Pinnaculum: The Transformable Sofa for Shared Living Spaces

An Innovative and Eco-Friendly Furniture Solution

The Pinnaculum transformable sofa, designed by Mohammed Shais Khan, offers a functional and sustainable piece of furniture that provides privacy and versatility in shared living spaces. This innovative design addresses the challenge of limited space by seamlessly transforming from a sofa to a bed, while also offering a foldable back wall for added privacy and seclusion. Inspired by the experiences of living in shared apartments, the Pinnaculum sofa aims to make these spaces more comfortable and functional.

The Pinnaculum transformable sofa stands out with its unique properties and strengths. Its L-shaped support structure and foldable back wall, equipped with concealed hinges, provide uninterrupted work or relaxation. The sofa effortlessly transforms into a bed, making it perfect for accommodating guests or enjoying a quick nap. Its elegant design, featuring a neutral color palette, seamlessly blends into various settings. Additionally, the easy assembly and disassembly of the Pinnaculum sofa make it an ideal choice for frequent movers.

When it comes to the realization of the design, the Pinnaculum sofa utilizes FSC-certified wood for its frame, ensuring sustainability. The wall component of the sofa was meticulously designed using 3D modeling software to ensure precision and accuracy. The cushions, made from natural latex foam, were crafted using a combination of traditional and modern techniques, including vacuum molding and CNC cutting.

With dimensions ranging from 1800-2200mm in width, 800-1000mm in depth, and 800-1000mm in height, the Pinnaculum transformable sofa offers a comfortable and versatile seating and sleeping solution.

The interaction with the Pinnaculum sofa is simple and intuitive. To switch between sofa and bed mode, users only need to pull the bottom section of the sofa outward, causing the backrest cushion piece to fold down and create a flat surface. The turntable privacy wall provides both privacy and height, making it ideal for work or relaxation. The sofa also features a storage compartment underneath and a sleeve on the lateral wall, adding to its practicality.

The Pinnaculum transformable sofa project began in 2018 and was brought to life in Davis, California by 2022. Extensive research, including literature reviews, surveys, and focus group discussions, was conducted to identify user needs and preferences. The design successfully incorporates the top priorities of privacy, versatility, and sustainability.

The design process of the Pinnaculum sofa was not without its challenges. Balancing functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability proved to be a creative and technical obstacle. However, through thorough research, brainstorming, and evaluation, the design team overcame these challenges and created a modular sofa that adapts to different needs and spaces.

The Pinnaculum transformable sofa is a winner of the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2023. This award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Pinnaculum sofa stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Mohammed Shais Khan
Image Credits: Mohammed Shais Khan
Project Team Members: Mohammed Shais Khan
Project Name: Pinnaculum
Project Client: Mohammed Shais Khan


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