The MAUDE bed. An island not just for sleeping.

Three questions for Michael Mettler

The MAUDE bed system has been successfully established on the Swiss market for years. It is now manufactured and distributed by Müller Small Living. We spoke to designer Michael Mettler about it.

Mr Mettler, your main profession is as an architect. How did you come up with the idea of designing a bed? Michael Mettler: A few years ago, an acquaintance asked me to design a simple bed for her. Shortly afterwards, I exhibited the finished design at a trade fair in Zurich, where, to my surprise, around 30 furniture stores ordered a bed for their showrooms. 

How does MAUDE differ from other beds on the market? 

Michael Mettler: MAUDE offers storage space at both ends of the bed. In addition, there is the option of placing back cushions side by side at the headboard or arranging them on opposite sides. Both functions meet today's need to use a bed not only for sleeping, but also for reading, Sunday breakfast or working on a laptop. 

Sustainability is particularly important to you. Are you able to live up to this claim in your professional life as well? 

Michael Mettler: As a family man and architect, I act in such a way that future generations can enjoy a healthy life with sufficient resources. I make sure to use renewable materials with a low carbon footprint and innovative building technology concepts with renewable energy. My efforts were recently recognised with the Watt d'Or 2021, an award from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. 

You initially produced and marketed the bed on your own. What prompted you to collaborate with Müller Small Living? 

Michael Mettler: I was very impressed by the Müller Small Living collection. From my very first contact with the managing director, Jochen Müller, I had the impression that we shared similar values. So we quickly agreed to work together. Thanks to Müller Small Living, I will have more time in future to concentrate on my core competencies as an architect.