The Art of Storage: Penda’s “Copper Suitcase” Is a Beautiful, Transformable Room Within a Room

Last year, Penda highlighted its ability to design beautiful interiors for compact living, scooping a coveted A+Award for the cleverly detailed Ice and Snow Apartment in Hebei, China.

Further evidence of this skill is now on display at the beginning of 2016, as this increasingly renowned firm unveils its latest innovative interior: a bespoke gallery and storage unit for one of the largest art collectors in Hong Kong.

The copper-clad artist’s store will be the centerpiece of a 2,150-square-foot (200-square-meter) space dedicated to the display and sale of paintings. The box is a multifunctional piece of architectural cabinetry comprising a series of folding and pivoting panels that reveal a display case for valuable paintings, a storage space and an upholstered bar and lounge area for hosting potential buyers.

“An already longtime client asked us to work on an Art Storage in the center of Hong Kong. Given the program of a non-frequently used space, we are introducing a suitcase-like object,” explains Penda. “The box can be fully opened and integrated, when the storage is in use and art gets shown to clients, and is fully foldable and secure when unoccupied … Leaving the rest of the space in untouched rough concrete, the copper objects will work as an eye-catcher reflecting natural lighting and coloring the space in a warm, red tone.”

Integrated furniture will allow the collector to display artworks and entertain their clients, who can also enjoy views over Hong Kong through the large windows running down one side of the space. The copper finish strikes a stunning contrast with the exposed concrete walls, lending the storage box an air of intrigue as it sits in the corner of the empty gallery. The architectural “suitcase” is complemented by a series of copper-clad chairs that slot neatly beneath the windowsill.

Construction on the project is due to start in February. For more from Penda, check out its exclusive interview with Architizer here, and the firm’s ever-expanding firm profile here.