The Challenge
Designing custom tables to fit the industrial design style of the venue. We knew that the industrial-style materials could make the interior feel cold, so we aimed to create a suite of tables with integrated lighting that would create a sense of space, and add some perceived warmth.
We decided to develop high tables for smaller groups, which could be combined to accommodate larger groups, and one long banquet-style centrepiece table.
In order to meet the brief's goals, we intended to develop a custom table and lighting solution. We envisioned the lighting becoming part of the tables, and contributing to the overall industrial-style aesthetic, while adapting to tables of different heights and sizes. We designed the tables to provide the feeling of being individual spaces within a larger, open plan space, and we knew that the lighting could facilitate that.
Each table is constructed from a steel frame and a single, solid walnut surface. The steel is 40x40mm, and powder-coated in terracotta orange. This adds warmth to otherwise cool metal bars, and gives the frames a subtle pop of colour. Each frame extends over and above the tabletop, and houses the bespoke lighting. The tables have a sheet of galvanised corrugated metal towards the base as an accent piece and a nod to the overall use of raw materials.
Each table's walnut surface is cut from a single 40mm sample. The wood is charred at one end, an element of craftsmanship which makes each table unique, and adds additional warmth to the timber.
The tables were designed to create a sense of place and space. To achieve this, we installed accent lighting into the section of the frame that arcs above each table. The lighting is installed on the underside of this arc, to illuminate the tabletop below it. The light is diffuse, bright, and casts an even glow. This creates a sort of 'light bubble' which gives the sense of each table being its own well-lit space within the environment of the venue. Bonus: Instagram fans love this – it creates the perfect light for amateur food photography!
What truly sets these tables apart is that they are individually powered via cables running vertically from the ceiling. We sourced industrial-style coiled orange cables for each table, and installed power outlets into the ceilings. This allows the tables to be moved around the venue as needed without sacrificing their lighting function, and while avoiding trip hazards – they can simply be relocated and powered back up by plugging into a conveniently-placed ceiling outlet.
The modular design of these tables allows them to be grouped together, Bavarian beer hall-style, for larger bookings of up to 60 guests. One long, low version of the tables – a striking 4.6m in length – completes the setup. It features as a centrepiece of the venue, and can sit 12 individuals at any one time.
