It Starts With a Box: Arca Turns Simplicity Into Possibility

Design doesn’t always have to be ground-breaking or never-before-seen. Sometimes, returning to the basics can unlock new possibilities. In the world of modular furniture, that means going back to the most essential shape of all: the box. For Brooklyn- and Wisconsin-based Elements Studio, this humble form holds endless potential. It’s everything it needs to be – yet ready to become so much more. By embracing simplicity and versatility, the studio reimagined the box. From that foundation, Arca was born.

Founded by Ishac Bertran, a New York-based product designer and engineer from Barcelona, and Jonathan Wohl, a furniture builder with a technology background from Wisconsin, Elements Studio merges precision with practicality. Instead of engineering a complex system to achieve multifunctionality, the duo leaned into what the box already does best: it stacks, it stores, it fits together. Arca builds on that logic, inviting users to reconfigure and adapt each unit to fit their space and needs.

Assembly is refreshingly straightforward – no tools required. There are five modules available: the Box in three colorways (Natural, Green, and Red), a single Top, and a doubled width Top. Stacking pins keep the pieces in line, creating a sturdy structure that’s just as easy to take apart when it’s time to move or store. Whether your home calls for a nightstand, bookshelf, bench, or a simple storage cube, the system evolves right alongside you.

Produced in small batches, each Arca unit reflects Elements Studio’s commitment to quality and craft. The pieces are made from high-quality birch plywood, a natural material that brings its own character to every unit. Subtle marks, shade variations, and occasional patches – used to cover natural imperfections in the veneer – are part of what makes each piece unique. By working closely with regional artisans and limiting production runs, the studio ensures that every box gets the care and attention it deserves. It’s a slower, more intentional approach – one that supports local economies while keeping the designers closely involved at every step.

In a world of overcomplicated solutions and a constant push to stand out, Arca is a quiet reminder that simple can still be smart – even transformative. With just a box, Elements Studio invites users to think more creatively about how they live and what they need – and empowers them to make changes as those needs evolve. Built with care, designed to adapt, and rooted in the everyday, Arca makes space for what matters without complicating the process.

At the moment, Arca is available in one size Box, two lengths of Tops, and a thoughtfully curated trio of finishes. To learn more about Elements Studio or shop the system, visit e-l-e-m-e-n-t-s.com.

Photography courtesy of Elements Studio.