In this video produced by Dezeen for Prostoria, designer Benjamin Hubert explains how his sofa systems for the Croatian furniture brand are designed to be used in both domestic and workplace interiors.

The London-based designer and founder of design studio Layer, has designed two modular sofa systems for Prostoria, that are being launched during Milan design week this year.

Called Rostrum and Sabot, the two sofas adopt both "playful" and functional design languages to create a system that adapts to both domestic and workplace interiors – a response to the increasing blending of people's home and work lives said Hubert.

"Rostrum and Sabot tackle hybrid living, hybrid work: the idea of blending your work life and your home life," Huber said in the video.

"We've never lived in a time, in recent years, of such dynamic and fluid change from a work and living perspective," he added.

"It makes sense for any new piece of furniture to answer that brief."

Both systems can be configured in a number of different layouts and can be fitted with a variety of accessories in order to "soften the workplace or give more functionality to the home".

The first system, Rostrum, has an architectural design language featuring linear shapes and metal components.

The sofa is elevated by extruded metal legs and base, a nod to its name which refers to an elevated platform used to make a public performance or speech.

The metal base can be scaled up in an "infinite" amount of configurations to suit different spaces and can be fitted with accessories such as power elements, height-adjustable side tables, poufs and ribbed screening elements that can divide the system to create booths and privacy.

Rostrum's metal components can also be finished in different colours depending on the colour of its upholstery.

"You can build Rostrum up to be the system you need it to be for the functionality you desire," Hubert explained.

Sabot on the other hand has a more "playful" and "friendly" design approach with its cushioning featuring a rounder and plumber look compared to Rostrum.

"Sabot is about comfort and comfort is shaped and defined through slightly larger, extremely welcoming upholstery elements," Hubert said.

The sofa is supported by a lower timber base and elevated by crafted timber legs, a nod to the sofa's name meaning a wooden shoe.

Similar to Rostrum, Sabot's timber base can be extended and configured in a number of different layouts such as two, three or four-seater sofas, L or S-shaped layouts and island configurations.

Sabot's base also support some of its accessories such as timber side tables that can extend from its legs.

Its cushioning modules can be swapped out with accessories such as tables, storage elements or even plant pots that function as "green privacy screens".

In its factory near Zagreb, Prostoria performs every step of the production process for its range of products such as carpentry, metal work, foam moulding and upholstery.

"It was really clear to see that it had a multitude of materials and processes under one roof," Hubert explained about the collaboration with the brand.

"It's like this sweet shop for a designer because you feel like you can cherry pick all these different pieces of craftsmanship," he added.

Hubert is the founder and creative director of London-based industrial design studio Layer. The studio's previous projects include a pair of smart glasses that allow users to play games or stream media and a headset designed to help users meditate.

Croatian furniture brand and manufacturer Prostoria has previously collaborated with design collective Numen/For Use on furniture collections including the Absent sofa, a sofa designed to create a sitting position somewhere between upright and lying down.

Partnership content

This video was produced by Dezeen for Prostoria as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen's partnership content here.

Rostrum and Sabot are being launched during Milan design week 2022, which takes place 6-12 June 2022. See our Milan design week 2022 guide on Dezeen Events Guide for information about the many other exhibitions, installations and talks taking place throughout the week.