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Author Topic: Furniture/Room/House/Related Item Appreciation Thread (No, really).  (Read 6150 times)

Truean

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Some of you know I like furniture and building things. I used to be fond of creating my own some time ago. Now isn't a good time for that, but I still appreciate it. Hence this thread.... I even tend to find this useful from a human (Dwarf?) perspective in game, unless you imagine all chairs being basically the same or something? I don't know. It's got more of a real life bent to it though, clearly.

Most furniture works. I tend to have a thing for convertible, hand made, and/or innovative. I might (hopefully) make some of my own again someday.

What is this: It's an out of the way place to discuss neato little things about furniture. Sometimes it gives fun things to look at/think about/build. it's about living space.
« Last Edit: December 12, 2015, 01:43:27 pm by Truean »
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Truean

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Re: Furniture/Room Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2015, 08:28:00 pm »

Murphy ("or hideaway") Beds

1.) Corner Couch Murphy Bed

This design seems to be from "Resource Furniture" which I haven't heard of until now. I like how it's a corner couch with ample seating that actually  looks pretty presentable. It also has several features.

A.) Notice how the couch is extremely modular and basically comes apart when you pull it any which way. While those two sections under the fold out bed basically "catch" it as it comes down, they can also detach. This is an idea I might like to copy later myself.

B.) Note also the level self that doesn't move or tip when the bed comes down and also acts as a "legs" or brace for the folding murphy bed. I'm not entirely sure how they accomplish this or if I could replicate it easily.

C.) What I would enjoy doing is making some storage under those little couch sections. I thought it had that when the lady seemed to tilt up the seat on the end one, but it doesn't seem to upon second glance.

2.) The expanding Circular Table

Wow. Ok so, obviously a couple of things. First, this is incredibly impressive on a technical level. Second, I couldn't imagine how much work went into making that. Third, is that a motor I hear in that? Is this an non powered version? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOp5j_57LAE

3.) The morphing apartment

I'm not even sure where to begin with this one, there's so many features and essentially the entire apartment is built in furniture plus some incredibly different ideas like a literally moving wall. It certainly maximizes use of space.

A.) Bedding: The Murphy bed over the sofa is a good point, as are the fold out concealed wall bunk beds in the .... "sliding guest bedroom?" It's an interesting idea. Plus it has tons of built in cabinets and doored shelving. The sheer amount of storage is rather impressive, especially given the small square footage space in the place.

B.) The sliding wall: Certainly the main piece of the entire concept or a large one I'm finding this amazing on a technical level.

C.) That fold out table is basically its own entry and I'm amazed I hadn't heard of it until now.
« Last Edit: November 17, 2015, 08:48:55 pm by Truean »
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Antsan

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Re: Furniture/Room/House Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2015, 05:18:34 pm »

2.) Yeah, impressive technology it is. I prefer the non-motorized version – we're using enough power as it is and this doesn't seem like something where there is much gained by not doing it by yourself.

3.) That sliding wall seems like an accident waiting to happen – I didn't see anything to lock it in place.
Impressive, though.
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Truean

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Re: Furniture/Room/House Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #3 on: November 24, 2015, 07:15:43 pm »


Yeah the table thing is rather well done and practical engineering. I have no preference between the machine vs. manual argument on the size transformation. Though, I would certainly want the ability to just make it come out naturally, or in the event the power went out. Come to think of it, I'd probably like the manual one.... Hum.

The sliding wall could potentially be a safety issue I guess. I'm not sure what features keep it in place, but I would certainly hope that there's something to say the least then.

On Finishing Points:

Most furniture these days seem to be stuff like compressed newspaper (for the less pricey stuff) with a wood veneer. Sadly that veneer has managed to get rather pricey in the last bit of time. I'm not sure entirely why. It was a good idea in the sense that the veneer was a thin sort of covering  you could attach.

