 Luxury Beds: Fans of the classic Stanley Kubrick film 2001: A Space Odyssey can already envision the floating bed that inspired a designer to bring the science fiction fantasy to life.
After his graduation, architect Janjaap Ruijenssenaars decided to try to create something that goes against the laws of gravity, which confine the built environment. Through years in research and development, the floating bed finally made its debut in 2006, earning a mention in Time Magazine as the Invention of the Year.
Debuting at the Millionaire Fair in Kortrijk, Belgium, the first eye-catching model was presented at $1.5 million. The bed hovers 16 inches above the floor and is strong enough to support 2,000 pounds.
The magic that allows the bed to float comes through the science of magnets. Permanent magnetism is the force that lifts the floating bed. Although the materials do wear down, the loss in force is so negligible that the bed will remain in levitation for thousands of years.
Through the use of repelling magnets, one in the floor and one in the bed, the bed is able to float, and is constrained only by four thin cables that come out of the floor to help the bed remain motionless.
Although the bed is perfectly safe to be slept upon, it can also serve for other functions, including a sofa, a Japanese dining table or display table as well as anything else you can dream up, even a base for a floating pavilion.
Due to its uniqueness as not only an unusual bed, but also a functional piece of art, the company will install one bed per state, regardless of its function. This extra measure of exclusivity, not to mention its price point, make it a truly luxuriously item.
For LxM Carly Zinderman |
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