Beyond the Box: JOINED

“Beyond the Box: Joined” is an open-source modular connector system developed for people living in small, unconventional, or temporary spaces. Instead of offering a finished piece of furniture, this project provides a tool: a set of 3D-printable connectors that allow you to create custom furniture tailored to your own space — from desks and shelving units to hybrid countertop-storage solutions.

Inspired by the spirit of Autoprogettazione? by Enzo Mari, the system is built around accessibility, adaptability, and user empowerment. This design isn’t about prescribing what you should build — it’s about giving you the means to invent your own solutions.

🔧 What's Included

The downloadable files include:

8 total connectors (6 unique types, 2 of which come in screw-mountable variants for wall support designed for 6mm dowels)

3 example builds with technical drawings

User manual (Booklet in PDF) 

🪑 Example Furniture Designs

You’re free to experiment and create your own furniture pieces, but to help you get started, here are three tested examples:

Object 01 – Wall-Mounted Desk + Storage

MDF boards, 9 mm: 30×40 cm (tabletop), 42×40 cm (support/shelf)

Requires wall-mountable connectors and additional layer of foam to compensate 1 mm gap

Object 02 – Standard Shelving System

Honeycomb cardboard, 10 mm: 5 shelves (34×21 cm), 2 sides (47×21 cm)

Clean, simple, modular structure

Object 03 – Shelf + Countertop Hybrid

Honeycomb cardboard, 10 mm: 2× (30×47 cm), 2× (30×30 cm), 2× (30×36 cm)

Uses angled joints and three connector types for more complex geometry

🖨 3D Printing Instructions

Material: PLA or PETG recommended for durability (especially if used for heavier loads or wall-mounted)

Layer height: 0.2 mm

Infill: 30–50% (use higher infill for load-bearing connectors for higher durability)

Print orientation: Original orientation to exclude additional supports

Nozzle size: 0.4 mm or larger is fine; wider nozzle increases durability and speeds up print time

Wall thickness: At least 2–3 perimeters recommended for strength

Solid layers: 6 for top and bottom

🧱 Assembly Tips

Boards can be MDF, honeycomb cardboard, or any material around 9–10 mm thick

For 9 mm thikness materials use additional layer of 1 mm foam

For wall-mounted options use connectors with built-in screw holes. Screw holes are designed for 6 mm dowels

🛠 License & Use

This project is distributed freely under an open-source license. You’re encouraged to remix, adapt, and share improvements. Credit is appreciated. The goal is to create tools — not products — that empower users in shaping their space on their own terms.