Friction Table

Expanding aluminum table for Heatherwick Studio

Heatherwick Studio, London

October 2021

Working closely with the Heatherwick team – we developed the existing design to be made in Aluminium. Solid modelling techniques were used to prove the concept before moving into the sampling phase.

The table expands from a circular six-person dining space to an elongated oval shape designed to seat twelve people. The table is beautifully crafted – milled from billets of aerospace alloy and intricately detailed.

We worked with specialist CNC machinists to ensure that the lightweight laminated components could be produced with incredibly close tolerance.

There are 45 slats and 193 pivot points, which are precisely pinned together and calibrated to ensure smooth performance. The high-grade aluminium was then hand polished and wrapped in specialist leather, before it was shipped to the Design Miami in Shanghai, where it was showcased from 6th – 14th November 2021.

Materials: Aluminium – 5 axis milled and polished; Leather – 1mm country hides; Roller feet in PEEK