied in practically every imaginable use and when it comes to contemporary homes it's no surprise why.

Solar is something that removes any aesthetic fears from architects. Once upon a time those famous panels may have been classed as intrusive, but nowadays they can be blended into any modern building. Similarly, smaller solar products (which we'll get into later), just don't hinder a home's appearance in the slightest and this is the reason it's here to say.

Of course, a lot of these products also happen to save a considerable amount of money - something which is surely required when you see some of the extravagant featured properties! Nevertheless, the point we're trying to make is that solar energy is here to stay and this is something that a lot of rival technologies haven't been able to say over the past few years. Here, we highlight how solar is growing, how you can use it on your home - and why it suits the contemporary, dream homes down to a tee.

The old favourite: solar panels

We may as well start with the thing that everyone associates solar technology with; those panels which seem to be affixed to a growing proportion of UK estates. Initially, they were targeted at local authority housing, but private homeowners have now caught on and they are especially popular with modern properties.

The nature of solar panels means that they are never going to be suited to a rustic dwelling. Shiny panels just don’t work on a converted barn, but when they are integrated to a potential Dwell award candidate, things start to change. They can actually look like a positive addition to such properties, while it’s now possible to purchase the panels in varying styles which make them highly compatible with different types of roofs.

Security lighting: no longer a tangle of wires

This is one use of the technology which doesn’t necessarily have to be implemented in a luxury home. The reason it’s been included in this article is because of the simplicity and it doesn’t matter where you live, gone are the days when you have to source an electrician to fit a complicated set of security lights.

Naturally, these lights arrive in various solar contemporary styles, but the big selling point is that they’re plug and play. Some security lights which are solar powered can be installed in a matter of minutes and this means that they’re certainly here to stay, and possibly overtake the standard security fittings that we have come so accustomed to over the last few years.

Water features: same as above

Take a look at the latest featured house on this blog and it will almost certainly be exquisitely landscaped, with a water feature to boot. The introduction of solar technology to these features has transformed the way in which gardens can be put together and again there’s no need to source a qualified electrician – a lot of these features are powered entirely by the sun.

Considering the fact that it’s also possible to obtain solar fairy lights to compliment the landscape, it goes without saying that water features are evolving and have become even more exuberant because of solar.

And finally… for the ultimate solar/contemporary enthusiast

We should probably have added another component to the title of this subheading, “for the ultimate property owner”. We’ll again refer to the houses that are featured across Art Architect and the vast majority have a pool in their back garden.

For a lot of years, the main problem with swimming pools hasn’t been the upfront cost (although these will still set you back tens of thousands of pounds, or more depending on your requirements), but the running costs. Again, solar has come to the rescue and through the use of solar thermal technology, it’s now possible to heat the water through the sun’s rays. Additionally, excess energy can be used for outside towel rails or even the water for showers – again elements that will accompany the contemporary plot down to a tee.

VIA «Solar: the Perfect Technology for the Contemporary Dwelling»

City design

VIA «Fosters and FXFOWLE have won award World Architecture News»

Luxury Bar in Las Vegas

Bar in Las Vegas, work of the Japanese studio “Design Spirits Co., Ltd” became one of winners of competition The Great Indoors Awards. The Chinese restaurant is in one building with very large casino and hotel on 3,300 apartments.

Luxury Relax & Consume

The project has won a nomination “Relax and Consume”. Walls and a ceiling are covered by a white openwork pattern from a steel.

Habitual registration of an interior — division into various zones by means of various "samples". In the given premise there is one magnificent feature — an absolute openness, absence of columns. Designers have decided to use this fact and have issued all interior in uniform style. The space has turned out unique and picturesque.

VIA «The Bar Interiors»

Art handbags from Louis Vuitton

VIA «The French house of fashion Louis Vuitton»

Spaceport for Virgin Galactic

The well-known architectural bureau

VIA «Norman Foster has become interested in lunar architecture»

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee approved the listing of the five Spanish Roman Catholic sites built in and around what is now the city of San Antonio, including the Alamo fort, where in 1836 some 180 Texans fighting for independence from Mexico fought to the death against Mexican General Santa Anna's army of several thousand soldiers.

The site comprises architectural and archaeological structures, farmland, residencies, churches and granaries, as well as water distribution systems, UNESCO said.

The complexes "illustrate the Spanish Crown's efforts to colonize, evangelize and defend the northern frontier of New Spain," UNESCO said.

It said the San Antonio Missions were also an example of the interweaving of Spanish and Coahuiltecan cultures, including the decorative elements of churches, which combined Catholic symbols with indigenous designs inspired by nature.