Your other options are logically stain (requires a nicer texture on wood) or presumably wallpaper if done exceptionally carefully (you don't want runs or wrinkles in that). Of course, there's also paint, but that's very much like stain in terms of requirements. For example I'm not sure you could really manage to do that with say.... OSB board (painted wouldn't work for it well I think), without at least several coats or something. Of course there's upholstery but that's not always what you want.
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Current Spare Time Fiction Project: (C) 2010 http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=63660.0
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Truean

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Re: Furniture/Room/House Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #4 on: November 26, 2015, 05:58:49 pm »

Long live the hidden storage:

You will never run out of use for storage, ever. Paperwork (organized originals, especially government documents), stocking up on food items on sale, emergency rations/spare parts and equipment (Don't you wish you had a spare or two of that $3 part that broke on the water heater?), holiday decorations, etc. The list is extensive.

I.)

Absolutely wonderful. Only issue I see is keeping this thing in place/making it not slip when you step on it. Otherwise, it's lovely storage and de facto insulation. Assuming both easy access and secure footing support. This is remarkable in its simplicity and utility. Another often not thought of benefit: pest control. Bugs may get in walls, but here you have access, and should they get in there, you can clean them out/kill them (they often won't bother with easily accessed areas).

II.)

Simple but wonderfully useful. Safely secured by hinges and providing storage under-stair, this works.

III.)

Here, we have a favorite of mine, raised floor. This is often underestimated and unappreciated. You may have 8 to 10 ft ceilings in a room, and that's a waste on so many levels. First and foremost, the higher ceiling is harder and more expensive to heat and cool, especially in colder climates. Second, Most people will never reach 7 ft, much less 8ft and all that headroom is a waste. Third, that area may be used for storage, either in a loft, or easier still, as a raised floor. Fourth, and as always, it acts as insulation (if done right, or a drum for sound if done wrong). Fifth, if done right, one may run utilities under a raised floor providing unseen easy access to them for repairs and maintenance (NOTE: Water pipes should be given some space from stored items/and or waterproofing the storage).

Excellently done. There's only a small area of floor not used for storage in the raised area, but that's more than understandable.

IV.)

Marvelous. This is a sort of alternative to the old "conversation pit" idea, except not sunken into the floor. All of that seating can be used as under-seat storage. The entertainment system wall is also quite set for compartments. You may also note the wooden overboard (shown here over the ottomans), and those are rather clever. They are removable, and note they are  the same length as the cushions on the ottomans AND the couch seating cushions, and this means they can be placed anywhere. That's right, this subtle detail means that you can have a solid surface anywhere on that seating couch section. Essentially you can have a solid counter / table space right next to you for food or work should you want it....

The vision is embodied in the elegant simplicity and everyday utility coming from the thought put into this piece. It's hidden, but there. And how!
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Current Spare Time Fiction Project: (C) 2010 http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=63660.0
Disclaimer: I never take cases online for ethical reasons. If you require an attorney; you need to find one licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. Never take anything online as legal advice, because each case is different and one size does not fit all. Wants nothing at all to do with law.

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Araph

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Re: Furniture/Room/House Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #5 on: November 26, 2015, 10:50:44 pm »

I am nowhere near the position of actually owning a house or apartment to do this stuff in, but this is actually pretty interesting.
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Truean

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Re: Furniture/Room/House Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #6 on: November 28, 2015, 08:14:52 am »

Even if you don't have a house or can't alter it (etc), I find it helpful to dream a bit. Dreams are important, because they create goals. Here, these are attainable physical goals that are conceivably possible to one day have. Even impossible dreams are useful and helpful, but these are different.

Impossible goals are always something to reach for, never gotten or forgotten, or found to be not all that great.

Possible goals may be gotten, forgotten, or found not that great, but they help us focus on a plan, if only to distract us from hardship, and hopefully, maybe, to make real one day.

Ultimately, we have issues, all of us. Compensating, dealing with, or dare we dream overcoming, those issues is an important thought, and we do that with tools. Tools can be mental (anger management, emotional intelligence, etc), physical (hand or machine tools, transportation, etc), or infrastructure (roads, pipes, farming, etc). Furniture is home infrastructure; it gives name, use, and function to the space we exist in. No house is a home without it, necessary, but not sufficient.

