Durevole
Creating a cross-generational, sustainable, table
Creating a cross-generational, sustainable, table
To develop a lasting, modern, and sustainable coffee table was the task. The project its self was geared towards woodworking, with a requirement being that 60% of the material be composed of wood. I really felt a need to develop a sustainable solution, with complete non virgin wood components and no mechanical fasteners. Now the task come to what direction to take. Initially I was considering a post modern look, but became increasingly intrigued by the thought of bending and laminating.
Several of these tables were designed with the ability to manufacture two different halves form one mold, yet create two strikingly different pieces. I was really excited about this direction until I started checking on sourcing for material. After analyzing the inability of obtaining a sustainable product for laminating a table, I decided to change direction. The best choice I had for procuring supplies was to order form Russia, not very sustainable.
So, I decided to return to my original thought of creating a solid wood table. Below are some sketches and models of working through what direction i was going to take. I kept bouncing back between very organic or a little more traditional.
So, I decided to return to my original thought of creating a solid wood table. Below are some sketches and models of working through what direction i was going to take. I kept bouncing back between very organic or a little more traditional.
I decided with the more traditional looking table route. I felt that too many of the tables out there today have boxy looks to them. This trend of rectangular furniture is clean, but really lacks any personality. I found a fifteen degree angle to be a nice little change. Giving some character and spacial activation. After refining the overall design, I had to develop the actual dimensions and ergonomic considerations for developing the table. Often times issues are not fully realized until you develop into full scale. The joinery was a challenge that I was faced with overcoming. By refusing to use mechanical fasteners anywhere in the design, I was forced to get creative in joining the angled pieces. The challenge: create a 15 degree angled joint. Solution: use alternating bands of wood laminated together to create a solid surface.
The finished table came together beautifully. I was able to source spalted wormhole maple from a local wood cutter, along with some beautiful maple. Both woods were harvested from fallen trees. The spalting on the maple creates attraction and flow, yet does not become loud or visually disturbing. The balance of the dark walnut with striations of light wood flowing within adds to the visual appeal of the table. All angles came together nicely, thanks to working out the kinks in the prototype. The joints held extraordinarily well, even with my 260 lb friend sitting and then standing on it, that was a little stressful.
I went with the name Durevole, which is Italian for durable and resilient. These are primary design factors involved in the development of the table. Using all wood construction, no mechanical fasteners, ensures that the end life of the table will provide extremely little negative environmental impact. The aesthetics of the table provide a look that feels vintage yet modern. The sharp angles are not common place in either of these areas, but marry the two together well. By using color and grain in combination with cuts and angles, the table provides an aesthetic that does not feel out of date. Durevole belongs in the past and the future, thus adding to the resilience of the design. After all, should designs not be intended to last for multiple lifetimes.