Source: AFP [July 06, 2015]

A mother of eight, Dilci is a born-and-bred resident of Dilekkaya, where the ruins of Anavarza or Anazarbus, a city founded by Assyrians that thrived under the Roman empire, are located. Remains of the city's glory days are scarce, with just a small portion of the city walls still standing.

Dilci and her husband have always been keen to preserve the history in their environs, and this led to the discovery of Anavarza's ancient history, for which the couple was duly awarded. They were building a new house in the village in the 1960s when they stumbled upon a mosaic piece at the construction site.

"We notified authorities and they came. The mosaic we found was a 'fish mosaic' - a Roman-era artifact - and they awarded us TL 500. They asked us to build our house in another, place nearby. We started digging in that place to lay the groundwork but again, we discovered another mosaic," Hatun Dilci says.

Spending everything they had on the construction, the family was broke and without a telephone in the village, they had to travel to the city to inform authorities. They decided to do it, and sold two chickens they had to cover travel fees and went to Adana.

"We met the governor and traveled back to the village with him and with officials from a museum in Adana. They examined the mosaic and told us that we had found the Princess Mosaic," she says, referring to a mosaic believed to depict the daughter of a king.

This time, authorities offered them more money or an assignment of the family as guards of the ancient city. "We chose guarding the site. They gave my husband a uniform and a gun and a monthly salary," she adds.

Hatun Dilci accompanied her husband in guarding the site and personally guarded the site long after her husband's death 22 years ago. Now, one of her sons looks after the site while Dilci preserves the artifacts in the garden of her house.

They started moving the sarcophagi, statues and numerous artifacts to their garden in a bid to protect them from treasure hunters frequenting the area. Under a special deal, the authorities allowed them to keep the artifacts as a small museum, as the area does not have enough space.

"I gave my life to this ancient city. I have been threatened by smugglers and treasure hunters. They tried to burn down my house and poisoned my livestock. I confronted the villagers damaging the ruins. I did this out of my sacred duty toward the state. I am retired now, but I still volunteer. I am still awake at night guarding against theft," she says.

Source: Anadolu Agency [June 01, 2015]

Choked up: The tears falling down her face, Gaga struggles to compose herself
She will be performing at the awards, which take place on Saturday, which have been renamed Video Music Aid Japan and will raise money for the Japanese Red Cross.
Today Gaga broke down as she spoke about her love for the country.
She said: 'I am always so inspired when I come to Japan, inspired by the spirit, the passion, the love, the absolutely infectious joy of Tokyo.'
Hello, Tokyo: Gaga arrived at the press conference in her new aquamarine wig and black Aladdin pants
And she encouraged people from all over the world to visit the country, which has seen a huge plunge in tourism since the disaster, the nation's biggest recorded earthquake struck.
It created a tsunami that caused widespread destruction and set off a crisis at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant about 140 miles (220 kilometers) north of Tokyo.
It killed almost 20,000 people, tens of thousands more were left homeless and thousands of others were forced to leave homes near the plant because of the radiation danger.

Please visit: Gaga urged tourists to come to Japan declaring it 'beautiful' and 'safe'
Wearing a long aquamarine wig, she said: 'I can't say enough to people all over the world that the majority of Japan right now, Japan in general, is very safe. It's fine to come here. It's beautiful.
'The most important thing, and the best thing, we could do for Japan right now is to boost tourism.
'I would like to use my position here today and all week long to run around Tokyo enjoy the beautiful city and kiss all the beautiful little monsters and scream at the top of my lungs that everyone should come visit this beautiful place.'
Thirsty work: Gaga sipped from a china tea cup which had Japanese characters that read 'Pray For Japan' across it
For luck: The singer kisses an Okiagari-Koboshi, a traditional Japanese doll
During the press conference, she sipped tea from a china cup that was painted with Japanese characters that read 'We pray for Japan'.
She was also presented with an 'Okiagari-koboshi' - which means 'getting up little priest' - a Japanese traditional tumble doll that is considered a good-luck charm and a symbol of perseverance and resilience
GaGa arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday, days in advance of her performance on Saturday's Music Aid Japan benefit concert which will be broadcast live to an estimated 30 million households in Japan, Korea, Singapore and China.
For her Little Monsters: Gaga stopped to sign autographs as she left a restaurant last night...
... and kept her faithful followers happy as she stopped to greet fans at the airport
Last night she was bombarded by fans as she left Shabuzen, a popular restaurant that specialise in a common Japanese dish called Shabu-shabu, which is a Japanese hot pot, in the trendy night life area of Roppongi, in Tokyo.
But ever gracious to her 'Little Monsters', she happily stopped and signed autographs for them, just as she did when she arrived at Narita International Airport.
Just put your paws up: Gaga gives her trademark claw-hand sign and then waves to her fans as she heads out of the airport
Lady Gaga at the MTV Video Music Aid Japan press conference (june 2011)

source: dailymail

VIA An emotional Lady Gaga wipes away tears as she remembers Japanese earthquake victims