The furniture I enjoy enables greatest use and enjoyment of the room space. That space may be real in the world, or merely within your own mind, but is all the same yours, whatever the case.

That is meaningful by itself, but it raises many questions on tradition. Why have a "kitchen table?" Same question on "dining room table." It seems to dominate the room it is in, often naming that room as well. It is large, and economically unwieldy. There is indeed a solution, and the service restaurant industry has known it for years: the booth(s). The booth itself:



If you look for luxury, see this. It may not be the most technically practical, but it does work. Note the lack of back row wall seating. That said, it has a certain feature about it, as you are essentially seated upon leather couches with additional cushions. Depending upon length and dimensions, it could easily seat 4 to 6, even without seating by the wall. Were there seating by the wall, that would easily become 6 to 9.



Here we see the corner booth example, as simple seating; just add table. Though the color scheme is clearly commercial (those colors are said to make you order more food and be more hungry), it still has a certain structural quality. Though lacking storage under seat, one can see the sitter's comfort is the main concern.  Perhaps this might be considered more stylish?


Taken by itself (without the neighboring units) that corner both could fit into the corner of many a smaller space. The seating width is 25 inches (and that may be reduced somewhat) Whereas the table is clearly not enormous either One could have seating for a large party in 40 or so square feet. If you consider 6 ft and some inches on each side of the square, then you're effectively saving space. Two of these back to back or two normal (non corner) booth units side to side (so the tables nearly connect except for a gap between them), would seat a large amount of people in a small amount of space quite nicely.

Now, of course, there is one glaring problem isn't there: individual seat access. With a dining room table and chair setup, you can individually leave your chair without asking anyone else to let you out. This isn't the case with the booth, as you'd have to ask the person sitting next to you to let you out. You may create breaks in the seating, essentially turning the benches of the booths into many chairs if this concern becomes too much.

Otherwise, the concept hinges upon basic polite humanity and .... O god, the concept is fatally flawed and doomed.
« Last Edit: November 28, 2015, 08:37:51 am by Truean »
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Current Spare Time Fiction Project: (C) 2010 http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=63660.0
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Truean

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Re: Furniture/Room/House Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #7 on: November 30, 2015, 08:34:27 pm »

Yet more of the wall:

What can I say, I love built in furniture. It's pretty obvious why, the efficiency, the usefulness, the cost savings, the storage. Pick a feature.... I'd have pretty much every wall decked out in this stuff.... Speaking of which:

I.)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Functional, practical, useful. The simplicity in elegance. Every shelf in use. Enough said.

II.) https://wiggersfurniture.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/4073.jpg
Ditto.

III.)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Nice variations and options. The curved top border/molding isn't exactly my thing but you have to respect it. Recessed lighting works here.

IV.) http://www.yourinterior.com/images/gallery/categories/custom_furniture/full/bedroom_unit.jpg
Wow. The elegant meets and merges with the ornate, fitted expertly to the space. There's a matching uniformity that avoids blandness with slight variation. Wall and wardrobe become one, and each is happier for the merging without losing identity. Seating, window accommodation, allowances for ceiling fan and recessed light with ample storage. I have no complaints; the customization matches the room's occupant well. Fitting; flawless.

V.) http://www.peterhendersonfurniture.co.uk/wall-to-wall-wardrobe.htm
Functional, simple and later painted to match the room. It just works. The craftsmanship is there and it acts as its own ornament without molding or anything.

VI.)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Well hello work-space of a lot of people's dreams. Well done, simple, functional,

VII.)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Speaking of dream work-spaces, welcome to the boss' office (the one with taste to spare). Are you seeing this, because I'm seeing it, and it's just lovely. I'm sad the whole room might not be decked out like this, and hoping it is behind the camera lens.... I personally never liked track lighting but that's just me. It still rocks.

VIII.) http://industrystandarddesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/built-in-bedroom-cupboards-3.jpg
.... If that were a Murphy bed and a couple other changes I'd be pretty close to the dream bedroom. Lots of track lighting and somehow candles but who cares. It's a rare piece that mixes wood and white that well, but there it is. Screw the other three beds, Goldie Locks is looking for this one if she's got some modernist sensibilities.

