"Citius, Altius, Fortius"
A Bed Box
This project, constructed in our workshops and installed on site by foreman, Mike Davies, won a special award for designer Oliver Chapman from the Edinburgh Architectural Association for 'Innovative Furniture Design'. The 'Bed box', sometimes referred to as a room within a room, is constructed from veneered panels of European Oak and Walnut and at first glance the giant timber structure resembles a complex cubic puzzle.
The clients, John and Eileen Francis, wanted a personal space which was essentiallly a family room but one where they could sleep if they wanted to. The 'Bed Box' was Olivers' innovative solution to the challenge. The structure consists of the bed, within the centre, surrounded on all sides by concealed wardrobes, cupboards and drawer spaces and there are also bookshelves, concealed lighting and a built in TV. The sides step down to reduce the sense of enclosure and three large walnut 'steps' lead inside. The large cupboard doors are L-shaped in plan and this adds to the impression that the bed is actually constructed of other boxes.
An alcove is formed facing into the remainder of the living space which offers a glimpse through from a small opening and contains a walnut bench seat enclosed on three sides and reminiscent of a 'Shetland Chair'
The rest of the room was also fitted out to balance the new structure and the entire existing floor was lifted and a new solid oak floor fitted in its place. To complete the reconstruction the room was redecorated, new lighting was added and the back wall of the large alcove containing the 'Bed Box' was fitted with floor to ceiling bookshelves.
Comments
