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Sigma updates 150-600mm firmware to solve overexposure with Nikon D500

02 Jul

Sigma has announced new firmware for one of its super tele zooms that has a problem with exposure when used with the Nikon D500 and Sigma’s 1.4x tele convertor. Both Sports and Contemporary versions of the 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM will need the new firmware if owners want to use the lenses with the company’s TC-1401 1.4x teleconverter on the Nikon D500. The company says it has discovered that when the three items are combined there is an issue with overexposure, and that the new firmware will fix it.

The TC-1401 can be used with the 150-600mm F5-6.3 lens because both it and the Nikon D500 can support autofocus at apertures up to F8.

Users who own the Sigma USB lens dock can update their firmware themselves, while those who don’t can receive the update free of charge from a Sigma service center.

For more information see the Sigma website.

Lens firmware Update for SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM |Sports / Contemporary in Nikon mount

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We would like to announce the availability of a new firmware update for the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports in Nikon mount and the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary in Nikon mount.

This firmware update can be installed using SIGMA Optimization Pro.

The lens firmware update corrects the phenomenon of overexposure when the lens is attached to the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 on Nikon Digital SLR camera “D500”, released by NIKON CORPORATION.

For customers who own the following applicable products and also SIGMA USB DOCK, please update the lens firmware using SIGMA Optimization Pro.

For customers who do not own SIGMA USB DOCK, the lens firmware update will be provided free of charge. Please contact your nearest authorized subsidiary/distributor of SIGMA.

Applicable products

SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports – Nikon mount
SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary – Nikon mount

Benefit of this firmware update
It has corrected the phenomenon that it shows some overexposure when it is attached with
SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 on Nikon D500.

*For customers who are using SIGMA Optimization Pro Ver1.1 or earlier, please ensure to update it to Ver1.3 from the following Download page before updating the lens firmware.

Download page: http://www.sigma-global.com/download/

We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Adobe updates PhotoShop CC with content-aware crop, face-aware liquify

22 Jun

Photoshop CC 2015.5 introduces a couple of editing tools that have been showcased recently by Adobe, as well as a new selection and masking workspace.

Face-aware liquify uses facial recognition to identify facial features, offering slider adjustment tools to change the shape of a nose or a mouth, for instance. Content-aware crop aims to fill in blank canvas space around an image resulting from a horizon adjustment, for example, applying the same logic as the existing content-aware fill tool. In addition to these new retouch tools, users will find a new selection and masking workspace, making it easier to isolate elements of an image with tools like refine edge brush.

With this update, Adobe claims that Photoshop CC will open documents faster and performs with better overall responsiveness. Specifically mentioned is content aware fill, which Adobe claims will be ‘up to 3X faster with even better results.’

Subscribers can update to Photoshop CC 2015.5 starting today.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Samsung offers NX1 and NX500 firmware updates

18 May

Samsung has released firmware updates for the NX1 and the NX500, bringing the NX1 up to firmware version 1.41 and the NX500 to firmware version 1.12. Both updates fix a Bluetooth issue that arises when pairing the cameras with smartphones running Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The NX500 update changelog advises users to update the camera firmware together with the Samsung Camera Manager App.

Samsung has all but backed out of the digital camera market. Its flagship NX1 was discontinued late last year, though the NX500 remains in stock for the time being. While a question mark remains over exactly what long term support for Samsung camera owners looks like, at least for now the manufacturer will continue to support the latest version of Android’s OS.

The NX1 firmware update is available here, and the NX500 is available here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Xiaomi Yi II action camera updates original with 4K video

17 May

Chinese company Xiaomi has updated its Yi action camera with a Sony IMX377 12MP 1/2.3″ sensor, improving its top resolution to 4K compared to the original model’s 1080p maximum. The Yi II Action Camera also features an Ambarella A9SE75 chipset, a 155-degree wide-angle 7-layer optical glass lens and a 2.19″ LCD rear touchscreen display.