IX.)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Yes. This. All of this. It just works. With or without the cabinet doors, this.... It provides some very usable counter/table/solid surface space. It's simple and works. Everything matches. It's a basic piece and no variation, but that was never what they were going for. This is the type of economy piece that could fit well just about anywhere to provide some real usefulness to people in small spaces.

X.) http://www.wmbuilding.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Ealing-20120210-00129.jpg
Ditto. I wish it went all the way up to the ceiling, but it's functional. This could be anywhere and that's the point. Walls working for you.

XI.) http://homesbyburma.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Bedroom-storage-ideas.jpg
"Walk in Closet?" No, your whole bedroom becomes one.

XII.)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
You see this guy right here? He has his life together. This is actually pretty masculine, with steel handles and dark wood stain with that semi opaque reflective glass in the doors. I don't use the word "sexy" often, but this about does it. To put things into perspective, two points. 1.) Most attempts to do a masculine built in design are in danger of looking like a garage and this isn't. 2.) Any woman this guy shows this to will be instantly impressed (see also, "He has his life together" ~ Me, a couple lines above this). Wow. Good job.

XIII.)
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Wow. Now, I understand this is essentially a walk in closet room, or somebody tore down a wall between two bedrooms, but still. Let's be fair, it doesn't get points for having doors/hideaways, or anything, but in terms of pure practicality it's got it. Again, not my fav, (because how would that be fair to other entries with more woodwork) but it works well.
« Last Edit: November 30, 2015, 10:02:17 pm by Truean »
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Current Spare Time Fiction Project: (C) 2010 http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=63660.0
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Truean

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Re: Furniture/Room/House Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2015, 09:30:03 pm »

Note on the post above this one:

For some reason, some of the links are no longer showing in any form: image or hyperlink.... Not sure why. Even this one, which was the most complimentary won't show at all:

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

It's really quite odd, especially since I was basically giving it a rather glowing review. [shrugs]. Also having issues with the image resizing (so as not to eat Toady's bandwidth) on some.
« Last Edit: November 30, 2015, 09:51:18 pm by Truean »
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Truean

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Re: Furniture/Room/House Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #9 on: December 06, 2015, 07:36:00 pm »

I'm not actually a fan of this stylistically but you have to admire the craftsmanship. It was clearly made to fit someone's taste and it isn't bad taste.
http://images.custommade.com/uocDnlJ3EW4R59y-BWIIWo1XOwQ=/custommade-photosets/3486/3486.25889.jpg

Ladies and gentlemen, an exercise in blending in. Guess how much of this is storage. That's right, all of it.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Speaking of blending in, do you see that seating that fits right into the wall seamlessly (on wheels no less)? It's also storage. Yes, that is simply amazingly well done. Imagine an entire couch (or sections of a couch that come together) like this. Perhaps more padding/cushions/springs but yes:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Moving on, this illustrates the idea of concealed storage for larger items and modular items/furnishings. This breakaway wall concept is rather useful and applicable The uses are many and varied from tools to storage, to using the actual breakaway face board to make something else (table top). One of the major problems with built in storage like this is not having this kind of space. Problem solved:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Another kitchen table idea with lots of seating, easy serving access, and plenty of food holding space.
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
« Last Edit: December 12, 2015, 03:55:18 pm by Truean »
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Current Spare Time Fiction Project: (C) 2010 http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=63660.0
Disclaimer: I never take cases online for ethical reasons. If you require an attorney; you need to find one licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. Never take anything online as legal advice, because each case is different and one size does not fit all. Wants nothing at all to do with law.

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Truean

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Re: Furniture/Room/House/Related Item Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #10 on: December 12, 2015, 02:47:11 pm »

Other cultures: Morocco.

