Baia Sofa Bank by Ruya Akyol is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award yn Sulver in Meubelûntwerp Competition Category.
SulverMeubels· 2025
Baia Sofa Bank
by Ruya Akyol
Client: Ruya Akyol Studio
A' Design Award yn Sulver Winner in Meubels Category
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- Verified Award Winner
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The Design
About Baia Sofa Bank
Baia is in multyfunksjonele bank dy't modern wenjen opnij definiearret troch in naadleaze yntegraasje fan ûntspanning en produktiviteit. De elegânt bûgde foarm skeapet in bedliikense hoeklounge foar útwreide komfort, wylst in smellere rugleuning in ferfine, oprjochte siteploats biedt. In diskreet, yntegrearre ikehouten buro pleatst efter de rugleuning fungearret as in thúskantoor, bybyldet, of dekoratyf rek. Ambagtlike ikehouten details, siksak-ferbining, en rûne houten hoeken ferbetterje it ûntwerp, wylst premium Italjaanske beklaaiïng in ferfine estetyk en duorsum komfort garandearret.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award yn Sulver
Baia Sofa Bank is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Sulver, in bûtengewoan prestisjeuze erkenning foar topûntwerpen dy't prachtich en yndrukwekkend binne. Sulverwinners binne tige briljante en ekstreem kreative wurken dy't de treflike ekspertize, it talint en de skerpsinnigens fan har ûntwerpers yllustrearje. Fan Baia Sofa Bank wurdt ferwachte dat it in prachtich foarbyldwurk is, opmerklik profesjoneel en djip ynnovatyf. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Sulver is in tige opfallende, bewûndere útfining dy't foardiel bringt en de grinzen fan keunst, wittenskip, ûntwerp en technology ferleget. Baia Sofa Bank is in skepping dêr't breed oerjûn wurdt, dy't winsken wekker makket, positive gefoelens bringt en ferwûnderjen en fernuvering opwekket.
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- Baia redefines the modern sofa with a dual purpose design. Its curved backrest creates distinct zones: a spacious, lounge like corner and a narrow, upright seating area. The integrated oak desk serves as a home office, side table, or decorative shelf. The unique leg structure, with zigzag joinery and handmade rounded corners, adds sculptural elegance. Upholstered in premium fabric, Baia blends craftsmanship with contemporary living needs.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 2000 x Depth 1130 x Height 800 cm
- Tags
- sofa, furniture, comfortable, smart, multipurpose, versatile, cozy, seating furniture, luxury
- Production Technology
- The Baia sofa features an internal wooden frame constructed with precision joinery for structural integrity. Its distinctive oak desk and legs are crafted using traditional woodworking techniques, including hand finished rounded corners and zigzag joinery for enhanced artisanal detail. The visible leg structure is engineered for stability with minimal visual weight. Upholstery is done with high-density foam and premium fabric, ensuring durability, ergonomic comfort, and refined aesthetics.
- Design Challenge
- The biggest challenge was finding the perfect balance between elegance and multifunctionality. Designing a sofa that seamlessly serves as both a relaxing lounge and a discreet home office was complex. The desk needed to be almost invisible yet functional, without compromising comfort. This led to the idea of a flowing curve that integrates all these needs, creating a unified form where the desk blends naturally into the sofa’s silhouette, serving multiple purposes effortlessly.
- Research
- Today, our living spaces serve multiple purposes beyond hosting guests; they are places for work, reflection, relaxation, and socializing, both physically and digitally. As the centerpiece of the living room, the sofa must evolve to accommodate this shift while maintaining its role as an anchor for both comfort and style. Baia meets these modern demands with a versatile hybrid design, integrating seating and a multifunctional desk that transitions effortlessly between uses.
- Inspiration
- Baia is a furniture solution inspired by the evolving dynamics of modern life, where working from home has become part of our daily routine, and sofas serve as the centerpiece of living areas. As spaces shrink and multifunctionality becomes essential, Baia seamlessly combines a comfortable sofa with an integrated desk that functions not only as a workspace but also as a side table for moments of relaxation in the lounge like corner or as a decorative shelf in the living area. This thoughtful design underscores the balance of form and function that defines contemporary living, accommodating both productivity and comfort.
- Project Duration
- The project started in September 2024 and will be exhibited in Salone Satellite during Salone del Mobile. It is getting produced in İstanbul, and will be presented in Milan in April 2025.
- Operation Flow
- Baia is designed to adapt to different ways of living. You can lounge comfortably in the spacious, curved corner perfect for stretching out, sitting cross-legged, or cuddling. The narrower seating area is ideal for shorter, more upright interactions. The built-in oak desk behind the backrest serves as a home office, side table, or display shelf, effortlessly blending work and relaxation in one cohesive design.
- Team Members
- Ruya Akyol
- Image Credits
- Halit Besli
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