Solid Void Solid
Coffee Table Design Build
Spring, 2014
This table was designed as an exploration of both butt-joint and hardwood construction utilizing biscuits to strengthen the connections. Formally the table is composed of three equally proportioned volumes: a solid, a void, and a solid. A coplanar sheet of glass spans the two solid forms unifying the top surface. The two solid forms provide storage while the central void allows objects to be displayed without cluttering the surface of the table. Parallel "tackle box" hinges (designed but not yet built) allow access to the internal storage without the need to remove objects from the surface of the table.
A second layer was attached to give a sense of mass to the bottom plane, reduce possibilities of warping or sagging, and provide an opportunity to highlight the use of solid wood through the addition of a reveal.
Hinge itteration
I started with rough cut lumber to ensure I ended up with perfectly square, straight lumber after milling.
Milling is accomplished in three steps: two adjacent faces are squared on the joiner, the 3rd face is passed through the planer, and the final face is cut on the table saw.
The solid wood construction is highlighted by cutting a reveal on each end of the table.
Leg iteration cut from plywood on band saw.
Lumber with a thickness greater than the final dimension ensures that bends in the wood will not effect the piece.
Gluing wood together along the length of the grain is strong enough for most applications, but I decided to reinforce every joint with biscuits.
Butt joints were used throughout to show off the end grain of the wood.
The grain with the most depth was chosen for the tops.
Construction completed, ready for finish.