Comments on: Murphy Bed in the 8×20 Solar House

By: Carol

Carol — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:45:58 +0000

We lived in a semi truck with a bed that folded to the wall like yours…under it was a fold down table and 2 bench seats. But a fold down table and moveable folding chairs would be better.

By: Michael Janzen's Projects

Michael Janzen's Projects — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:16:16 +0000

[...] Third, Michael has designed a Murphy Bed to go inside of his 8×20 solar house. It’s a queen size bed mounted horizontally. This allows some space to walk around side of the bed past the main windows but more importantly allows the whole thing to fit under the ceiling. The bed is a bit higher than normal so that it clears the wheel well. See his Murphy bed post here. [...]

By: James

James — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:42:37 +0000

Thanks michael… I understand now. That does make some sense. I will talk to him about it and see what he thinks.

By: michaeljanzen

michaeljanzen — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:20:48 +0000

Hi James. It just seemed stronger to me since there would be more connections (screws/nails) between the two ends. But if he has some builder's experience to mix in go for it.

By: James

James — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:15:00 +0000

Michael, my uncle is preparing to begin floor framing, and he was wondering if there is a reason you switched directions on the floor joists between the wheel wells…?

Thanks in advance!
James

By: jeanetteoverton

jeanetteoverton — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 13:27:00 +0000

Thank you so much for the murphey bed design. That really looks simple to build and that is what I was after along with it being out of the way.

By: michaeljanzen

michaeljanzen — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:47:00 +0000

I will add a desk/table to the back side. That is a very good idea. I like the sofa/seating idea too. I'll see if I can do both. Trouble is that it would be tough to have both… although a booth-like set-up might work. hmmmmm?

By: michaeljanzen

michaeljanzen — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:43:47 +0000

Interesting idea Tim. Thanks for including the link.

It would be a space saver especially with a tall ceiling. I'm pretty sure the roof could hold the weight. It would also be easy to put the mattress at an incline for those that need that; just pull the ropes up higher on one side.

By: Tim R

Tim R — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:51:49 +0000

What about a hanging bed that could be winched up during the day? Then you could put a window in the wall by the bed for cross airflow. A hanging bed can also be rocked back and forth by pushing on the wall with your foot creating it's own airflow. Something like this:

http://freshome.com/2008/08/04/swing-yourself-t...

It doesn't have to be a round bed.

By: Plus46

Plus46 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:27:33 +0000

Nice design, similar to this site: http://3rings.designerpages.com/2008/03/11/a-be...
Love Murphy beds, great design. I like the DIY, where you can build and fit the bed into the area nicely.

I appreciate from your design, you are aiming this sketch for a trailer, but if you designed a bed for a cabin why not utilise the floor, or under the floor? Are there laws to having storage in the floors as well as a large bed?
I often see people placing beds in lofts, but why not sink a large bed in the floor. You could then use a winch, like a boat winch to lift the floor up and cover when not in use. The idea I have is to make the under-floor bed space a little larger, so you can include a step and a little space next to the bed. ;~D

Making the piles higher and obviously well insulating the under-floor areas.

You are doing some good work on sketchup ;~D

Plus46