Moritz Proell, an award-winning designer, has created a unique sideboard that is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. The Telescope is an extendible sideboard that transforms in shape and function, offering a unique user experience. Proell's design inspiration came from the intrigue of objects that reveal their true nature only upon closer inspection, much like a vintage telescope.
The Telescope's main body features three compartments resting on a delicate steel structure, giving the piece a light appearance. What sets this design apart is its hidden extension mechanism. When one side of the body is pulled, the opposite module moves outwards in a symmetrical motion, revealing an additional shelf that provides extra storage space and a striking showcase unit. This feature allows the sideboard to adapt to the individual requirements of the user.
The Telescope is constructed using thin steel bars for the lower frames, providing the necessary strength while maintaining a sleek look. The main body, made of black coloured MDF with solid walnut door panels, rests on two sleds. A gear mechanism mounted on the underside of the body enables the symmetrical movement of the storage units. The hidden yellow compartment inside the body is constructed of melamine-faced chipboard, adding a pop of colour when revealed.
Proell's design process involved overcoming several challenges. One of the most significant was creating a mechanism that allowed the two modules to move in different directions by pulling on one side. Achieving the right sizes and positions for these parts to maintain the overall look of the sideboard was a complex task. Additionally, the steel structure needed to be light in appearance yet strong enough to support the weight of the body modules, ensuring they slide easily and do not bend.
The Telescope is not just a piece of furniture; it's a testament to Proell's ingenuity and dedication to design. It was awarded Bronze in the A' Furniture Design Award in 2018, a prestigious accolade bestowed upon outstanding and creatively ingenious designs. This sideboard is a perfect example of how art, science, design, and technology can come together to improve quality of life and make the world a better place.
As Moritz Proell continues to push the boundaries of design with his innovative creations, the Telescope serves as a shining example of his ability to combine form and function in extraordinary ways. It is a piece that not only serves a practical purpose but also adds a unique aesthetic element to any space.
Project Designers: Moritz Proell
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Moritz Pröll, Telescope, 2017
Optional Image #1: Photographer Moritz Pröll, Telescope, 2017
Optional Image #2: Photographer Moritz Pröll, Telescope, 2017
Optional Image #3: Photographer Moritz Pröll, Telescope, 2017
Optional Image #4: Photographer Moritz Pröll, Telescope, 2017
Project Team Members: Moritz Pröll
Project Name: Telescope
Project Client: Moritz Proell