There is little in this world that brings us more pleasure than a good modular shelving system.
We know that sentence speaks volumes about the state of our alleged "lives", but we're not embarrassed to admit it.
We like shelves.
Consequently, given that it appears that everybody but everybody is developing a modular shelving system and that as a result you currently can't visit a furniture fair or design event without stumbling every few metres across another new system, these would appear to be heady days for the likes of us.
And they would be, were in not for the fact that the vast majority of the new systems demanding our attention are much a muchness, and not especially new, thus making it rare to find something to get excited about.
Rare, but not impossible
As SF by Frankfurt based, South African born designer Philipp Beisheim ably demonstrates.
Just as Deee-Lite knew that Groove Is in the Heart so to is the heart of the SF system a groove which runs around the quadratic horizontal segments and into which one slots the vertical supports. That the user is free to insert the vertical stabs where they want, albeit within the confines of the 3 pre-defined shelf lengths, SF is an eminently flexible system which allows for constructions with individual geometries and which can be disassembled and reconfigured as required. Tool-free. Obviously
Presenting itself in a pleasingly light, eminently accessible visual form, what really appeals to us is the self-effacing simplicity of the system. A lot of designers try to make their systems stand out in that they integrate all manner of options, functionalities and extras, Philipp Beisheim hasn't. And has thus created a shelving system that allows you to achieve everything you want and need from such a shelving system without any unnecessary fuss or distractions.
And that based on nothing more complicated or ground-breaking than good carpentry.
Still a prototype Philipp Beisheim is currently looking for a manufacturer, an endeavour in which we wish him every success.
More details can be found at www.philippbeisheim.com
