120" x 42" a-frame conference table
120" x 42" a-frame conference table
W 42 x L 120 x H 29
What stands out with this top design is the gradual diminution of thickness of its cross section in an elongated form that is both light weight and structurally rigid. Imitating a reversal of the roof designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, using low profiles that elegantly gather in strength toward the center. This top exploits the strongest geometry in the universe, the triangle. Each size has a form fitting trestle base that holds the cantilevering top in space. Perfect for feeding large groups, conducting conference meeting, or laying out the plans for a new construction home. This table is the next generation of wood tectonics.
PetalPly -
A frame sub-series
hollow core
A new direction has been taken, coupling an advanced version of earlier experiments in wood tectonics (see cubis cabinetry) with a base which is a variation on the Kid A sub-series. In short, the original experiment was to re-saw, edge glue, surface sand, and panel press solid wood using all yellow glue onto a stable wood veneer substrate, thus stabilizing the solid wood while allowing various sized and shaped panels. These tops use quarter inch solid wood pressed on one side of an equally thin substrate. The whole structure is wrapping torsion ribbing which is generously glued, and pressed to the engineered panels with a whole new technique, creating stunning triangulated objects.
low tech assembly
Normally some kind of caul and batten system with pneumatic or pipe clamps is used to press the panels together. Instead, measured out 1/8inch holes are predrilled, removable mini battens are custom cut and predrilled to correspond with the pre-drilled holes in the panels, which are corresponding with the inner torsion ribbing. Basically, these panels will be able to be pressed accurately and flat to a skeletal structure using nothing more than small pieces of scrap sized lumber, long screws with wide heads, and an electric drill. No need for larger space demanding cauls and battens, pipe clamps, and added bench space. Combine this with long milled solid wood edges and corners that are exactly shaped to allow for wide glue surfaces for the panels to be pressed onto. The result is a triangular top that can handle long and wide spans while being impossibly light thanks to its hollow core construction. The triangulated edges are elegant and aesthetically powerful.
trestle bases
These triangulated forms saddle perfectly onto a unique take on the traditional trestle base, with a long spanning dowel that reduces wracking by mortising through four sets of double thick supports (petal legs and arms). Because of these double thick petals and legs, the dowel/stretcher is down sized from the two and a half inch dowel, used for the Kid A tables, to the two inch dowels found in the Sub-Series Two desks.