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland wanted to display Lady Gaga's infamous meat dress for its "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" exhibit.
Problem is, how do you store and display raw meat for days, weeks, and months without flies, maggots, and the rotting stench of decay?
Gaga Meat Dress on display at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The answer? Turn the meat outfit into jerky. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the dress and shoes worn by Gaga at the 2010 Video Music Awards were cured and dried. The result? A jerky outfit, fit for display (or to eat on a hiking trip).

VIA Lady Gaga's Meat Dress turned into Jerky

VIA Taryn Chute was crowned Miss Montana 2011 on June 18

VIA Julia Furtado was crowned Miss Maine 2011

Wary: Gaga in her colourful attire and wig is obviously quite a scary prospect for a little one
The overall effect seemed a bit overwhelming for the little one, who seemed as much shell-shocked as star-struck.
But it was the New Yorker's scary pointed talons that made this little girl wonder if she was meeting the evil queen rather than a Disney princess.
However, the 25-year-old sensation managed to turn the encounter around by gently unleashing some of her trademark dance moves.
Cautious: The little girl seems wary of Gaga's long red talons
Bending down to replicate the child's height, Gaga tenderly offered her terrifying talons to the little girl.
The child kept a safe difference as she weighed up the character directly in front of her, as if wondering if it was safe to get closer.
Of course, once Gaga had managed to coax her nearer, she didn't offer her a poison apple, but twirled the little girl like she was Cinderella at a ball.
Confidence won, Gaga was then treated to cuddles as the child's gobsmacked parents snapped away on their camera.
The Born This Way star was leaving Toronto after performing at the MuchMusic Video Awards there this weekend.
Twirl: But the pop diva is soon amuses the younger by showing her a few trademark dance moves
For the performance the singer emerged from a cocoon, a stunt she has pulled twice already, which has prompted fans and critics alike to speculate that she's finally run out of ideas.
She entered the stage via the egg-like cocoon, just as she did at the Grammy Awards in February this year - she also popped out of a chamber during a performance on Saturday Night Live late last month.
Covered up again: Gaga seems to be moving away from the revealing outfits she's so often favoured
This time however the contraption was suspended above the ground, whereas the previous two crysalis-esque devices were laid down horizontally on the ground.
For the duration of her appearance on the Canadian awards show, Gaga remained relatively covered up in comparison to her usual outrageous get up.
And she maintained that look for her trip home, by donning the long bright dress that stunned the youngster.
source: dailymail

VIA Let's Dance! Lady Gaga wins over a frightened young fan with a twirl at Toronto airport

Just hanging around: The cocoon was suspended in the air
She entered the stage via the egg-like cocoon, just as she did at the Grammy Awards in February this year - she also popped out of a chamber during a performance on Saturday Night Live late last month.
Doing it for real: Gaga on stage during the actual awards show
This time however the contraption was suspended above the ground, whereas the previous two crysalis-esque devices were laid down horizontally on the ground.
For the duration of her appearance on the Canadian awards show, Gaga remained relatively covered up in comparison to her usual outrageous get up.
Similar entrance: The superstar singer popped out of an egg-like contraption at the Grammy awards in February
By Lady Gaga standards, her ensembles were positively demure.
In fact the Queen of shocktastic fashion and barely-there outfits turned out to the ceremony with much more material per square inch than usual.
Despite changing into an array of outfits, the 25-year-old singer kept relatively covered up - which was perhaps something to do with the slightly fuller figure she was seen to be sporting as she arrived.

