The big idea behind this project was to create a board table to inspire and motivate productive and strategic boardroom thinking. Commonly seating 25 board members and chairman for up to 12 hours a day, this table must facilitate ease of communication and provide optimal productivity using technology for charging, online access, video meetings and workspace. Beyond functionality, the design brief can be summarised as “leverage and legacy”.

Innovative aspects of this design include the weightless, floating feel it has regardless of the sheer size of it. Being 6.6 metres across, over 20 metres around, 1200mm from outer ring to inner ring, weighing in at approximately 1.5 tonne cantilevered on 8 legs; it is a massive structure that feels incredibly light in every way. This lightness was achieved through a 60mm thick steel frame, embedded wiring within a 32mm MDF substrate and a thin 12mm DuPont Corian top.

Leverage has been achieved through using the cantilever and the need for all parts working together. The cantilever means that the occupants will never be restricted by the legs and feet of the table, regardless of where they are seated. Modular construction means all of the 124 major parts can be broken down into pieces less than 2 metres longs for easy transportation. The materials used are plated steel, MDF, DuPont Corian, LED lighting and embedded wiring for data, USB and electrical access points.

Using medical grade Corian, polished for a ‘seamless’ top, the result is a matt finish, silk smooth, soft touch surface, absorbing light to reduce glare. Easily cleaned it can be re-polished at any time. Legacy is addressed through building a table customised to this business’s ethos, with timeless design elements and technology capabilities. The vision for this design has come to life with the collaboration of all involved.