We all know that space can be a struggle. This clever design packs a lot of storage space into a small, transportable volume. The Stockwerk cupboard is a hinged piece of woodwork that can be folded out into shape.

With this innovation, the designer has attempted to create a new kind of shelf construction. Designer Meike Harde based the concept on a compressible paper model, similar to this material.

She states that the Stockwerk (German for ‘floor’) shelf appears to negate its material properties. Due to the incisions in the side walls, the construction of solid wood becomes a foldable object.

An important advantage of this design is that it is an alternative to plug and screw connections, so it needs no assembly. It is delivered as a folded up package, like this 30-minute bike. The package ‘ingredients’ are simple: the entire object is made of white painted multiplex and band hinges.

The side walls are split, mitred and fixed with piano hinges, which are wide and have a large angle of rotation. Within this fully linked system, the smart innovation is the design and construction of the hinges. The system is self-stabilizing, because of the mitred chamfer on the side-wall edges. All that remains to be done is to unfold the shelves.

Despite having fewer production steps and a simpler construction, the Stockwerk is a fully functioning, complex system. Some compartments can stay closed during installation, according to your own requirements. This means that the final height of the shelf is customisable.

So this clever system packs a punch. Very little effort is required to build it. It folds up – and back down. All this offers a very quick build-up as well as handy, low-volume transport when you move.

Images via the designer.