Dezeen Magazine

Cantilevered sofas by Paulo Kobylka fit together like stacked concrete slabs

Brazilian architect Paulo Kobylka has designed sofas with cantilevered cushions that look like long concrete slabs stacked on top of one another (+ slideshow).

Cantilevered sofa by Paulo Kobylka

Paulo Kobylka created two sofa, PK1 and PK2, which have offset cushions and bases respectively that slot together to form an L-shaped design.

Cantilevered sofa by Paulo Kobylka

Both designs are upholstered in grey canvas and are separated it into three main sections: a horizontal base and seat, plus a low vertical back.

Cantilevered sofa by Paulo Kobylka

The two sofas are arranged so the cushion of the PK2 model fits over the corner of the PK1 so they form a continuous seat.

Cantilevered sofa by Paulo Kobylka

"The two parts can be used together when jointed at their ends, coming up with an L-shaped single unit," Kobylka explained. "The sofas received a grey canvas finishing that refers to structural parts of exposed concrete of buildings."

Cantilevered sofa by Paulo Kobylka
PK1 sofa

"The mismatches between the pieces generate small spaces to house furnishings," he added.

Cantilevered sofa by Paulo Kobylka
PK2 sofa

The sofa cushions are rigid enough to support a person's weight when they sit on the overhanging sections.

Photography is by Renan Klippel.

Here's a short description from Paulo Kobylka:


PK1 and PK2 sofa

The PK1 and PK2 sofas were designed by Brazilian architect Paulo Kobylka.

The inspiration comes from structural elements in concrete, found in architecture of buildings. The sofas are designed with simple lines, purely structural: the structure is exactly what shapes it.

Cantilevered sofa by Paulo Kobylka
Diagram showing the two sofas fitted together

As well as a suspended slab of a building, the PK1 sofa has part of its seat cantilevered. The sofas are basically assembled by three main volumes: base, seat and back. The "mismatches" between the pieces generate small spaces to house furnishings.

The two parts can be used together when jointed at their ends, coming up with an "L" shaped single unit. The sofas received a grey canvas finishing that refers to structural parts of exposed concrete of buildings.