Xanxan

Shelf for Smallgran

Xanxan is a shelf featuring customizable configurations and optimized transport and storage space. The product consists of two anchor posts to which a web of strings is fastened, including a simple mechanism that allows the user to easily adjust the tension of each string in order to provide a straight support surface. Xanxan can hold everything a standard shelf holds and it can act as a hanger, too. But more importantly: compared to a standard shelf, Xanxan uses seven times less wood, requires a storage space nine times lower and weights four times less.

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Xanxan by Smallgran

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Shelf by Smallgran

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Smallgran Xanxan

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Smallgran Shelf

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Smallgran Design Team Photo

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SmallgranBrand Logo

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Smallgran Interview

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Xanxan Shelf Press Releases

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Xanxan Shelf Media Articles

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Unique Properties

Xanxan is a shelf featuring customizable configurations and optimized transport and storage space. The product consists of two anchor posts to which a web of strings is fastened. It includes a simple mechanism that allows the user to adjust the tension of each string in order to provide a straight support surface. Xanxan can hold everything a standard shelf holds and it can act as a hanger, too. But more importantly: compared to a standard shelf, Xanxan uses seven times less wood, requires a storage space nine times lower and weights four times less.

Tags

Xanxan, Minimum Shelf, Shelf, Adaptable, Customizable, Hanger, Space Saving, Material Saving, Sustainable, Cord, Rope

Production Technology

The wooden pieces are formed by lathing the hard Maple Wood and later drilling the holes: three for the screws at the base and four for the strings at the pole. This process can be done by hand for loose units or through automated processes for industrial scale units. The string is a standard Paracord that the user cuts at a specific length according to the distance at which the two anchor posts are installed.

Design Challenge

The main design challenge was to develop a fresh solution while reducing the material and ecological cost of an existing concept. From the technical perspective, we had three challenges: - Designing a tensioning mechanism. It had to fix the strings allowing for progressive tensioning and we needed to keep it simple to maintain the cost low. - Finding a wood that is light-weight, cheap, resistant and tough enough. - Finding a rope that holds its mechanical and dimensional properties over time.

Project Duration

The project started in the Polytechnical University of Valencia, where its first 5 months of development took part. After finishing their degree, Smallgran founders created the Valencia based studio where the design was then finished after 7 more months of work.

Operation Flow

For the installation, the user first needs to decide the position of each post. With the anchor posts fixed, four string segments are then tied to them in a zig-zag manner. After the strings are installed, the pegs must be turned. With every turn, the strand twists on itself increasing its tension becoming able to support weight. Once the strings are taut, the shelf can be filled with books, Cd's, etc. Over time the shelf can lose its tension, this is fixed by giving the pegs a few more turns.

Research

This project was driven by market research and experimentation. After finding a market niche in adaptable shelves, the concept design phase was based on modeling and testing. We had to meet the requisites fixed by the best-selling shelves, so we developed several prototypes and tested them. The final solution was picked based on its simplicity, performance and interaction. At the detailed design phase, we worked with master carpenters to pick the best materials and shape manufacture-wise.

Inspiration

Xanxan was first conceived under the challenge of reducing the material cost and ecological impact of an existing concept. As market research went on, the lack of flexibility and adaptability of the existing shelves to user and space needs drove the project to the final solution. The project was self-commissioned from the studio itself as a means to prove its design skills.

Image Credits

Image #1: Smallgran, Xanxan, 2016. Image #2: Smallgran, Xanxan, 2016. Image #3: Smallgran, Xanxan, 2016. Image #4: Smallgran, Xanxan, 2016. Image #5: Smallgran, Xanxan, 2016.

Project Overview

Xanxan Shelf has been a Bronze winner in the Furniture Design award category in the year 2016 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

Bronze Recognition

Smallgran was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2017, a testament to excellence of their work Xanxan Shelf.

Smallgran Press Releases

Explore the world of Smallgran through our press releases, designed for media members to use freely and enrich your content. Now available: Immediate access to 1 press releases for journalists.

Xanxan: A Revolutionary Customizable Shelf Design by Smallgran

Smallgran introduces Xanxan, a customizable and sustainable shelf design, revolutionizing the concept of traditional shelving.

Smallgran Newsroom

Discover outstanding design and award-winning initiatives in the Smallgran Newsroom.