Public voting for the 2015 A+Awards is now open, which means that YOU have the power to select the very best architecture in the world. With the A+Awards, recognizing the best projects is no longer domain of a small group of judges — everyone gets a say in who will be crowned victorious in over 90 categories, and your opinion counts! Check out all of the finalists and cast your vote here
Whether it’s because our quarters are gradually getting smaller or the clean lines and ultra-polished surfaces of the iPhone are now ruling our lives, design has been leaning towards a super-slim, clutter-free, compact aesthetic. From minimalist entertainment appliances to fold-away storage units and kitchen systems, the A+Awards recognize products that have a knack for making themselves scarce when not in use — they practically vanish while in storage mode, freeing up the space in our lives for other uses. Below, we’ve rounded up six high-performance, low-profile A+Awards finalists that have mastered the disappearing act.
4K Ultra Short Throw Projector by Sony
Category: Appliances
This low-profile white box contains a 4,000-pixel-resolution laser light that functions even when directly situated against the wall, giving you the full cinematic experience in the tightest of spaces. Its modular design integrates the cabinets, speakers, and projector into a single unit with no loose cables to be seen, and the top cover of the device closes flat when not in use.
The Cut Kitchen by Alessandro Isola Ltd & Record è Cucine
Category: Kitchen – Cabinetry
This kitchen concept’s self-contained design is practically a Swiss Army knife of flat, rotating panels that serve as working and dining surfaces, or modular walls that come and go as needed. The dining table itself swivels and glides out of the main island unit to accommodate more or less people, while overhead, the cabinets have been designed as a rectangular row of drop-down shelving complete with embedded lighting.
Riveli Shelving System by Lake and Wells
Category: Furniture – Residential
The patented Riveli system is a hybrid wall cover shelving unit. Each aluminum-framed shelf pivots in order to be used either as a platform display for objects, or as a custom-designed, decorative fixture that lies flat against the wall, making it a work of art in itself.
Cover by Rimadesio
Category: Furniture – Residential
These single glass hinged doors make seamless walk-in storage possible anywhere in the home or office, hiding all of your belongings (and mess) behind a neat, lacquered surface. The support structure is fixed to the floor and ceiling and features invisible door hinges and screws; fixing uprights for shelves, clothes hanger bars, and drawer units; and an internal LED lighting system.
Kali Collection by Clei / Resource Furniture
While the kids are at play, put their beds away. Evoking the classic Murphy bed, this pair of bunk beds folds into a sleek unit while not in use thanks to Italian-made technology. The bright colors, attached desk, and safety rail make this design ideal for young ones with limited space.
No-Ha, The Invisible Handle by Joakim Products, Belgium
Category: Hardware
For uninterrupted minimalism, No-Ha combines door handle and magnetic lock into a single box that remains flush with the wall with an identical finish. You’d never even know it was there. The patented system can also be applied to sliding doors, drawers, and cupboards.
Like what you see here? Check out all of the 2015 A+Awards finalists and vote for your favorites!