DOUBLE HEIGHT ASYMMETRICAL BOOKCASE
We were entrusted with the ambitious challenge of designing and building an enormous custom bookcase for a space with soaring ceilings. With over 5-metre height to work with, the project demanded more than standard shelving — it required a fully bespoke solution that would fill the vertical scale elegantly and functionally. The result is a dramatic, large-scale fitted bookcase that marries storage, display and comfortable living-space furniture into a single architectural feature.
Positioned as the dominant element in the room, this piece reimagines what built-in storage can be. Instead of a simple wall of shelves, the design includes both open display zones and closed cabinetry — giving the homeowner freedom to choose between curated display and hidden storage. A custom oak ladder provides access to the top shelves, and a built-in upholstered bench (doubling perhaps as a sofa or window-seat) adds a cosy, human-scaled counterpoint to the towering structure.
Inside and out, the project reflects thoughtful material choices and versatility: oak veneer combines with hand-painted MDF to balance the natural warmth of wood with refined, painted surfaces — a contrast that makes the bookcase feel both substantial and contemporary.
BOOKCASE HIGHLIGHTS
- Tall-scale, made-to-measure design — custom built to fill a very high ceiling space (over 5 metres), utilising full vertical volume rather than conventional shelving heights.
- Mixed open-and-closed storage — balanced combination of open shelves for books or objects display, and closed cabinetry to hide clutter or storage items, offering flexibility and practicality.
- Integrated ladder and seating — bespoke solid oak ladder for upper-level access, plus an upholstered bench/seat built into the base — merging storage, display and comfort under one roof.
- Quality materials — oak veneer and hand-painted MDF — wood brings warmth and character; painted MDF offers a clean, refined contrast — together creating a sophisticated, timeless aesthetic.
- Fitted bespoke craftsmanship — every part custom-sized to the room’s proportions, resulting in a piece that feels as though it belongs to the architecture, not simply placed into it.
BOOKCASE DETAILS
- Materials – oak veneer for structural and visible woodwork, hand-painted MDF for cabinetry doors/panels to give refined contrast and finish.
- Structure & Features – tall shelving / cabinetry rising the full height of the room; integrated ladder for upper access; seating/bench built into the base for lounging or casual reading.
- Storage & Use-Case – generous open shelving for books, art or decorative objects; closed cupboards for storage of less-aesthetic items; seating and comfort built-in — all combining to make the piece both functional and living-space friendly.
- Design Approach – bespoke carpentry and joinery, tailored precisely to room dimensions; a mix of materials chosen for both practical durability and visual refinement; an overall design that turns storage furniture into architectural statement.
WHY THIS WORKS
This project succeeds because it combines dramatic scale, functional flexibility and refined design — achieving something far more than a standard bookcase.
The height and scale turn what can often feel like wasted vertical space into a purposeful design element — the piece becomes a feature wall, transforming the room’s proportions.
The mix of open and closed storage offers flexibility: display when you want, tidy away when you don’t — ideal for homeowners who want practical functionality without compromising on aesthetics.
The integrated ladder and seating ensure the piece is human-friendly and lived-in: you can reach high shelves safely, and use the lower part as a comfy reading or lounging nook.
The material contrast (oak veneer + painted MDF) keeps the look warm but contemporary — wood’s natural richness softened and balanced by clean painted surfaces, so the bookcase can suit a range of interior styles.
Finally, because it’s custom built to the room, it feels like architecture rather than furniture. That seamless integration is what elevates the bookcase from “storage” to a statement piece — something that defines the room.