According to Xiaomi, the internal 1400mAh battery allows for up to 120 minutes of video recording in 4K. Content is stored on a removable media card, with capacities of up to 64GB supported. Other features include a built-in speaker and microphone, dual-band Wi-Fi, and three color options: Rose Gold, White, and Black.

The international version of the Yi II Action Camera offers the following recording options:

WVGA/240fps
720p/240fps
960p/120fps
1080p/120fps
1440p/60fps
2.5K/30fps
4K/30fps

The camera can be pre-ordered from GearBest for $ 249.99.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Camera Raw 9.5.1, Lightroom updates add Pentax K-1 support

29 Apr

Adobe has released updates for ACR as well as standalone and CC versions of Lightroom, providing Raw support for the Pentax K-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III. Adobe Camera Raw 9.5.1, Lightroom CC 2015.5.1 and Lightroom 6.5.1 are all available for download and offer some minor bug fixes along with the new camera support. Updates are also available for Adobe DNG Converter for Windows and Mac.

Lightroom Mobile for iOS also gets an update. Version 2.3 brings improvements to editing workflow by making it easier to start editing a single photo from the device’s camera roll. The latest version is available for iPhones and iPads at the App Store.

Bugs Fixed in Camera Raw 9.5.1

EXIF lens name not visible for some camera models.
Camera Raw would not launch under Mac OSX 10.7 and 10.8.
Errors when using Camera Raw to tone HDR images from Photoshop. This occurred when converting 32-bit files to 16 or 8-bit files.

Bugs Fixed in Lightroom CC 2015.5.1 / 6.5.1

Droplets not working as export actions
Issues with incorrect folder permissions. Please see instructions to help correct user permissions issues.
EXIF lens name not visible for some camera models. Please see instructions to reparse the Lens metadata after installing the update.
Focus lost in the keyword panel when navigating to the next image
Error when merging to HDR or Panorama from a collapsed stack
Removed dependencies on QuickTime for some video codecs on Windows. Please see https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/multi/quicktime-uninstallation-impact.html for more information

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Raspberry Pi updates camera board with 8MP Sony IMX219 sensor

26 Apr

Raspberry Pi, maker of low-cost miniature computers frequently used in DIY projects, has upgraded its camera board accessory, replacing the previous 5MP OmniVision OV5647 sensor with an 8MP Sony IMX219 sensor. The new sensor is used for both the regular camera board and an infrared-sensitive version, and according to Raspberry Pi, it offers better low-light performance, image quality and color fidelity.

The camera accessory is a simple, small board with a ribbon cable that can be connected to one of the Raspberry Pi mini-computers. Creators have used the camera modules to record images through a telescope and equip drones with lightweight camera functionality, among many other applications. The previously used OmniVision sensor was discontinued in 2014, but a large stockpile allowed Raspberry Pi to continue offering the model until just recently.

Speaking about tuning the image sensor pipeline, Naush Patuck said:

Regarding the tuning process, I guess you could say the bulk of the effort went into the lens shading and AWB tuning. Apart from the fixed shading correction, our auto lens shading algorithm takes care of module to module manufacturing variations. AWB is tricky because we must ensure correct results over a large section of the colour temperature curve; in the case of the IMX219, we used images illuminated by light sources from 1800K [very reddish light] all the way up to 16000K [very bluish light].

The Sony-based camera board costs $ 25 like the previous version, and is available through RS Components and element14.

Via: Raspberry Pi

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Adobe announces updates to Creative Cloud video-oriented applications

14 Apr

With Adobe’s upcoming version of Premiere Pro CC, users can start editing video files immediately, even while still importing, and can switch between native and proxy formats as well.

Ahead of next week’s NAB Show in Las Vegas, Adobe has announced new features to its Creative Cloud software applications for video editing, motion graphics, and audio, including Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition and Media Encoder.

Of particular interest to video editors, Premiere Pro users will now be able to start editing video files immediately, even while ingesting clips. Additionally, editors can now work natively with high resolution video formats up to 8K. New proxy workflows facilitate quick switching between native video and proxy formats while editing, which should be helpful to those working on older machines or laptops.

