Butai: A Versatile and Stylish Adjustable Shelf

Revolutionizing Storage Solutions with Misaki Kiyuna's Innovative Design

Butai draws inspiration from the need to maximize storage space without compromising on style. The shelf features an adjustable width, allowing users to customize it according to their needs. Supported by a T-shaped structure, Butai can be used as a magazine rack, providing a practical storage solution for reading materials. Additionally, the surface of the shelf is magnetized, enabling users to attach photos and posters, adding a personal touch to their space.

One of the standout features of Butai is its sense of luxury and volume. Unlike traditional shelves that can feel cumbersome and require complex assembly, Butai exudes elegance and sophistication without sacrificing functionality. Its 360-degree design allows for placement as a partition, creating a visually stunning and practical way to divide spaces. When exposed to light, the shadow of the partition falls on the shelf board, creating a captivating and almost magical effect.

Misaki Kiyuna's attention to detail is evident in the choice of materials for Butai. The shelf boards are made from environmentally friendly plywood, minimizing the use of lumber. To prevent warping, the wood is finished with a durable urethane coating. The T-shaped structure, which serves as both a pillar and a partition, is crafted from welded steel plate offcuts, providing strength and stability.

With dimensions of 1800mm in width, 450mm in depth, and 1450mm in height, Butai offers ample storage space while maintaining a sleek and compact design. The shelf itself measures 1800mm in width, 450mm in depth, and 25mm in height, while the T-shaped structure measures 300mm in width, 300mm in depth, and 330mm in height.

Butai's adjustable width allows for easy assembly without the need for metal fittings. By stacking five shelves and utilizing 14 T-shaped parts, users can create their desired configuration. The ability to customize the number, position, and angle of the T-shaped parts adds a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, making Butai a truly interactive and engaging design.

The Butai project began in April 2021 and was completed in December of the same year. Throughout the design process, Misaki Kiyuna conducted extensive research to ensure the practicality and aesthetic balance of the shelf. The T-shaped structure was developed not only with storage capacity and convenience in mind but also with a focus on safety, ensuring stability against falls and impacts.

Overcoming challenges along the way, such as the vulnerability of wood to vibration and impact, Kiyuna switched to using thin iron plates for the T-shaped structure, enhancing its strength and stability. The addition of magnetized surfaces further improved the shelf's stability and functionality.

Butai is not just a shelf; it is a statement piece that elevates any living space. Its adjustable width, elegant design, and customizable features make it a versatile storage solution that seamlessly blends into any interior. Whether used as a magazine rack, a partition, or a showcase for personal mementos, Butai is a testament to Misaki Kiyuna's innovative approach to design.

Butai has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity, receiving the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2022. This accolade acknowledges Butai's contribution to improving quality of life through its incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology.