In this week's comments update, readers are discussing Kate Treggiden's opinion piece on solar and renewable energy and other top architecture and design stories.

Architects and designers have a huge part to play in the solar revolution, but they also need to find ways to reduce our energy consumption overall, wrote Making Design Circular founder Katie Treggiden.

The piece is part of an editorial series that explores the varied and exciting possible uses of solar energy and how humans can fully harness the incredible power of the sun.

Iago didn't quite agree with using less energy: "With technology exponentially moving forward, our energy consumption as a civilization is destined and should be welcomed to increase," the reader said. "Energy consumption is closely correlated to quality of life. However, our methods of clean and renewable energy generation, storage, transmission etc. need to rise in tandem as the article describes."

"The only way for humanity to evolve is to maintain our high-energy society and use clean sources of renewable energy such as nuclear power which produces zero CO2," said JayCee.

Sim disagreed and suggested that people should start "living differently": "We don't own a car anymore, for instance, we cycle everywhere," he continued. "People are wrecking our planet with the irresponsible way they are running around like idiots."

What are your thoughts on using less energy? Join the discussion ›

"A very, very unnatural design"

Readers are commenting on a holiday home in California, which was remodelled and enlarged for a family of three.

AlfredHitchcock wasn't impressed with the interior, which "seems to shun nature rather than being harmonious". "It seems that the client likes to look at the natural world but doesn't really want to be a part of it," he continued.

"Very corporate looking for a country setting," said Simply Indulgence. "What happens at night? Any privacy for the bedroom?"

"A very very unnatural design," commented Sim. "It sticks out like a sore thumb," he continued. "And all that glass makes me wonder about what kind of climate control it has and what they do when they are not there and what that does to the interior?"

Do you think this house blends in with its surroundings? Join the discussion ›

"Rather beautiful"

This all-black country retreat on the shores of Lake Champlain has sparked conversation among readers who are generally impressed by the project.

Archi was a fan: "Very beautiful design," they said. "Normally I don't buy long corridors but in this case the siting and division of the program based on privacy between family members and the future lake structure addition will be beautiful."

"I like the very simple shapes, even the siding colour, but I think it's far too spread out for something that is only a three-bedroom house," added Apsco Radiales.

Steve Hassler found the project "rather beautiful" and wondered whether "the black exterior affects the summer-time energy consumption.

Do you like the retreat? Join the discussion ›

"Looks like three separate projects piled on top of each other"

Readers are discussing the revealed images of Waterline, a supertall skyscraper to be built in Austin that will be the tallest structure in the state of Texas once completed.

Apsco Radiales was not convinced: "Looks like the design architect(s) couldn't agree on what the tower should look like, so they changed their minds three times."

"It's got no style at all," agreed Simply Indulgence. "Just a mashup of ideas. Please start again and come up with something coherent."

"Looks like three separate projects piled on top of each other," added HeywoodFloyd.

What are your thoughts on the skyscraper? Join the discussion ›

Comments update

Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions on our comments page.