Premiere Pro also introduces virtual reality (VR) editing capabilities, making it possible to work with imported stitched video, including the ability to show field-of-view so it’s possible to see what the viewer will be seeing in any direction, and tagging of VR files so that VR-capable video players, such as YouTube, will automatically recognize VR footage.

Other noteworthy features enhanced Lumetri Color tools, improved captioning and titling options, and initial support for Apple Metal for improved performance on Apple devices.

The updated applications should be available in ‘early summer.’

Press release:

Adobe Unveils Breakthroughs in Video and Film Production

Virtual Reality, Character Animation, Sound Innovation Comes To Creative Cloud

SAN JOSE, Calif. — April 13, 2016 — The way consumers access and view content has undergone sweeping changes. Media and entertainment companies, along with creative professionals, are under increasing pressure to find new ways to create, deliver and monetize content. They must also adapt to rapidly evolving technology advancements, including high resolution capture, new delivery formats and virtual reality to name a few. Also, enterprises are dealing with an explosion of content demands from constituencies and need to integrate high-impact content types, like video, into their communications strategies.

Ahead of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show next week, Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) has revealed new features across its Creative Cloud tools for video editing, motion graphics, audio and collaboration. Media and entertainment companies are combining these advanced content creation capabilities with Adobe Primetime to help deliver TV and video content across screens. With Adobe’s digital marketing tools TV networks and pay-TV providers can drive viewer acquisition, engagement and monetization as audiences embrace “over the top” (OTT) content via connected devices such as Apple TV, Sony PlayStation, Roku and Microsoft Xbox. At NAB, Adobe will demonstrate the updated tools and new workflows at booth #SL3910, South Hall (lower) in the Las Vegas Convention Center and at over 120 partner booths from April 18-21.

Adobe Creative Cloud video tools are becoming the go-to source for film editors of both award-winning Hollywood and indie films. The most recent example is Deadpool, the 20th Century FOX blockbuster which shattered box office records. The post-production team from Deadpool will discuss their state-of-the-art workflows and why they chose Adobe Premiere Pro CC in a Creative Master Series panel at NAB on April 19 from 4:15–5 p.m. PT.

Upcoming productions using Premiere Pro CC include Mindhunter, David Fincher’s new series for Netflix, and 6 Below directed by Scott Waugh and starring Josh Hartnett, which is currently shooting in 6K RED and will be edited natively in Premiere Pro.

Creative Cloud video tools are also powering a new generation of content delivered via social channels like YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

“The videos we make at RocketJump are pure entertainment,” said Freddie Wong, Founder of RocketJump, the hybrid studio/production company behind the popular RocketJump YouTube channel with nearly 8 million subscribers and 1.3 billion views. “We’ve been users of Adobe’s Creative Cloud for years and love the new features coming soon. In addition to editing native footage in Premiere Pro and creating awesome visual effects in After Effects, we use Photoshop for graphics, Audition to sweeten audio, Media Encoder to export content, and now Creative Cloud Libraries to share assets.”

Immerse Yourself In Creativity

Adobe continues to deliver technology that opens unimagined creative opportunities for video and film production, and now, immersive experiences. In the next release of Creative Cloud –- available in early summer — Premiere Pro CC will add new virtual reality capabilities, including “field of view” mode for spherical stitched media. In addition, thanks to Adobe Stock integration into CC apps, customers are already experiencing productivity increases of 10 times, when adding stock content into creative projects, including video*. In the upcoming release, Adobe Stock will have enhanced connections with CC apps and new workflows will enable Adobe Bridge and Lightroom users to contribute to the Adobe Stock marketplace directly from within the application.

