Baia Sofa Icpalli by Ruya Akyol is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl in Caltlapechtli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.

IztacteocuitlatlCaltlapechtli· 2025

Baia Sofa Icpalli

by Ruya Akyol

Client: Ruya Akyol Studio

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl Winner in Caltlapechtli Category

161,332

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #167916

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Baia Sofa Icpalli

Baia ce icpalli miec tlamantli quichihuani, yancuic quichihua in axcan nemiliztli itech ce necentlaliztli in cehuiliztli ihuan tlachihchihualiztli. Icualli coltic quichihua ce yacatepoztli yuhqui tlapechtli pampa huehcauh cehuiliztli, auh ce tepitzin cuitlapil icpalli quitta ce cualli quetzalicpalli. Ce cuahuitl mesatl cuitlapil icamac, quichihuilia caltequitl, icxicamesa, nozo cualli tlapanolli. Toltecayotl cuahuitl, colcoltic tzacuiliztli, ihuan tomahuac cuauhyacameh cualtiah in tlachihualli, auh Italia tlaquemitl quitta ce cualli ixtli ihuan huehcauh cehuiliztli.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl

Baia Sofa Icpalli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in huel yectli, tlanextic ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Iztacteocuitlatl ca cenca cualli ihuan cenca yancuic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli, toltecayotl ihuan ixtlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Baia Sofa Icpalli ca cenca cualli, cenca motequiuhtia ihuan yancuic. Ni dizayno in quicuic Iztacteocuitlatl quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Baia Sofa Icpalli quiyolchicahua in tlacah, quipaquiltia ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia.

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