The Living Cube by Till Könneker saves space in micro apartments
This space-efficient box by Swiss designer Till Könneker creates a separate sleeping area and compact storage solutions for studio apartments (+ slideshow).
![The Living Cube by Till Konneker](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Live_cube_by_Till_Konneker_dezeen_468_16.jpg)
Originally conceived for the designer's own one-bed flat, Till Könneker's structure combines many pieces of furniture into one freestanding cube, creating two new "rooms" in the process.
The Living Cube includes a platform that accommodates a queen-size bed and an internal space for storage or a workspace underneath.
![The Living Cube by Till Konneker](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Live_cube_by_Till_Konneker_dezeen_468_15.jpg)
The walls can hold a 42-inch flat-screen TV, shelving, a fold-down desk, storage for clothes and shoes, and even a minibar in a series of compartments.
![The Living Cube by Till Konneker](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Live_cube_by_Till_Konneker_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
"My own living space had no storage space, but really high ceilings," Könneker told Dezeen. "I wanted an all-in-one solution and one sleepless night, the picture of this living cube came into my head - I made a simple sketch there and then in the dark."
![The Living Cube by Till Konneker](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Live_cube_by_Till_Konneker_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
"I never had any intention to build more cubes than mine, and certainly not to build a business out of it," he added.
![The Living Cube by Till Konneker](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Live_cube_by_Till_Konneker_dezeen_468_14.jpg)
Realising that people's needs and spaces would differ, Könneker has designed the Living Cubes to be modular.
![The Living Cube by Till Konneker](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Live_cube_by_Till_Konneker_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
Elements such as the bookshelf, drop-down desk and drawers can be configured to suit individual requirements.
![The Living Cube by Till Konneker](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Live_cube_by_Till_Konneker_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
The sleeping platform is accessed via a solid steel ladder, though a narrower variation without a bed can be installed against one wall.
![The Living Cube by Till Konneker](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Live_cube_by_Till_Konneker_dezeen_468_11.jpg)
The modules are built in Switzerland and North Carolina from three-layer spruce, stained black and finished with bio-oil. Off-the-shelf Clamex-P connectors are used to join the elements together.
![The Living Cube by Till Konneker](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Live_cube_by_Till_Konneker_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
The Living Cube is available in multiple and custom sizes, and Könneker is exploring options for use in boarding schools, hotels and the military.
![The Living Cube by Till Konneker](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/08/Live_cube_by_Till_Konneker_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
Photography is by Rob Lewis.