The "Gezellig" Bunk Bed
A Triple-Upcycle Challenge
The Concept In the Netherlands, space is a premium, and the feeling of gezelligheid (coziness) is essential.
The "Surgical" Upcycling
Instead of buying new, I "reprogrammed" three different IKEA beds—including the iconic Kura model—to create a unique, staggered triple bunk bed. By shifting the positions of the mattresses, I avoided the "stacked" feeling of traditional bunks, freeing up floor space and improving the room's flow.
Zero Waste: 100% of the timber from the original beds was reused.
Smart Layout: The offset design allows for better circulation and a more dynamic look.
The Fun Factor: The structure was designed to allow children to move between beds, turning the furniture into a playground.
Atmosphere & AdaptabilityT
o achieve that cozy, warm feeling, I integrated repurposed natural-tone curtains and individual lighting for each bed. A key feature of this project is its evolutionary design:
Temporary Solutions: One of the beds was initially designed for a 4-week visit from family. Once the visit ended, it was easily transformed into a reading nook with bookshelves made from recycled wine crates.
Co-Creation: This is an open-ended project where the children contribute ideas, making the furniture grow and change according to their needs.
Design as a Service
While this was a personal project, the logic behind it—repurposing standardized furniture into bespoke, high-functioning solutions—can be applied to any home. It’s about seeing the potential in the "already existing" to create something unique, sustainable, and professional.
This project started with a clear goal: to create a sleeping and play sanctuary for 2 children + 1 extra place within a room with a 2.40m ceiling, using only what was already available.
Components
