BUILDING THE CONTAINER OF DREAMS: Part 9

(Extracts from my PhD Thesis)
This series of posts provides a step-by-step description of the construction and conversion processes involved in building the Container of Dreams. They outline my studio investigations and experimentation and document both accomplishments and failures experienced throughout the project.

Think outside the box

Part 9: Adaptability ...think outside the box

​Architect Roger Fay believes that small spaces should be designed with considered adaptability in order to be sustainable. Designing a space to be used in differing ways as the needs of the occupants change over time can accomplish this. Bearing in mind the need for adaptability, I selected furniture that could be multi-purpose. To this end I designed the lounge area seating with multiple functions in mind. I established the concept of a modular and mobile seating area which could be adapted as necessary to perform various functions within the space. In keeping with the hypothesis of multi-function and adaptability, these modules were envisaged to have storage added, as well as be functional seats. Moreover, the concept was to make these individual units moveable to enable them to be effortlessly moved about within the space. It was conceptualised that these modules would serve as a lounge seating area when the bed was in the upright position and be able to be wheeled around the space for ease of movement when the bed was needed to be utilised in the lowered state. They would also function as chairs around the table and provide additional seating when more was required. They could even be taken on to the outdoor deck area when desired. 

Inverted pot trolley being fixed to base plate

​After researching existing furniture items which could be adapted for my purposes I purchased four padded stools with integrated under seat storage from IKEA. To adapt these for use in my concept I also purchased four pot trolleys from Bunnings being careful to assess the weight load rating and ensure appropriate capacity for the application. Pot trolleys are pot plant stands with attached wheels underneath manufactured to assist with moving and arranging potted plants around the home without the need for heavy lifting. They are rated to accept assorted weight loads to bear large and heavy potted plants and are available in square or round shapes. I purchased pot trolleys with a weight load of 100kg each in the square form. I considered these ideal for the task and cost-effective as well. To attach the pot trolleys to the stools it was necessary to cut some thick plywood to the same dimensions of the stool frame for use as a base to enable the trolley to be screwed into place and the frame of the stool to then be fixed to this base. 

Predrilling the stool frame for fixing to the base plate and wheels

Attaching the pot trolley to the base and the stool frame

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One of the completed modules

This concludes this week's post. I hope you are enjoying reading my process.
As promised last week, next time I will discuss the bathroom area.
​Stay tuned....