It’s perfectly normal for some things in life to change, after becoming a parent. In the case of Ian from Los Angeles, he had to convert his home office into a Kid’s Room. At the same time, since having a baby doesn’t negate the need to work somewhere (preferably somewhere, where it can be done comfortably), Ian decided to act as a modding enthusiast and make a folding mobile workplace for himself. The idea is that outside working hours this folding mobile workplace can be placed in a closet, thus not taking up any space in the room, while in working hours it would be easy to get out, set up and start working.

The mobile workplace when folded

Ian used various components from IKEA as the basis of his project, such as a small kitchen table, some countertops, parts for a computer desk, etc. When folded, Ian’s mobile workplace is just a decent sized metal box on wheels, with a remote-controlled lock, which can be easily hidden inside a closet. Unfolding turns the metal box into a large table, which also houses three computer towers (one of which is an Apple MacPro workstation), one all-in-one computer (Apple iMac G4), two displays, a printer, scanner and other peripherals. This mobile workplace also features an automatic ventilation system, which prevents computers from overheating, while connecting power and internet to all of them is done via a single standard outlet.

Same mobile workplace in the unfolded state

If you are interested in Ian’s project, than you can get more details on it in his photo roll.

Source: IKEA Hackers