In Tampa, Florida's, North Hyde Park neighborhood, a new six-story, 251-unit apartment community by Wingspan Development Group (WDG) and ABC Capital Corp. pushes the boundaries of flexible rental living.
When developing NICHE, executives at WDG thought outside the box, outfitting 85 studios of the 251 apartments, which include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with Ori transformable furniture.
Originally developed by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology team as a flexible, sustainable option for small-space living, Ori—derived from the word origami—furniture allows residents to get the most of their smaller units.
The select studios at NICHE include either Ori’s Pocket Studio or Cloud Bed models. The Pocket Studio is a movable furniture module containing a bed on one side and a desk, shelving, television stand, and storage on the other side. The module’s wall can be moved via smart device. “Closing” the module allows more space for meals or study time, while “opening” it reveals the sleeping area. Alternatively, Ori’s Cloud Bed model can be easily raised or lowered over a sofa.
The technology behind both is simple and involves a standard three-prong outlet, low-power motors, and a steel-framed counterweight system or guidance track.
According to the developer at the community’s grand opening last summer, the 85 studios with Ori furniture have been among the fastest-leasing apartments at NICHE, due to their flexibility and allowing residents to also save money on furniture purchases and moving.
