Project Description
Project details
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Category: bedroom
Surface: 11sqm
Intervention: custom furniture design
Bed
Desk
Library
Storage
Closet
Magnetic board
Magic Box Room
A child’s room design cantered on functional and spatial optimization. The complete transformation of a space and the way of experiencing it through the design of custom furniture that combines aesthetics and practicality.
Project description
People change, needs change, but spaces often remain the same: reimagining a space, even just a room, using commercial furniture incredibly limits the potential of a space and relegates it to a suboptimal use that also creates discomfort for the user. Like trying to paint the Mona Lisa with a sharpie.
The goal of this project was to create a flexible space that can accompany the child in both daily activities and growth. With a concept similar to Japanese rooms, key space utilization elements (storage units, desks, bookcases) appear and disappear, giving different connotations to the same space at different stages: the space remains compact, but multiplies for each activity it can support at different times.
To accompany this flexibility over time, the style and design are also timeless and go beyond the concept of the “child’s room,” creating a product that can be used practically forever, with no age limits.
The concept developed according to these steps:
/ the bed is raised, to create storage space underneath
/ the height is defined to also accommodate an adult desk, which disappears under the bed
/ containers with different functions are placed under the desk: a mini-library, a multifunctional storage unit, a child’s desk with adaptable height (which also eventually turns into storage)
/ the niche in the wall is put to good use with storage and open shelving areas, enhanced by a magnetic board
/ the stairs to climb to the bed level are drawers
/ the remaining space at the side of the bed is also equipped with a hatch to hold objects of occasional use and leaves enough height for standing
/ the headboard of the bed is fitted with drawers to expand the organization space of the existing closet
The amount of additional space and implemented functions mean that now the room is not just one, but multiple, and when everything is closed and concealed there is plenty of free space left to let the room breathe or simply play and give freedom to the imagination.
The furniture was completely conceived and designed by Unless in every detail and was developed and made in close collaboration with experienced carpenters.
The materials chosen are sincere, simple and sustainable: Plywood and Egger prefinished panels. The lighting not only for scenic effect, but also resolves the shadows present in the niche and replaces the presence light.
This project is a demonstration of how with ingenuity it is possible to incredibly optimize a space: sometimes you don’t need a new space, but you just can reimagine it and unleash its full potential. A custom piece of furniture is a small investment that frees you from the need for a larger room, increases the comfort and value of an existing space, and does not require refurbishing or moving.