Can we design storage systems to accommodate endless shopping sprees?
SHLVNG.
A wooden shelving system designed to be highly customisable to suit your “changing” needs. (Copyrights under The Architect’s Act, 1972)
Ethos.
Essentialism.
It is a practice that pursues one specific idea. For us, this idea is to create products that meet the needs of our present generations, and do not compromise on the ability of our posterity to meet their own needs. Products that are long-term in their outlook, that do not strive for built-in obsolescence, that prefer to be discreet, adaptable, and faithful servants in the face of a turbulent world.
Products that would be the blank canvas on which to paint your colourful life.
System thinking.
Our products are systems designed with high-quality specification and natural finishes to ensure evolution, flexibility, adaptability, durability and therefore, longevity. They are comprised of components assembled with interlocking joints (ie, not bonded or welded), simple to construct, to permit repair and end-of-life dismantling. They are designed to be useful, and built to last as long as possible. Our customers are able to take their furniture from home to home while adding, subtracting or dividing as necessary.
Our shelving is timeless; it moves with you when you move; and constant additions and improvements ensure that it always caters for today’s needs. This means that our products cost you less than cheaper alternatives. You can buy one shelf or an entire library.
Ten principles for good design.
Dieter Rams famously said, “I imagine our current situation will cause future generations to shudder at the thoughtlessness in the way in which we today fill our homes, our cities and our landscape with a chaos of assorted junk.” Back in the late 1970s, Dieter Rams was becoming increasingly concerned by the state of the world around him: “An impenetrable confusion of forms, colours and noises.” Aware that he was a significant contributor to that world, he asked himself an important question: Is my design good design? His answer is expressed in his ten principles for good design.
How the system works!
At the core of the shelving system is a wooden component with slits. The shelves, and cabinets are all formed by simply sliding other components into place. No tools are needed.
The easy interchangeability of the components encourages either day-to-day re-arrangements or complete re-configurations.
9 inch (228 mm) of flexibility. - The components can be interlocked in slits at a distance of 9 inch (228 mm) from each other. The combinations of these interlocking widths will conform to almost any available space.
Natural Birch Wood (18mm, All Weather Proof, and Treated). - We provide components made from natural birch wood. Most wall mounted structures require a smooth wall with 90 degree of flatness, which are often unavailable. The interlocking components are self supporting.
This means that they can be plonked in any available space for a simple and low-cost form of the system. When combined with the easy adjustment of the vertical spacing between shelves, the system can accommodate almost all storage and display demands. We suggest taking a moment to measure a few of the items that will go on your shelves.
It is time well spent. This will help you plan your ideal system. See the components that make up the interchangeable structures.
Two vertical posts.
72.12
72.12 is a 72 inch (1828.8 mm) long component. You will need a pair to assemble a 6 feet tall bay.
42.12
42.12 is a 42 inch (1066.8 mm) long component. You will need a pair to assemble a 3 and ½ feet tall bay.
Two base supports.
The length of the base support, refers to the length of a bay. A bay, refers to the width of your shelving. If you expect to load your shelves heavily, we suggest using narrow bays.
If you want, say, a row of cabinets to look more elegant, we might suggest using wide bays.
3.6
3.6 is a 3 feet (914.4 mm) long component. You will need a pair as base supports for your 3 feet wide shelving.
2.6
2.6 is a 2 feet (609.6 mm) long component. You will need a pair as base supports for your 2 feet wide shelving.
Three shelves depths.
The slender but strong shelves come in three depths.
3.12 & 2.12
Point 12s are 12 inch (304.8 mm) deep components, available in 3 feet, and 2 feet lengths.
These shelves can accommodate your paperbacks and CDs, and the rest of your book collection.
3.18 & 2.18
Point 18s are 18 inch (457.2 mm) deep components, available in 3 feet, and 2 feet lengths.
These shelves can accommodate larger books, files, and display.
3.24 & 2.24
Point 24s are 24 inch (609.6 mm) deep components, available in 3 feet, and 2 feet lengths.
These shelves can accommodate coffee-table books, and vinyl LPs. They also double up as table surfaces.
How easy is it to install?
You can slide all the components into place. Much easier than you might think. We test every order you place to ensure this ease of assembly before we ship it for delivery.
Most importantly, you can add extra components at any time in the future, safe in the knowledge that they will be both available and compatible.
Reassuring.
Demonstration.
We are now currently supplying Stage 3 Prototypes.
Download.
All copyrights are reserved by the original author. If you are a maker, then you can download complete cutting files for CNC manufacturing for commercial use under the CC-BY-ND 4.0 License.
You are instructed to use these designs and files only under professional help and supervision. We are not liable, in any way whatsoever, for any damages that may occur from the use of these designs and files.
You are responsible for all forms of profit and loss that may occur from the use of these designs and files, including but not limited to injury, loss of life, monetary loss, any other form of loss or profit, whatsoever.
Examples to suit different budgets and spaces.
Start by buying only what you feel comfortable to buy. Whether you need to add a shelf in 20 years’ time, or to double your system next year, we will be here for you. Just order less now.
Start small.
Four 2.12s provide ample space for paperbacks and magazines in your carefully-curated library.
A larger bay.
An alcove presents a natural area for storage. You could add shelves one alcove at a time.
Audiovisual storage.
Here the same components as in the previous alcove are rearranged. Place a laptop, record player or more on a point 24; DVDs, CDs and books may be stored above.
A modest workspace.
A simple and effective wall-mounted workspace that will not impose on your room. The components may be lowered for children or raised for a standing desk.
A growing library.
Your library will grow; your needs will inevitably change. Adding storage is possible both vertically and horizontally. This system will hold 16 feet of hard-back novels and 16 feet of art books.
Balanced alcoves.
A system either side of a window adds balance to a room. Point 18s are at the bottom of the systems for larger books.
A workspace with storage.
Expand your system as work requires, adding a cabinet alongside your desk creates an additional surface for your materials.
A big library.
Large systems can be accumulated as your collection grows. There are no limits to the scale of your shelving system.
Here’s the fine-print in a more readable size.
Product Care.
Colour, finishes and materials may vary slightly depending upon the materials. We use only natural birch wood. The material is fully treated; do not subject to heat or moisture.
Wood might darken naturally when first exposed to sunlight; it is therefore advisable to move items on the surfaces during the early months of use. Beware that electrical equipment (laptops, DVDs, hifi etc) can become very hot in use. If in doubt, put your laptop on a stand, a mat.
Liability.
We reserve the right to not install a system as we deem fit according to site conditions. For all systems the interlocking joints must always be re-tightened firmly after the initial loading of shelves, and checked periodically thereafter, especially if they are seen to move in the loose position. They must never be left in the loose position.
We are not able to accept liability for the poor condition of walls, floors or ceilings against which the system is installed. Accordingly, we reserve the right not to install your system. If you choose to over-rule our advice, we will be unable to accept any liability for a subsequent failure in your wall/floor/ceiling and/or shelving system.
If we discover unforeseen problems when we are installing your system, we may have to recommend changes to your installation that will cost extra. The system must not be used as a ladder and neither can you sit or stand on any part of the system.
Installation.
We deliver directly from our workshop, assemble your order on site, and take your leave after you sign on our letter of satisfactory completion. We advise you to be available for these procedures, as they only help us serve you better.
Cancellation & returns.
We do not have a return policy, which means we do not accept any returns. Once you place your order we set an irreversible train on its way: we reserve dispatch dates and start assembling your order precisely for you. If you are in any doubt, take a little more time thinking.
You can always come back for more later.
Damages.
We attend to no damages. We advise you to handle these products with care.