I like the idea, and since I don’t leave drawers open, I would definitely use these. I have seen tons of stairs that don’t have a center support, and the space underneath goes begging for use. As a few others have said, if you don’t want them, feel free not to use them, but show enough sense to recognize that these have been engineered to stand up to use.

Sometimes a little bit of perspective goes a long way. if this was such a great idea way back in the golden age of yesteryear, then how come drawers-in-floors didn’t remain popular?

This really is a great idea. What everyone is fussing about is implementation, and people who are bashing the idea are not required to utilize it in their homes – after all, if you’re going to trip and fall on it, you would know yourself better than anyone else would, right? And if you’re so worried about it sagging and breaking, then have it installed by a certified professional. Not only in high-cost living space areas such as NYC and Tokyo, but also for some individuals in less densely occupied areas but with lower income (less money = less space = more need for storage), it would also be a useful idea.

On the minus side, wouldn’t there be a problem for those who want to “hide” their drawers with the flip-top lids? I can see repeated use leaving arced scuffs on the walls. I wonder if there’s a way to prevent damage to the walls and paint, perhaps with ball bearings inset into the side of the treads when you lift it? If that issue could be fixed I would definitely use the flip-top method rather than the drawer, personally.

Of course, because I’m an apartment-dweller it’s not a suitable method for me as of now, but in the future it’s a method I’m sure I will be using (unless the stair-side bookshelves take up too much space ._. Man do we need book space).

I hate wasted space……There are so many areas within a
dwelling to locate draws, small / narrow closets. Just watch a home being built and see how many dead spaces there are between walls.

Behind the back splash of a kitchen ( under cabinets) one can add a smal l in set ledge and enclose it with sliding doors, or other…in the form of textured glass, stainless steel etc..

My aunt reminded me that her 1800’s Victorian style home had a
piano hinged cedar draw in the steps,. which was designed for blankets.

had an inner lift out lid to keep things clean

The stairs are a good idea for many of living in ever smaller spaces.

Finally Kent suggested what was painfully obvious: Steel Reinforced timber. As an australian discussing an australian design company I think I’m entitled to inform you that we have sensible building regulations, and a permit system that can be approached with decent engineering to ensure a safe and functional result in a non-conventional structure.

I would be quite confident that the timbers are rated for their job… possibly even pre-loaded to ensure no sag. I’d be willing to bet the draws have a gravity return system. A slight fall on the runners ensures the draw will return. That’s not rocket science.

As a general recomendation to readers, don’t assume that everyone else is as naive, simplistic, and incompetent as you are. Anyone who called this a bad idea, immediately gave a clear estimate of their own intelligence.