SPACE10 Squeezes a 10-Kilo Couch Into an Envelope

The way we live is constantly evolving and changing. For many city dwellers, spaces are becoming less permanent, while also shrinking in size. With this in mind, Danish design studio SPACE10 has worked alongside Panter&Tourron to create a sofa that is easier to move than its more traditional counterparts – all while fitting into a so-called envelope.

The “Couch in an Envelope” project is rooted in the issues facing society today. It aims to reimagine an archetypal piece of home furniture, and transform it into something that better serves both people and planet. Its development has been assisted by AI – a process that began by using the word “couch” across a number of AI tools or platforms. However, when prompted by this term alone, the same typical shapes and designs were being thrown out. To remedy this, the designers began adding more prompts and descriptions to bring about fresh perspectives, such as ‘platform,’ ‘lightweight,’ ‘sustainable,’ ‘recyclable,’ and ‘easy to move’.

“This project began as a way to challenge problematic design archetypes,” says Georgina McDonald, Creative & Partnerships at SPACE10. “The couch, as we know it today, is a complicated and high-maintenance piece of furniture; to find and to move. However beloved it is, the couch is often a strain on people owing to its weight, the planet due to its design intricacies, and a burden on the friends who generously help us to move. The project is an agenda for change, inspiring the design community to move further towards a couch that is better for us — and the planet.”

The final design sees a flat base and adjustable ‘wings’ which can be lifted or lowered depending on the needs of the space. In addition, multiple couches can be joined together to create a larger seating area – if so requried. in terms of materials, the prototype has been crafted from aluminium, cellulose based fabrics and yarns, and mycelium foam – making it totally recyclable. Because of its modularity and lightweight nature, it can be easily transported both in the delivery phase but also when moving it from property to property.

“Comfort is primarily the main requirement when designing a couch, which can compromise durability and sustainability,” said Stefano Panterotto, the co-founder of Panter&Tourron. “We wanted to simplify the material composition, prioritise weight, disassembly and circularity. Couch in an Envelope is a new generation of comfort.”

Couch in an Envelope was on show during this year’s 3daysofdesign festival in Copenhagen, Denmark. Elsewhere in the city, Tekla teamed up with Artek for an installation of vintage chairs.