Paunch: Lady Gaga revealed a slightly fuller figure as she arrived the the MuchMusic Video Awards in Canada tonight in a tight LBD teamed with dominatrix-style boots
Making an entrance: The singer opened the show with a performance on Edge of Glory, staying relatively covered up in a bejewelled catsuit
The Edge of Glory star, who won two awards at the event, turned up at the ceremony in Toronto, Canada, in a form-fitting little black dress which showed a more curvy shape around her midsection.
Last year Gaga's former tour manager, David Ciemny, claimed that the star would starve herself to fit into her revealing stage outfits.
He alleged the singer would go on unhealthy food binges before barely eating in a bid to slim down - saying she once lost 20lbs between fittings.
Got it all covered: The superstar singer remained relatively demure in comparison to her usual guises
Covering up: We're used to seeing the singer in barely-there outfits and skimpy underwear
Earlier this month, Gaga left very little to the imagination as she partied at the CFDA Fashion Awards in a see-through black body stocking in New York.
But tonight was a relatively low-key affair for Gaga, who remained relatively covered in her series of outfits.
She opened the show with a performance of Edge of Glory wearing a bejewelled black catsuit, before closing the event with a rendition of Born This Way.
Colourful: She made an outfit change to accept international video of the year for Judas, keeping her flesh under wraps in a printed trouser and jacket combo teamed with her turquoise wig
In a nod to her Grammys performance, Gaga hatched out of an egg, but was kept her flesh under wraps in black trousers and a dramatic ruffled feathered top half.
She stripped her top off in the last minute of the song, but kept her midriff out of sight with her high-waisted, belted trousers.
Earlier in the show she accepted an award, wearing another body covering outfit, a colourful trouser and jacket combo, complete with her turquoise wig.
She eventually de-robed, but rather than a skimpy two-piece the singer was wearing black trousers and buttoned up jacket which revealed a hint of cleavage
The singer was voted the most popular international artist in the fan category, while also taking home the best international video for Judas.
Bieber was the other big winner of the night, joining his girlfriend and host of the event Selena Gomez on stage to accept his two gongs.
The 17-year-old star was voted the favourite artist by ordinary Canadians for his video Somebody to Love, which also features Usher.
He was honoured in the best international Canadian video category for the same video, although shared the award with hip hop star Drake.
Lady Gaga - Born This Way Live Performance at: MMVAs 2011

source :dailymail

VIA Born again (for the third time)... Lady Gaga hatches from another egg-like cocoon during the MuchMusic Video Awards

Adored: Fans in the crowd reach out to Justin in the hope of touching his hand
Cute couple: The duo teamed up on stage at the awards bash
Bieber took to the stage to accept an award, which he shared with hip hop star Drake, after they were named joint winners of best international Canadian video.
While 18-year-old Gomez slipped into an array of revealing outfits during the course of the evening, Justin stuck to his guns, donning a retro T-shirt with a printed picture of Saved By The Bell Nineties pin-up Tiffani Thiessen.
Double win: The teen singer also picked the favourite artist gong for his his hit Somebody to Love
You'd have thought the 17-year-old would have been too young to be a fan of the American teen sitcom - but that didn't stop him wearing the top, which showed Thiessen in character as high school student Kelly Kapowski.
Justin also scooped the honour for favourite artist by ordinary Canadians, adding yet more awards to his growing trophy collection.
Outfits galore: Selena made a series of wardrobe changes throughout the evening, seen right getting speaking to axed 90210 star Trevor Donovan

Bad boy: Irish heartthrob Colin Farrell also joined the former Disney star on stage to present an award
Joint winners: Justin and Drake, who was look a little fuller in the face than usual, both shared the award for International Video of the Year by a Canadian
Lady Gaga was the other big winner of the night, opening the show with a performance of Edge of Glory and closing out with Born This Way - in which she 'hatched' from a cocoon.
The singer was voted the most popular international artist in the fan category, while also taking home the best international video for Judas.
However, she put in a relatively low-key claim for the fashion crown, wearing outfits which by her standards were somewhat conservative.
Host turned performer: Selena took a break from her presenting duties to sing her hit Who Says
Crowd mania: The fans in the audience loved the performance and scrambled for their cameras as she sang
The 25-year-old skipped the red carpet as she turned up to the event in Toronto, Canada, but was pictured showing off what appeared to be a slightly fuller figure in a form-fitting LBD.
She completed the look with her now trademark turquoise wig and a pair of bondage-style knee-high boots.
The Telephone singer later posed for photographers, adding to her ensemble a towering pair of platforms, a blue blazer and a colourful pair of tights.

