Ordinary concrete is a rather lifeless material that doesn’t exactly bring to mind lush gardens. But a “biological concrete” building material being developed by a team at the Structural Technology Group, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona is set to change that perception. Unlike traditional concrete, this stuff actually encourages the growth of moss, fungi, lichens and other simple organisms.

The biological concrete is actually a triple layer system including a waterproof layer that protects the building, a middle water-retaining layer, and a top layer of concrete made with quick-setting magnesium phosphate cement. This top layer allows water in, but does not let it escape. It’s the top layer that is key to the biological component of this concrete: it provides the perfect environment for mosses and the like.

The mosses and other organisms should take hold on the concrete within a year. As the plants grow and change, the appearance of the concrete panels subtly shifts. The biological components reduce CO2 and provide a small amount of natural insulation. Unlike other vertical gardens or green walls, the biological concrete doesn’t require any complicated equipment or special care. As an added bonus, it discourages harmful plants, such as climbing ivy, from taking hold on the exterior walls of buildings.

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Germophobes have known for ages that doorknobs and handles are among the germiest surfaces in any building at any time. They are touched by everyone and tend to accumulate a disgusting amount of filth, not to mention the itty-bitty microbes that we can’t see. You can either carry around a disinfecting wipe with you or use a paper towel to open every door – either option will make you look a little obsessed.

But there is another choice in the works. This clever door handle idea uses UV light to disinfect itself, eliminating the icky little bugs we might leave behind after blowing our noses and then entering a building.

The design is a Red Dot winner from Choi Bomi. It uses an interior UV lamp to constantly disinfect its surface when the handle is not in use. The lamp clicks off when someone grabs the handle, then clicks right back on once they’ve passed through the portal.

Even washing our hands and using hand sanitizer aren’t always effective ways of arresting the spread of common viruses. This concept could greatly cut down on the suffering and health risks of colds, influenza and other illnesses with no additional effort from users.

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London designers Seymourpowell have brought to life a fanciful concept that could, in the very near future, allow passengers to enjoy leisurely, luxurious air journeys. The concept centers around a luxury zeppelin held aloft by hydrogen and powered by the sun. The sky hotel could be possible as early as 2015, according to Seymourpowell and Samsung Construction and Trading, which sponsored the creative project.

The zeppelin would reach heights up to 12,000 feet without noise or pollution, and it would be able to dip down within a few hundred feet of the ground in order to get a closer look at interesting things below. The luxury airship could make the trip between New York and London in 37 hours, or between Shanghai and LA in 90 hours.

Naturally, the inside of the air hotel will be fully outfitted with all kinds of opulence. With four duplex apartments, five smaller apartments and one penthouse, there is plenty of room for guests to stretch their legs. Each apartment is equipped with an open-view kitchen for an unparalleled dining experience. The common area of the ship features a stunning moon pool where passengers can watch the clouds go by beneath their feet.

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