Bend Couchtisch

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The table is made of two bent aluminium plates which fit together. When put together, the plates extend all the way to the legs. This gives a certain transparency and lightness to the design and vertical storage is created for magazines, newspapers, and plaid... In between the two top plates, there is also the possibility of storage on both sides of the table.

Dimensions & Packaging

Dimensions: 125 x 55 x 28 cm

Tags

coffee table, folded table, ecological design, functional design, minimal design

Production Technology

Made of 2 parts pleated aluminum sheets (lower and upper parts) finished with a more environmentally friendly lacquering process. Oak wood slats to join the 2 aluminum plates together.

Design Challenge

The design started in 2017. It consisted only of 1 pleated non-continuous line with only the pleated legs and the laying surface. To prevent the folding of the laying surface under load, reinforcement surfaces were provided at the bottom and between the supports, but they were very distracting. It wasn't until 2022 that the idea of using a continuous pleated line with a continuous top surface between which invisible wooden beams could be provided for strength and to invisibly connect the bottom and top. Using a continuous line only made the design more visually logical and aesthetic.

Research

The basis of the design is a smooth continuous line. When folding certain parts, cracks appeared. This was solved by choosing a different aluminium alloy and heating it when folding. It also sought to split the table into two parts so that it could be easily assembled and transportable. By making a separate top and bottom top, with a connection joint on the sides, and fitting together with invisible pins. For the top, two wooden beams are glued in the middle. Both parts are invisibly connected at the bottom with a few screws.

Inspiration

The inspiration was very basic. From the idea of creating a flowing 2-dimensional line design to a 3-dimensional table that can be made out of 1 sheet, metal or wood. And where the shape of the line can incorporate the essential elements for a coffee table, namely an outlet, supports (legs) and storage without becoming banal. Translated from an ordinary continuous line. The fluid continuous line gives a sculptural aspect to the table, which is in dialogue with its surrounding and user.

Project Duration

The design started in 2017 and finalized in 2022. Both in Ghent, Belgium.

Operation Flow

The pleated plate provides continuous support for the table and also provides storage in the legs and the space between the bottom and top.

Patents

e-depot: 000595853

Image Credits

#1 photographer Jan Goderis, 2022
#2 photographer Jan Goderis, 2022
#3 photographer Jan Goderis, 2022
#4 photographer Sonny Plasschaert, 2022
#5 photographer Jan Goderis, 2022