Room Hub: A Modular and Personalized Occasional Table and Storage Unit

Designed by Clive and Tina Bullivant

This innovative furniture piece, known as Room Hub, is a versatile occasional table and storage unit designed to meet the lifestyle demands of a new generation. Created by renowned designers Clive and Tina Bullivant, Room Hub combines contemporary aesthetics with modular flexibility, allowing users to personalize and adapt the unit to suit their individual needs and preferences.

The unique strength of Room Hub lies in its ability to reflect the changing interests and lifestyle of a generation living in their first homes. The modular nature of the components enables users to easily change and adapt the unit, extending its potential lifespan and ensuring it remains relevant as their needs evolve.

Room Hub is constructed using tinted transparent polycarbonate panels that are laser cut for dry slot jointing. The choice of polycarbonate was deliberate, as it offers scratch resistance and lightweight properties. Alternatively, laminate panels can be used based on personal preference. The modules are made from acrylic using a simple line bent construction technique, which minimizes production costs. The surface mats are laser cut and feature a TEP grid applied to their underside.

With an overall size of 950mm in width, 1250mm in length, and 400mm in height, Room Hub is designed to fit seamlessly into any space. The 12mm thickness of the polycarbonate panels ensures durability and stability, while the 6mm acrylic modules provide a sleek and modern look. The product is designed to flat pack into a single heavy-duty carton board package, making it easy to transport and assemble.

The transparent structure of Room Hub reduces its visual bulk, allowing it to blend effortlessly into any room. The unit is assembled from a flat pack of pre-cut panels that simply slot together, creating a grid of cells of different sizes. Additional line bent modules can be purchased to serve a wide range of functions, such as gadget tidies, magazine, DVD/Game, and CD storage, bottle holders, and flower vases. The unit's table function is enhanced by a range of decorative surface mats with TEP grids that help attach them to the top.

Room Hub was designed in response to extensive research conducted on the needs and preferences of first-time buyers and newly independent individuals. Surveys revealed that this demographic owns and uses a wide range of gadgets and remote controls, spends time watching DVDs and playing video games, and regularly renews and replaces belongings. They value self-assembly furniture, contemporary materials, and styling. The size of Room Hub was carefully considered to accommodate the variety of storage needs, ergonomics, and the constraints of average room sizes.

The design of Room Hub presented several challenges that were successfully overcome by Clive and Tina Bullivant. The main challenge was to create a piece that could adapt to the changing needs and tastes of the user, while also aligning with the interests and lifestyles of the target demographic. Additionally, the choice of materials was crucial, as the unit needed to have a strong visual presence in a room. Lastly, the design had to be straightforward and uncomplicated for self-assembly.

Room Hub has been recognized for its excellence and innovation, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2012. This prestigious award is bestowed upon well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Room Hub is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, and contributing to a better world.