FLORA – 8mm Ultra-Slim Desk-Down PC

What it does

This PC mounts its body under the desk and hides accessories behind the monitor, solving desk clutter and enabling a clean workspace. Its 8mm ultra-slim screen and modular layout maximize both space efficiency and visual simplicity.

Your inspiration

I was inspired by how even modern all-in-one PCs still clutter the desk with bulky monitors, visible cables, and idle accessories. I questioned why a PC couldn't visually disappear when not in use. That led to the idea of relocating the main unit below the desk and designing an ultra-slim 8mm screen. I also noticed that unused keyboards, mice, and touchpads often remain scattered, so I designed a system to magnetically attach them behind the monitor. This design doesn’t just save physical space—it redefines how clean a digital workspace can truly be.

How it works

FLORA separates the display and computing unit to achieve a slim, space-efficient form. The 8mm display features a stepped housing that combines the panel, backlight, and casing, visually minimizing thickness while remaining compatible with standard LCD module assembly. The computing unit uses small form factor components, including a mobile CPU board and passive aluminum fin cooling. Front-facing ports like USB-C, Ethernet, and audio offer easy access. The body mounts under desks 15–35mm thick using a clamp adjustable in 5mm steps. Silicone inserts fill gaps to ensure a stable fit without damaging surfaces. The unit can also sit on a desk, where its layered form reduces visual bulk. Peripherals such as the mouse and keyboard attach magnetically to the rear of the monitor using neodymium magnets and recessed guides. The display arm integrates power and data, creating a clean, cable-free connection between modules.

Design process

The project began by identifying the persistent visual clutter in modern desk environments, even with existing all-in-one PCs. Initial sketches explored relocating the computing unit beneath the desk to free up space and reduce visual noise. CAD modeling validated this configuration, with focus on cable integration, heat flow, and desk compatibility. The display was then refined to be 8mm thick using a stepped rear housing, which allowed for realistic component stacking and mass-production feasibility with LCD parts. Multiple thickness simulations were tested to maintain structural integrity while maximizing slimness. The body was modeled with a clamping system adjustable in 5mm increments to fit desks from 15–35mm. A tiered housing was designed to reduce perceived bulk when placed on a desk. Ports were arranged front-facing for user accessibility. For peripherals, magnet-based storage was tested using neodymium magnets embedded in the display’s rear panel. This proved effective for holding devices in place while avoiding damage. The current prototype is CAD-based, but future improvements include cable routing optimization and thermally isolated CPU board mounting.

How it is different

As computer components become thicker and more powerful, the traditional all-in-one PC struggles to contain them behind the screen without sacrificing slimness or thermal performance. FLORA addresses this with a new structural concept: not a desktop, but a desk-down PC. Instead of placing the computing unit behind the display or under the desk as a separate tower, FLORA integrates the body into the underside of the desk using a clamp-based mount. This frees the display to be just 8mm thick and eliminates unnecessary desk clutter. Peripheral devices are magnetically stored behind the screen when not in use, completing a truly minimal setup. FLORA does not simply redesign an existing category—it proposes a new one by redefining where a PC should exist in space. This “desk-down” architecture is both functional and spatially innovative.

Future plans

We plan to build a working prototype based on FLORA’s unique desk-down structure. This includes refining the 5mm-step adjustable clamp for 15–35mm desks and validating the silicone insert’s performance. We also aim to test the 8mm stepped display housing using real LCD modules, ensuring slimness without compromising structural strength. Peripheral attachment using neodymium magnets will be optimized for repeated use. Future plans include modular component upgrades, better passive cooling via layered fins, and exploring integration with sit-stand desks to expand FLORA’s usability across work environments.

Awards

K-DESIGN AWARD 2025 - FINALIST The 60th Korea Design Exhibition 2025 – Selected in the 1st round of judging