Other feature highlights coming soon to Creative Cloud include:

Edit immediately during ingest allows Premiere Pro CC users to get straight to work, while importing their video and audio files in the background.
Powerful proxy workflows in Premiere Pro CC and Adobe Media Encoder CC enable users to easily work with heavy 8K, HDR and HFR media, so editors can switch between native and proxy formats freely – even on lightweight machines.
Enhanced Lumetri™ Color tools within Premiere Pro CC adds HSL Secondaries to expand the editor’s toolkit for making color correction and adjustment easier for all filmmakers.
New video and audio preview engine in After Effects CC delivers superior playback of cached frames for a smooth experience.
Easier and more efficient Character Animator includes a simplified puppet creation process that enables users to easily tag puppet layers easily and record multiple takes of a character’s movement. Users can animate puppets to respond to motion and trigger animation accordingly.
New Essential Sound panel in Audition CC enables anyone to mix audio content with professional results.
Quickly find Adobe Stock assets with new filtered search in Creative Cloud Libraries. Licensed assets in your library are now badged for easy identification, videos are displayed with duration and format information, and saved videos are linked to video previews on the Adobe Stock site.

“There’s rapid change happening in the digital landscape with video now the fastest growing media type across social media platforms and OTT shaking up broadcast and film,” said Bryan Lamkin, executive vice president and general manager, Digital Media at Adobe. “Adobe is transforming the industry with Creative Cloud and Primetime by helping customers create beautiful content to engage viewers and technologies that monetize content that audiences care about.”

Pricing and Availability

At NAB, Adobe is previewing the next major updates to Creative Cloud. These updates are expected to ship in the coming months. The company is offering Adobe Creative Cloud for US $ 49.99 a month. For more information, visit http://www.adobe.com/go/video.

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Canon announces firmware updates for XC10 and Cinema EOS cameras

13 Apr

With the annual NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show just around the corner, Canon has announced numerous firmware updates for its video-oriented cameras and display systems.

A new firmware update for the XC10 camcorder adds MP4 recording capability for HD video, improved AF speed and shutter speed options to reduce flicker. You can read our recent review of the XC10 camera here.

Additional products receiving firmware updates include the Cinema EOS C100 Mark II camera, the Cinema EOS C300 Mark II camera (including Canon Log3), the XA30/35 and XF300/305 series of professional camcorders, the VIXIA HF G40 camcorder, the CINE-SERVO 17-120mm lens, and two reference displays.

Press release:

Canon U.S.A. announces a host of product firmware updates at NAB 2016

New Updates Include Canon Log3 for the EOS C300 Mark II Camera and Support of ARRI Log C and Metadata for Canon’s DP-V2410 4K Reference Display

MELVILLE, N.Y., April 13, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced firmware updates to several products being showcased at NAB 2016. These firmware updates support a number of feature updates for users including improvement of workflow, ease of use, focusing and lens corrections, color space, and creative flexibility for products in the Cinema EOS, HD Video, and 4K Reference Display lines.

Firmware updates are as follows:

The EOS C300 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera updates will allow various functions such as shooting in new Canon Log3, viewfinder magnification during recording, focus guide with EF Cinema Prime lenses, Push Auto Iris and Zoom function on the grip joystick with New COMPACT-SERVO and CINE-SERVO series lenses, Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF (DAF) with COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm and CINE-SERVO 17-120mm lenses, ACES 1.0 output, peripheral illumination correction updates and overall image improvements such as noise level reduction in low-light for Canon Log2.
The EOS C100 Mark II Digital Cinema Camera update will allow various functions such as Push Auto Iris and Zoom function on the grip joystick with the new COMPACT-SERVO and CINE-SERVO series lenses, Canon DAF with COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm and CINE-SERVO 17-120mm lenses, and peripheral illumination correction updates and selectable disabling of the microphone.
The DP-V2410 4K Reference Display firmware will be updated to support ARRI Log C and ARRI metadata; improve display contrast and dynamic range; add support for Canon Log3 and Hybrid Log Gamma; and display of SMPTE 2084 input signal on the waveform monitor.
The DP-V3010 4K Reference Display firmware will be updated to improve display contrast and dynamic range; add support for Canon Log3 and Hybrid Log Gamma; and display of SMPTE 2084 input signal on the waveform monitor.
The CINE-SERVO 17-120mm Lens will be updated to be compatible with Canon’s DAF function in the EOS C300 Mark II and EOS C100 Mark II Cameras.
The update for the ME20F-SH Camera will include lens support for an additional 19 EF and CINE lenses allowing for more creative choices in a wider variety of shooting applications including television and film production.
The XA35 and XA30 Professional Camcorders and VIXIA HF G40 Camcorder updates include a new file format making it easier to integrate into third party software systems that are used for athletic coaching applications.
The firmware updates for the XF305 and XF300 Professional Camcorders include new shooting modes allowing for greater creative flexibility, Wide DR Gamma (600 percent) Mode, Highlight Priority Mode, and Signal/Noise priority mode.
The XC10 4K Camcorder firmware will be updated to include a new file format MP4 in HD mode (35 Mbps only), improved AF speed, and shutter speed options for flicker reduction.

