Un Swissroll

American railroad company Amtrak has launched a fleet of new trains along the US east coast that will run 10mph (16km/h) faster than current models and are the « first high-speed trains built in America », according to their manufacturer. Read more

Dezeen School Shows: a playful fashion collection designed to reflect childhood nostalgia is among the projects from this year’s Designblok selection. Read more

Royal Mail has given Britain’s recognisable red pillar postbox the « biggest redesign in its 175-year history », integrating solar panels to power digitally activated drawers for larger parcels. Read more

Perforated screens of reclaimed terracotta brick and metal mesh for climbing plants wrap the volumes of this home in Australia, designed by local architect Peter Besley. Read more

The most desirable phones are no longer only the ones with the most advanced features. Here, contributing editor Rima Sabina Aouf road tests four of the best contemporary dumbphones with deliberately pared-back functionality. Read more

As the world gets hotter demand for cooling systems is increasing, but energy-hungry air conditioning risks making the situation worse. Starr Charles explores whether more efficient solutions are possible. Read more

Architecture studio Snøhetta has unveiled designs for a mixed-use coastal development « reminiscent of a mountain range » in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Read more

Dezeen Showroom: Polish furniture brand Tylko has branched out from modular storage to produce its first seating design: a highly customisable sofa by industrial designer Krystian Kowalski. Read more

Skincare brand Aesop‘s first store in Hainan Island, China, was designed to evoke an underwater cave and features oculi decorated with an algae-based film. Read more

Artist Jobe Burns has completed the renovation of a 300-year-old farmhouse in southwest England, transforming it into a home designed to celebrate its rural identity and timeworn details. Read more