Morocco in northwestern Africa has a long history from Phoenicia, Carthage, Roman, Spanish/Arabic Empire(s), and has been an historically important Western Ally since and before World War II (helping drive the Axis out of North Africa, and providing safe haven for Allied Forces). The United States has long enjoyed good trade and diplomatic relations with them. The nation of Morocco has long been a Friend to the American and British Commonwealth interests, and they are a key ally we should learn to understand in this ever changing world. We must understand our key allies such as Morocco (providing key access to the Mediterranean sea, and critical intel, among other things), and Bahrain (Headquarters Port for the United States 5th Naval Fleet operations in the Persian Gulf).

Concerning their furniture/housing etc, the country is a bit arid, what with the Sahara Desert and all. The traditional house is the Riad. Here is a modest Riad style situation. You'll notice the arid climate adaptations, and the intricate decorative designs typical of that area dating back to the medival historical Islamic expansion across North Africa and into Spain itself. Part of this was a religious ban on painting pictures of human beings. Point being, their furnishings are not so much utilitarian as quite decorative and intricately made, though some of it is built in. Let's have a look at some of their furnishings and buildings shall we?

Item #1: A Moroccan Bathroom:
http://www.interiorholic.com/photos/moroccan-bathroom-design-ideas-2.jpg

Now here we have a bathroom design featuring the usual aspects of the style. These include the intricate patterns on the wall, in the brick floor, in the tile (bottom level towel shelf), etc. Note also the special significance of water  and shade to an arid / desert dwelling people: hence the ornateness of baths/water features, and the use of canopies (even indoors). The towels are right there for you when you're ready to get out of the tub so nothing is wasted, as (at least traditionally) conservation of water was logical.

A very beautifully done piece for the style. I myself am a modernist, minimalist, utilitarian on this subject, but I can appreciate the thought and design that went into this. If one is to have morocan style bath, then one should have it done right, like this. (Note, this is the personal version of it, as the "Moroccan Bath," (or Hammam) can be entirely different and similar to a "Turkish Bath," very different like a spa). Moving on....

Item #2: Moroccan Riad courtyard
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

The Moroccan house or "Riad" is traditionally built around a courtyard like this one, they often have water features such as fountains or pools if possible but this one doesn't seem to have that. All the same, it checks the boxes for the usual features of the style. Note the intricate work on and above the doors and windows. See also the plants (semi arid type). The windows of several rooms overlook this central open courtyard, as is the style. It is a stunning desert home, and while not my personal style, one can appreciate the effort it took to built and the craftsmanship all of that detail work took.

https://thelifeiknowsew.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/img_0550.jpg

Item #3: Moroccan Living Rooms:
Here are multiple examples (most of them only linked, but still) We begin with a more contemporary toned down version of the Moroccan Living area with subdued but still present intricacy. Note the rafters even sporting the careful design elements and geometry along with the table, and furnishings

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Item 3a: A Traditional Moroccan Living Space:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Now this, is the very traditional living room space for the style indeed. Notice the trademark intricate geometric design work everywhere AND the central water feature (very important in an arid/desert climate). The seating area has built in furnishings and is off the central courtyard where that water feature is.

http://www.lifestyleetc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/inspiring-morocco-at-harrods-low-res.jpg
Here we have an interesting seating area with a different type of seating traditional to the style. Intricate geometric work everywhere as well as dome/arches featured. Imagine doing those intricate patterns on the metal by hand, when they are all over that stuff. No really, look at those lamps/lighting pieces, which cast remarkable light/shadow from those designs everywhere their light touches.

http://www.lifestyleetc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/inspiring-morocco-at-harrods-products-7.jpg
And here we have a display of Moroccan Art is a heavily designed Moroccan room. Geometric design everywhere. Those pottery pieces (and the metal hanging lamp) are traditional part of many rooms in this area from a historical point of view and can you imagine doing those designs by hand? I'd rather not as the work must've been incredibly difficult to perform at that extremely high skill level without the aid of modern machines.