To see these products mentioned above at NAB 2016, visit Canon U.S.A., Inc. in the Central Hall, Booth C4325. Follow Canon throughout the show on Instagram at @CanonUSA and Twitter at @CanonUSApro. To learn more about the firmware updates and their availability, please visit www.usa.canon.com/NAB2016Firmware.

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Macphun updates Tonality with batch processing and Raw support for more cameras

09 Apr

Software manufacturer Macphun has announced an update to its Tonality application that introduces batch processing, free preset packs, as well as Raw support for a wider range of cameras.

The black and white image manipulation package designed for the Mac platform already offers 160 ready-made manipulation and effects settings, but will now offer between one to three extra settings per month, created by a band of professional photographers. The company has four contributing professionals at the moment and will add a new one each month to enlarge the collection of settings users can download for free. Users can, of course, create their own presets using the tools and controls provided and can then share these amoung themselves. Further pre-sets are available to purchase.

The update also brings raw support for owners of Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, Fujifilm FinePix HS50 EXR, Leica Q (Typ 116), Leica SL (Typ 601), Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), Nikon D300S, Panasonic DMC-G7, Sony DSLR-A700, Sony DSC-RX100M3 and Sony DSC-RX10M2 cameras.

The company has also added a link to the 500px image sharing website to smooth the uploading of pictures directly from the program, and has also made it easier to export files to Adobe’s Photoshop and Lightroom applications.

The program is available in three forms, as a standalone application that is priced £15 (though £7.99 until 14th April), as part of the Tonality Complete Kit you get the Pro Version for £48.99, or as part of Creative Kit 2016 with five other Macphun applications for £89.99.

For more information see the Macphun website.

New Tonality updates brings amateur photographers closer to professionals

Ability to add free preset packs created by worldfamous photographers, 500px export integration, batch processing, new cameras support, and special discounts at Mac App Store

Macphun Software, a leading innovative photography app developer with over 30 million users worldwide, have today launched a major update to Tonality, their awardwinning black and white photo editor for Mac.
To celebrate the update, Macphun are offering a 50% discount and a free batch processing in the MAS version of Tonality for one week only (7th14th April) .

What are the key highlights of the update to Tonality?

Preset Packs from WorldFamous Photographers

Tonality users will now have access to a free preset library, created by professional photographers from around the world. To access the library, users simply need to click “Get more presets” from inside the software.

Macphun have enlisted the expertise of professional photographers, including Serge Ramelli, John Batdorff, Dan Hughes, Andy Krucezk and others to create exciting new preset packs exclusive to Tonality, which can be found at macphun.com/tonalitypresets.

Statistics show that since August 2014 (when the software was launched) Tonality users have processed over 7 million images , and applied over 50 million presets to their photos. Current favourite preset packs include Portrait, Architecture, and Dramatic.

500px Support plus 3month FREE membership

Macphun have teamed up with 500px to allow users to easily export images directly from Tonality to the global online photography community. Macphun are also excited to offer a 3month 500px membership for free as a bonus to Tonality.

