easy to do; idea is good.
I love my front loading washing machine. It performs way better than any top loading machine. Just don't try washing a single little heavy thing -- the machine will never even begin to spin dry! It spins close to 2000 rpm once it settles the load out, balancing weights. Everything comes out practically dry enough to wear five minutes later.
I too am going to build a counter top height shelf, or platform. It'll have long term storage space underneath and lightweight storage beside the washing machine. It's true there is a risk of a spinning washing machine creating a dynamic load that is higher than any load that a "regular" piece of furniture is designed around, and that would cause regular furniture to come apart over months and years. To me, that is not a problem, not a complaint, and not a challenge. I figure I can build a structure that will handle far more than just the weight of the machine, so all dynamic load vibrations are absorbed without putting the bolts and joints at risk.
I am planning to use the ceiling and the walls to bolt my structure in place. I will use the floor too; it won't be all hanging from the ceiling.
But still, I think it is important to mention that the strongest structure will go floor-to-ceiling and will be fastened in many places to the building (walls and ceiling) so that you are not just hoping it holds together as a cube, or box,
merely by standing on the floor. I figure steel angles and high grade plywood will be the best materials.
To get around the need for access behind the machine, the platform will be wide enough to turn the machine around on it. No taking it down, don't want to risk unnecessary lifting. Beside the machine, on this wide platform, I'll probably have some lightweight shelves. If you put your dryer there it will still work as intended, with a little more effort. A dryer is an empty cube that someone with a strong back can slide out and carry away.
A front loading washing machine vibrates very little. Hard to believe, until you have bought one and used it. It really is a big improvement over front loading machines. A real difference from the old. Less noise, less vibration.
Whether vibrations go into the floor or the ceiling is not a concern. My opinion -- please comment if I have overlooked something here.
Mike, that is my plan. Hope this helps you.