In summation, one can appreciate the intricate furnishing and building designs traditional to the Moroccan people as an artistic expression, which they have clearly put a lot of effort into. It is important to their culture, and in certain circles in England/The United Kingdom it is catching on as a design element in home decoration. If nothing else, one can certainly appreciate the sheer level of craftsmanship put into these pieces and designs from our creative and artistic allies. Perhaps the beauty of their art and enduring desire for understanding and peace will help bring us closer to create a better world for everyone, or failing that, a safer world with friends safely hosting our soldiers and sailors overseas.

________________________________________________________________________
Historical Sources:
A.) The Kingdom of Morocco was the first nation to recognize the fledgling United States in 1777. They have been an ally ever since.
B.) In the beginning of the American Revolution, American merchant ships in the Atlantic Ocean were subject to attack by the Barbary pirates. On 20 December 1777, Morocco's Sultan Mohammed III declared that American merchant ships would be under the protection of the sultanate and could thus enjoy safe passage.
C.) The Moroccan–American Treaty of Friendship, signed in 1786, stands as the U.S.'s oldest non-broken friendship treaty
D.) The famous movie "Casablanca" was set in and named after the largest city in Morocco. It concerns smuggling refuges out of Axis controlled areas and into allied territory through a nightclub and gambling den owned by American character Rick Blaine (Played by acting Legend Humphrey Bogart).
« Last Edit: December 12, 2015, 04:11:20 pm by Truean »
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Truean

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Re: Furniture/Room/House/Related Item Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #11 on: December 16, 2015, 09:49:07 am »

Welcome back to another installment of the "Furniture/Room/House/Related Item Appreciation Thread." This allows me to fulfill my quota of being a gay stereotype on interior design while also indulging an interest in construction, real estate, and building.

Today we have Cob Homes and furnishings. Cob is a building material somewhat like concrete, except it's even older and more like a brick you can shape into just about anything. This white stuff is Cob with a green roof on it (but you can paint it any color):





Notice that you can make curved shapes and walls instead of just the usual right angle walls. Also the waterproofing coating (found on smartly constructed cob homes) makes green roofs quite possible. Essentially it's very labor intenstive to mix it all together and then layer it all up, but it's possible if the right knowledge is had.

Cob is an interesting material because you can actually make more than just walls and ceilings with it. That's right, you can build Cob built in furniture as well (or detachable I suppose). This includes infrastructure:


Ok, now that's pretty interesting. You look at that and have to say that there's a lot of thought and work put into this thing. Plus the uniformity effect with everything flowing together is rather nice. The Kitchen behind the fireplace has a built in window to the rest of the place and if you put a stool in front of that, then you can eat right off that counter through the open window. The fireplace has the integrated built in chimney and the little stoop seat right next to it. Add in the room divider and you've got some nice custom space. Keep in mind this was right after construction, so it hasn't really been furnished yet, but you can see there's plenty to space to work with here.

Cob can be large scale as in Shibam Yeman
http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/yemen_10_29/y13_16865145.jpg

Ok now normally, the idea of what is basically a stone/brick seating area doesn't appeal to me too much because I like at least a little bit of cushion to sit on. However, in this case, we're clearly talking about a bathroom area that will probably get wet, so cushioning would actually get damp and condensation.... It wouldn't be good. So with that in mind, not a bad thing to have seating like this in that room. Notice also the built in storage in the walls. There isn't a ton of it but still. Speaking of built in Cob Shelves....





And, that's not even counting the ones where they have wooden shelves built right into the wall. Basically you build in the cob mudbrick around the wooden shelving and let it harden right around it. Pretty crazy, but it looks nice if done right. It's much the same way they can built wooden windows right in (again if done right).



That's a nice bedspace really, even though not for me personally thank you. You have to consider the round mattress issue, which means that sunk in mattress is custom made. There's a lot of thought put into this with the sidebed storage.