More cameras supported

RAW file support has been improved and extended so RAW image files can now be opened from a variety of new cameras: Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR 100, LEICA Q (Typ 116), LEICA SL (Typ 601), LEICA M MONOCHROM (Typ 246), NIKON D300S, Panasonic DMCG7, Sony DSLRA700,
Sony DSCRX100M3, Sony DSCRX10M2.

What other new features and improvements can be expected?

Other improvements include ability to export images from Tonality to Aurora HDR, improved Lightroom and Photoshop export, improved language translation quality, and improved stability.

Standard version of Tonality (available on the Mac App Store)
In addition to all the updates listed above, the Mac App Store version of Tonality now includes batch processing as an InApp purchase. The batch processing inapp will be available for free between 7th and 14th April. Batch in Tonality allows users to process, rename and resize dozens of photos at the same time.

What is Tonality?
Tonality is a compelling black and white photo editor. It combines the authenticity of the
monochrome analog era and the cuttingedge colour technologies of the digital age. Reimagine your monochrome image editing with hundreds of presets, layers, unique digital controls, authentic grain and more.

Pricing and Availability:

Tonality is available as a standard version through the Mac App Store, a standalone Pro version direct from https://macphun.com/tonality , or as part of Creative Kit 2016 at macphun.com/creativekit . The standard version of Tonality is available via the Mac App Store at the 50% discount: £7.99 from 7th-14th April: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/tonality/id892581529?mt=12

Tonality CK standalone is available direct from https://macphun.com/tonality at £48.99. Creative Kit 2016, featuring Tonality and five other incredible Macphun apps, is available direct from macphun.com/creativekit at £89.99.

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Modern Hobbit Houses: 12 Updates on Earth-Sheltered Architecture

07 Apr

[ By Steph in Architecture & Houses & Residential. ]

modern hobbit aloni 4

Merging modern aesthetics with architectural traditions that are as old as humanity itself, these contemporary earth-sheltered homes are like hobbit dwellings tailored to the landscapes and vernaculars of their specific geographic settings. If you’ve ever wondered what a 21st century hobbit house would look like in the desert, the mountains or on a seaside volcano, here’s an inspirational variety of houses that balance the sustainable aspects of subterranean buildings with 21st century looks and advanced technology.

Modern Seaside Retreat in New Zealand

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Tucked into a tiny cove on the shore of two volcanoes in New Zealand, this unique residence by Auckland-based studio Pattersons Associates is made of locally quarried stone and cast-in-place concrete, butting up against the slope so its grassy surface can continue right onto the roof. This makes the nearly 100% self-sufficient vacation getaway practically invisible from above, with all views directed to the sea.

Underground Lakeside Retreat, New Hampshire

Bolton's Landing Residence by Peter Gluck and Partners

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Located on a wooded lakefront property in upstate New York, this home by GLUCK+ takes its inspiration from the tradition of Adirondack Great Camps, maintaining a ‘cabin in the woods’ feel while also disguising most of the living space under grass. Say the architects, “‘Burying’ the project works on multiple levels: it is energy efficient, it sits lightly on the landscape, and creates an architectural tension between the clarity and purity of the exposed construction above the ground plan and the mystery and eccentricity of the spaces below. What was inhospitable and uninhabitable becomes new playing fields, outdoor terraces and recreational lookouts to more fully experience the exceptional characteristics of the geography of that particular place.”

Edgeland House, Austin, Texas

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This unique geometric home by Bercy Chen Studio is on a rehabilitated brownfield site in Austin, built into the earth and covered with grass. Though this passive heating and cooling technique is as old as time, the rest of the house is high tech, making use of the latest technology. The home is a modern reinterpretation of the Native American pit house, one of the oldest architectural forms known in North America.

The Dune House, Atlantic Beach, Florida

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Architect William Morgan had the bright idea to build this house right next door to his own when the property became available, to ensure that he’d always have a pleasing view no matter who moved in. Completed in 1975, Dune House preserves the ecological character of the oceanfront dunes. Inside, two 750-square-foot apartments are connected by a main landing. Morgan rented them out for decades before selling the property in 2012.