Miele and Hettich explore the future of multifunctional living in compact spaces
How can a fully functional living and working environment be realised within a limited footprint, without compromising on quality or comfort?
At Milan Design Week 2026, Miele and Hettich presented “Miele Compact Living: Kitchen Unit powered by Hettich” a forward-thinking study that brings together working, cooking and dining within a single, transformable piece of furniture.
Developed in response to increasing urban density and changing living patterns, the concept challenges traditional, static approaches to space planning. Rather than designing for simultaneous use, it considers how spaces are used sequentially throughout the day. By aligning functionality with time, the system maximises usability within a compact footprint.
At the core of the concept is movement. Two tall units house fully integrated kitchen appliances, while a height-adjustable surface transforms to support different activities. Depending on the selected mode, appliances are either revealed or concealed, creating a seamless transition between work, cooking and dining environments.
This adaptability is enabled through Hettich’s hardware innovation. The FurnSpin system allows entire furniture elements to rotate, bringing appliances such as ovens or coffee machines into view when required, before discreetly returning them behind a clean façade. Electrically powered AvanTech YOU drawers open in sync with usage, providing intuitive access to storage, while the LegaDrive lifting system enables smooth, precise height adjustment of the work surface.
The result is a highly flexible solution that shifts effortlessly between three defined scenarios. In work mode, the surface supports a clean and functional workspace. In cooking mode, it transitions to an ergonomic preparation zone with full access to appliances and storage. For dining, the system simplifies into a refined, furniture-like form, concealing all functional elements.
Designed for architects, designers and the furniture industry, this study offers a compelling perspective on how intelligent hardware can support more adaptable, efficient and sustainable living environments.