Shibam, Yemen proves it can be and has been done on a large scale for a long, long time


It can also be done fairly practically on a smaller scale:



In summation, it's a relatively inexpensive traditional building material. There are problems that need to be watched out for, and they can be severe if you don't know what you're doing really. Waterproofing is always a concern, even with modern basements/flood areas, so it does depend on where you are. Location. Location. Location. It's not widespread in the US, but amazingly they've shown these walls, done right, can withstand fairly large earthquake stress in California. While it does have some drawbacks for more ... wet regions. It has potential and a certain organic and environmentalist style.
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Antsan

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Re: Furniture/Room/House/Related Item Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #12 on: December 16, 2015, 05:00:32 pm »

That stuff is awesome.
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Truean

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Re: Furniture/Room/House/Related Item Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #13 on: December 24, 2015, 04:52:04 pm »

Another entry showing unique furnishings for small and efficient spaces.

If you've heard of foldout beds, then have you heard of a fold out tub? Here is The Mosely Folding Bath Tub manufactured by the Mosely Folding Bath Tub Company in Chicago, Ill. in the mid 1880’s. 10 gallon copper tank and kerosene water heater.... A vintage luxury from another age.


And the original advertisement:

This particular piece has been expertly restored. With daily bathing becoming more accepted by the 1880s, many attempted to develop innovative ways to heat bath water and to incorporate the portable bathtub within a room setting. The Mosely Folding Bath Company advertised a folding bath in the 1895 Montgomery Ward Catalog. This tub, disguised as a mirrored wardrobe, folded down and out of its wood casing into the room, revealing the heater above.

This was similar to Bruschke & Ricke’s combined sofa and bathtub of the same period. The sofa’s bolster concealed a water tank and heater, while the seat unfolded to reveal a bathtub. Often, large rubber aprons protected the wood or carpeted floor. Accounts of igniting sofas and burned bathers dampened the product’s appeal. Since neither bathtub attached to plumbing nor pipes, used bath water drained into a basin and then required emptying.

As an historical piece, it is an interesting one. I'm not sure how practical it might end up being in today's world to have an actually folding bathtub. In theory, much as the folding bed frees up the bedroom, so could the folding bath. In practice, that sounds messy and complicated. To begin, plumbing hookups (hot water, cold water, and drainage) would be difficult to securely seal in a modern sense. A bed, unlike a bath, wouldn't suffer from these difficulties when folded, and is thus more practical. Finally, modern tubs are plumbing are fairly compact as it is, so the ingenuity was wonderful over 120 years ago, but today.... Less so, in most cases I fear. In modern terms we do have portable showers for when plumbing is sadly not available or practicable.

The slide out bed:
I enjoy murphy beds. This is another take on that:



I'm afraid I don't have much information on this but the idea is a possibly nice one. The built ins around it seem to be well designed.

Circular Kitchen:
A very interesting and nicely designed idea from Designed by Alfred Averbeck, one must appreciate the excellent points he Mr. Averbeck has produced. Economically speaking, I understand the price ranges from $6,500 to up to $15,000 depending on gadgetry. The unit revolves 180 degrees and features several shelves and storage areas as well as a microwave and sink. I must say the plumbing for the sink alone must've been quite the work of design even without the rest of it. That said the entire thing is wonderfully put together. It is (as an extreme oversimplification) a "lazy susan," but quite built up with far more use. Rarely would anyone think to make such a thing, and achieve so practical a result. Remarkable, really.




The idea shows quite a bit of use and ingenuity. One could consider those without the benefit of large spaces having kitchens from this. The registered trademark design is rather new and innovative. Once the cost of design has been recouped by the company, I imagine it will lead to even further improvements, and eventually economies of scale may lead to more widespread and affordable models for a larger audience. Just as computerized technology decreases in price and increases in generalized population use, so too may this one day. Until and after this, the elegance achieved by this effort is exceptional.
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The kinda human wreckage that you love

Current Spare Time Fiction Project: (C) 2010 http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=63660.0
Disclaimer: I never take cases online for ethical reasons. If you require an attorney; you need to find one licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. Never take anything online as legal advice, because each case is different and one size does not fit all. Wants nothing at all to do with law.

Please don't quote me.

StrawBarrel

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Re: Furniture/Room/House/Related Item Appreciation Thread (No, really).
« Reply #14 on: December 24, 2015, 10:54:32 pm »

Posting to educate self.
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