‘Hiding under the couch’ takes on new meaning with the L20 Sofa
Nikaya is a designer and artist based in Berlin. With strong interests in materiality and the social dimensions of design, she is drawn to innovative projects which challenge existing processes and perceptions.
Transform your sofa in just two quick steps to create a private work pod with the L20 Sofa by JaK Studio.
There is no question that COVID-19 has completely changed the way many of us work. And, where we work. Our homes now need to be more than we ever demanded of them.
In response to this situation, the L20 Sofa offers a novel solution to creating a home office space.
Why L20 Sofa? To rethink the function of a sofa and easily create a private office pod when working from home is necessary
With the L20 Sofa, peace and quiet at home, and a presentable video call background that cannot be gatecrashed is now achievable.
The minds behind L20 Sofa – JaK Studio
JaK Studio is an architecture and design studio which is based in London and Sarajevo. It is headed by partners, Jacob Low and Kenan Klico who started the studio in 2004. Jacob comes from a background in 3D design whilst Kenan has over 20 years of experience in architectural design.
JaK Studio designs architectural projects across numerous scales and is a very design-driven practice. The recently completed ‘Invisible House’ stands out as a challenging and successful project. Designed for a very compact block, its dark mirrored facade allows it to stealthily sit within a Conservation Area of London.
The studio’s projects have been recognized with numerous commendations, short listings and awards. Their redesign of Salon 64 in London brings a modern twist to the traditional French Salon that was a gathering space for intellectual and cultural discussions. It took out an FX Design Award in 2018. Jacob Low’s Spyglass was also one of the winning designs to create a new iconic beach hut at Eastbourne.
Materials and techniques – An L-shaped sofa that folds to a private cubicle
The L20 sofa begins as a fairly standard looking L-shaped sofa. It is an open and modular form, designed from a series of rectangular panels which make up the seat, back and armrests.
The two halves of the sofa fold up to create the small den. Lounging surfaces become the back and front panels and fold out to create the small bench seat. Armrests become the roof and sidewall. The L-extension becomes a door panel that completes the seclusion.
At eye level, the work pod is fully enclosed. Light can enter through a gap which remains between the two sections of the pod roof.
Tucked behind the fold-out work surface are ports for connectivity and a small lamp that can be angled to suit. The padding on the panels ensures that the work pod has a good degree of soundproofing as well.
Curious about other workspace related projects? Check out: Designing the playbook for workplace wayfinding – The Google Case
Style & aesthetics – Fun and functional minimalism
The flat surfaces, steel legs and right angles of L20 Sofa are all reminiscent of the language of office furniture. To liven it up, bold yellow contrasted against grey injects a fun and contemporary feel.
The yellow highlights also form a kind of guide to the functionality of the L20 Sofa. They become the fold-out sections which transform into the core work and functional surfaces of the pod.
Production with a social conscience
L20 Sofa is a new concept which responds directly to our changing world. JaK Studio is currently looking for a commercial partner to take L20 Sofa from prototype to mass production.
They have pledged the profits from the design rights will go to the Architects Benevolent Fund, which helps support workers in the architecture industry in times of need.
Design memento – Rethink your everyday surroundings
It has taken a total upheaval of the world for people to find they need their homes to also double as workplaces, yoga studios, conference rooms, and home schools. People are now often spending far more hours around their families and others they live with. New priorities have been pushed to the fore.
This year has also brought some creativity to the surface as we get to see the world through new eyes. Jacob Low describes how working from home prompted the new insight: “distracted whilst trying to work in lockdown, I watched my kids build endless dens from whatever they could scavenge in our home. It dawned on me that the limit to what we can use our homes for is endless if we are creative.”
The writer’s comment – Cocoons and connection
Requiring a private space to work makes us realize how open and connected many of us have made our living spaces. An uninterrupted corner where we can focus and cocoon ourselves may feel especially elusive when everyone is home.
Yet, even tucked inside a nifty little L20 work pod, the busy-ness of others may still feel close by and grab our attention.
Learn about workspace well-being at Grammarly’s new office in Kiev designed by balbek bureau
