Building Components
How Multi-Functional Joinery Transformed 3 Open-Plan Interiors
Take a look at three Italian homes' different and inspiring approaches to custom built-in joinery units
A backbone dividing the living area and bedrooms, a cabinet system, and a solution that hides appliances and laundry areas: these three multi-functional, made-to-measure units respond to practical needs while adding definition and style. In these three Italian examples, we showcase how professionals transformed a space by using different approaches to custom built-ins.
The floor plan.
This apartment in an eight-unit building was renovated by Padiglione B to optimise the available space. The focus of the project was a made-to-measure ‘backbone’ of joinery that incorporates storage and defines interior spaces.
Need to improve your home’s storage? Find expert joiners and cabinet makers near you for custom storage solutions, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
This apartment in an eight-unit building was renovated by Padiglione B to optimise the available space. The focus of the project was a made-to-measure ‘backbone’ of joinery that incorporates storage and defines interior spaces.
Need to improve your home’s storage? Find expert joiners and cabinet makers near you for custom storage solutions, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
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The cabinets, which took over a month to design, are made from MDF in two contrasting colours: orange lobster-coloured niches with blue exteriors.
Made to measure from floor to ceiling, the piece has integrated lighting and adjustable feet (not visible in the photo) to make up for natural unevenness in the reinforced concrete floor. The kitchen benchtop is polished Carrara marble by Marsotto Edizioni.
Made to measure from floor to ceiling, the piece has integrated lighting and adjustable feet (not visible in the photo) to make up for natural unevenness in the reinforced concrete floor. The kitchen benchtop is polished Carrara marble by Marsotto Edizioni.
The entire piece of joinery is equipped with hidden hinges, recessed handles, soft-close doors, integrated drawers, and a variety of accessories, such as wooden cutlery-storage trays, a pull-out rubbish bin and integrated LED lights.
This ‘backbone’ performs a variety of functions. At the entrance is a coat cupboard, shoe-storage bench, a shelf and drawer for keys and other accessories; then there is a kitchen area complete with a pantry, accessories and built-in appliances.
A hidden door leads through a small hallway to the two bedrooms and to a cupboard made using the same materials and colours as those used on this ‘backbone’.
A hidden door leads through a small hallway to the two bedrooms and to a cupboard made using the same materials and colours as those used on this ‘backbone’.
2. Multi-functional dividers
Location: Trento, Italy
Interior designer: Matteo Bonvecchio from Bonvecchio Lavorazione del Legno
Size: 88 square metres
Living space: 48 square metres
Material: Painted MDF with a smooth, opaque finish
Timeline: Three months
Location: Trento, Italy
Interior designer: Matteo Bonvecchio from Bonvecchio Lavorazione del Legno
Size: 88 square metres
Living space: 48 square metres
Material: Painted MDF with a smooth, opaque finish
Timeline: Three months
The floor plan.
This apartment in Trento, Italy, underwent two main changes: the addition of a verandah and the construction of two made-to-measure joinery solutions that provide storage and divide the space.
This apartment in Trento, Italy, underwent two main changes: the addition of a verandah and the construction of two made-to-measure joinery solutions that provide storage and divide the space.
Behind the dining table, one of the custom-made pieces divides the living area from the bedrooms while incorporating a variety of functions. On the kitchen side, it houses the oven and a series of shelves and cabinets.
The side facing the dining area features a shelf with built-in lighting.
Browse more contemporary living areas featuring custom joinery designs
Browse more contemporary living areas featuring custom joinery designs
On the reverse side near the bedrooms, the joinery wall incorporates a bench seat, with cabinets above and another two below, next to tall cupboards. It also hides the washing machine and dryer.
Made in painted MDF with a smooth, opaque finish, the multi-functional piece fully respects the rest of the project with its white and simple lines.
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3. Wood and metal, blue and ash
Location: Prato, Italy
Interior designers: Deferrari+Modesti
Size: 170 square metres
Material: Painted ash
Timeline: Work on the entire apartment began in June 2019 and was completed in February 2020
Location: Prato, Italy
Interior designers: Deferrari+Modesti
Size: 170 square metres
Material: Painted ash
Timeline: Work on the entire apartment began in June 2019 and was completed in February 2020
The floor plan.
“The sophisticated connection between spaces that characterises the project is more than just a question of walls. It’s also due to a system of integrated pieces that gradually transition throughout the various spaces, giving each area its own identity,” says Lavinia Modesti of Deferrari+Modesti, introducing their project for Casa LG. Here, a single built-in plays a variety of roles.
A bench, storage space, shelves to display CDs and books, as well as a space separator: the multi-functional piece was made to measure for the living space in ash timber. The team especially wanted to bring out the wood’s natural grain – a feature that the slim electric-blue metal shelves highlight.
A perspective drawing of the living area featuring the multi-functional piece of joinery.
The bookcase is the focal point of the room, made in teak panels with lightweight yet sturdy steel sheets inserted into horizontal grooves in the wall to create shelves.
The drawers underneath the bookshelves then define the dining area while showcasing the owner’s vinyl collection.
Continuing towards the living area, the piece becomes a bar, characterised by a series of vertical sliding and hinged doors.
Your turn
Have you invested in custom joinery for your home? In the Comments below tell us what features made the biggest difference, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the renovation conversation.
More
Need more practical information to plan your renovation? Read Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
The drawers underneath the bookshelves then define the dining area while showcasing the owner’s vinyl collection.
Continuing towards the living area, the piece becomes a bar, characterised by a series of vertical sliding and hinged doors.
Your turn
Have you invested in custom joinery for your home? In the Comments below tell us what features made the biggest difference, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the renovation conversation.
More
Need more practical information to plan your renovation? Read Room by Room: Experts on Ways to Avoid Common Renovation Blunders
Location: San Bonifacio, Italy
Architects: Chiara Tenca and Alberto Bassi of Padiglione B
Size: 100 square metres
Living area: 60 square metres
Materials: Painted MDF
Timeline: One month to design, eight weeks to complete