Legs Eleven: The singer and actress stood firmly in the spotlight as she made her red carpet arrival

Turning heads: Selena turned up in a stunning backless beige dress teamed with purple heels
Cheeky: Gomez's boyfriend Justin arrived wearing a retro Saved By The Bell T-shirt with a printed image of Nineties pin-up Tiffani Thiessen with her toned torso on show
Shawn Desman won the MMVA video of the year for Electric/Night Like This, while Far East Movement took home the international group video trophy for Like a G6.
Other winners included Toronto-based six-man rap rock band Down With Webster, which won for best pop video for Whoa is Me.
The best indie video went to JDiggz for This Time, and the rock video of the year was awarded to Abandon All Ships for Geeving.
Canadian singer-songwriter Fefe Dobson won the fan’s favourite video for Stuttering and the hip hop video of the year going to Classified for That Ain’t Classy.
Gomez proved a successful host for the night, having bounced back to health following her recent hospital dash, which she later revealed was down to malnutrition.
The MuchMusic Video Awards is the biggest music awards ceremony in Canada and have been running since 1990.
Irish heartthrob actor Colin Farrell joined Selena on stage to help with hosting duties, as did axed 90210 star Trevor Donovan.
Greeting fans: The 25-year-old singer had her photo taken with her supporters, but avoided the red carpet
Nappy couple: Twilight star Nikki Reed with her American Idol fiance Paul McDonald

Legs on show: Nikki wore a strapless dress which gathered at then waist while Pretty Little Liars star Shay Mitchell dazzled in a sexy black ensemble
Gothic style: Canadian singer-songwriter Fefe Dobson opted for a long black dress split to the thigh with a dramatic plunging back
Sk8ter Girl: Canadian-born singer Avril Lavigne performs during the event with her electric guitar in hand
Farrell is currently in Canada shooting the remake of the 1990 movie, Total Recall but found time to attend the ceremony, which also featured performances from Bruno Mars and Canadian-born singer, Avril Lavigne.
On accepting her prestigious role as the event's co-host, Selena recently told the Toronto Herald: 'It's exciting and scary at the same time because (Wizards) was my safety net.
'That's all I really know so it'll be interesting to detach from that and be on my own.'
Selena has had a rocky few weeks after she fell ill and was admitted into hospital for 24 hours with malnutrition last week.
Making some noise: Rapper Snoop Dog performs with Far East Movement during the ceremony
Too cool for school: Irish actor Colin Farrell and rock chick Avril Lavigne pose on the red carpet

Warm-up: Selena Gomez takes a break from rehearsals in slightly less glamorous attire
Selena Gomez presenting Justin Bieber & Drake win International Video of the year! MMVA 2011

Lady Gaga - Born This Way Live Performance at: MMVAs 2011

Selena Gomez & The Scene - Who Says Live Performance Much Music Video Awards MMVA 2011

source :dailymail

VIA Adoring Justin Bieber wraps a protective arm around Selena Gomez on her first public appearance since hospitalisation

VIA Ellen Bryan was crowned Miss Ohio 2011

VIA Teen Choice Awards

VIA Kessia Cortez, 20, Miss Goianinha is Miss World Rio Grande do Norte 2011

These pictures are the first sightings of five month old Faith with the rest of the family.
Australian actress, Nicole, 43, was dressed in a pair of olive green trousers a patterned blouse, burgundy jumper and dark jacket.
Singer-songwriter Keith kept things casual in jeans and a T-shirt and donned a baseball cap for the travel.
Both little girls were dressed in white and Sunday Rose wore her hair in two side plaits.
What a good girl: Although their newest addition to the family is just five months old Faith was well behaved as the family headed to the plane
Earlier this month Keith was honoured with a star on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame and was joined by his wife to celebrate the unveiling of his plaque.
The couple welcomed the newest addition to their family Faith Margaret in December who was born by surrogate.
Speaking about the experience Nicole said: ‘Having given birth and then being there to see my child born in that way, I felt so much love for our surrogate, gestational carrier.’
Red carpet glamour: Nicole looked stunning in black as she and Keith attended the Billboard Music Awards
The Academy Award-winning actress also explained that she uses the term ‘gestational carrier’ as opposed to ‘surrogate’.
Speaking to Australia’s 60 minutes Nicole explained: ‘We were trying to be accurate.
The term gestational carrier is used if it's your biological child and if it isn't, then you use surrogate. I mean, who knows what it is. But she's the most wonderful woman to do this for us.’
source: dailymail

VIA Beautiful babes in arms: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban carry their pair of gorgeous girls as they jet out of LAX

The 24 official contestants

Miss Peru US, Natalie Vertiz won the Best Figure award

VIA The final of Miss Peru 2011 will be held on 25th Jun 2011 at the Real Felipe del Callao Convention Centre

The 24 official contestants

Miss Peru US, Natalie Vertiz won the Best Figure award

VIA The final of Miss Peru 2011 will be held on 25th Jun 2011