Silver Furniture Design · 2022
Heli X Modular Furniture System
by Helen Sauter
- A' Design Award 2022 Silver Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Helen Sauter
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 28,599
- Verification code 0B5675964B · Verify this award
About Heli X Modular Furniture System
This multifunctional furniture system was developed to provide a wide range of flexibility on small space. Due to the special shape, the modules can be used as different furnishing elements. Stacked onto each other, they build a shelf that winds up like a helix. Also, the elements can be used as a low table which invites to gather around while sitting on the floor. Each single cube may serve as a simple sitting accommodation and if there is the need to store the Heli X system they can be piled with minimum space requirements.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This multifunctional furniture system was developed to provide a wide range of flexibility on small space. The elements can be stacked to build a shelf that winds up while they can also be used as a low table around wich one can gather sitting on the floor. Each cube can be used as a simple sitting accommodation and if there is the need to store the Heli´x system they can be piled with minimum space requirements.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Each element is
360 x 360 x 360mm (there are 6 Elements)
6 big sheets:
330mm x 330mm
6 small sheets:
310mm x 310mm - Tags
- Modular system, flexible, small space solution, Heli´x, furniture, table, seat, shelf
- Production Technology
- The framework of all elements is made from stainless steel while the colored tiles are made from anodized aluminium.
The stainless steel was sawed, milled and later welded. To achieve equal angles of inclination for every pice a wooden form was prepared to secure their proper position.
For the aluminium pieces the edges had been bent on a folding machine and later they were anodized.
The whole object was built by me. - Design Challenge
- During the design process the conflict between a friendly look and the functional requests of providing a system for order was the hardest task.
Because many functional molds seem cold and a little threatening due to their sharp edges and clear shapes. So a compromise had to be found. - Project Duration
- The project started in November 2021 in Hanau (Germany) and was finished in January 2022. It was a complimentary work at the ´Staatliche Zeichenakademie Hanau´. It will be part of the exhibition ´Arbeit´ im Prozess" at the ´Deutsche Goldschmiede Haus´ in Hanau from April to June this year.
- Operation Flow
- The modular system is easy to use and rebuild. Each element is made of three modules: The framework and two colored sheets fit perfectly on the top and down side of the framework.
Build a shelf:
If the elements are stacked on top of each other they can be tucked together by one aluminium sheet that secures the position and prevents the cubes from falling. The sheets also function as storage space where books or decorative items can be stored.
Build a table:
The special form of the framework allows the user to create a closed surface by simply placing the elements next to each other. This formation works best if the lager cube side is used as the tabletop.
Stow:
If the furniture is not needed for some time you can stack the elements on top of each other thanks to their conical shape.
Use as a chair:
Just use a single element and put a colored sheet on top. - Inspiration
- Nowadays more and more people want to live in cities where the rents are rising and the housing options are getting fewer. Due to that living in small apartments or tiny houses is a common practice. The starting point of this design was the question: How can flexibility, tidiness and a homelike atmosphere be provided on such small space?
This Design was inspired by my personal experiences with living in a really small apartment where I had to constantly remodel furniture to adapt to all the different situations that life brings along. - Image Credits
- Image #No 1: Hendrik Nix (potographer) Helen Sauter (editing)
Image #No 2: Hendrik Nix (potographer) Helen Sauter (editing)
Image #No 3: Hendrik Nix (potographer) Helen Sauter (editing)
Image #No 4: Hendrik Nix (potographer) Helen Sauter (editing)
Image #No 5: Hendrik Nix (potographer) Helen Sauter (editing)
Colors of Heli X Modular Furniture System
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G0E3 ShopDesign Interview about Heli X Modular Furniture System
The main question for this design was how a huge amount of flexibility can be provided on small space
Besides the functional aspects, it was very important to me to create a homelike, friendly look that fits in to spaces to live in and feel comfortable in.
It would be great to continue my work on the Heli X system. This way I could exploit all the potential that lays in the concept.
It took me two weeks to develop the underlying principle, but to finalize all details and prepare everything for production it took me around three more weeks.
Until now, the Heli X Furniture System was only produced once, but I hope to find a company or a producer who is interested in a cooperation.
It was developed for people that live on small space but want to be flexible and adapt to many different living situations, due to an active and social lifestyle. Especially in cities where housing is getting more and more expensive, solutions like the Heli X furniture system are demanded.
Many modular furniture systems have simple, geometrical shapes like cubes or hexagons. This often creates a pretty technical, rather cold appearance that does not seem suitable for a homelike atmosphere. With the Heli X system, you also have a wide range of combinations, but the design seems vivid and friendly.
The name Heli X is inspired by the helix shape that the furniture elements create when stacked onto each other.
There was a lot of sketching and building small mockups to check the proportions, the exact shapes and measurements. Later on, everything was finalized in the CAD program Rhinoceros 3D.
It is the special shape of the elements that enables all the different combinations.