The way we live is constantly evolving and changing. City dwellers are faced with shrinking spaces and increasing mobility. In response to these challenges, Danish design studio SPACE10 has joined forces with Panter&Tourron to create a sofa that breaks the mold – a sofa that is not only easier to move but also fits into an envelope.
Introducing the “Couch in an Envelope” project, an innovative solution rooted in today’s societal issues. This project aims to transform the archetypal home furniture piece into something that serves people and the planet better. The designers enlisted the help of AI in the development process, seeking fresh perspectives beyond the typical shapes and designs associated with the word “couch.” By incorporating prompts such as ‘platform,’ ‘lightweight,’ ‘sustainable,’ ‘recyclable,’ and ‘easy to move,’ they challenged problematic design archetypes head-on.
Georgina McDonald, Creative & Partnerships at SPACE10, explains the motivation behind this agenda for change: “The couch, as we know it today, is a complicated and high-maintenance piece of furniture. It weighs us down, burdens the environment with its intricate design, and puts a strain on the friends who help us move. We need a couch that is better for us and the planet.”
The final design of the Couch in an Envelope features a flat base and adjustable ‘wings’ that can be raised or lowered according to the spatial requirements. Multiple couches can be joined together to create a larger seating area when needed. Crafted from recyclable materials like aluminum, cellulose-based fabrics and yarns, and mycelium foam, this prototype embraces modularity and lightweight characteristics. It not only simplifies transportation during delivery but also eases the process of moving from one property to another.
Stefano Panterotto, the co-founder of Panter&Tourron, emphasizes the goal of striking a balance between comfort, durability, and sustainability: “Designing a couch typically prioritizes comfort, sometimes at the expense of durability and sustainability. With Couch in an Envelope, we wanted to simplify the material composition, prioritize weight, disassembly, and circularity. It’s a new generation of comfort.”
Explore the future of furniture with the Couch in an Envelope, where practicality and innovation meet. Embrace a sofa that adapts to your changing lifestyle while minimizing its impact on the planet.
