Steel U: A Unique Bar Table Inspired by Industrial Designs

Combining Emotion and Reused Steel for a Truly Personalized Experience

Steel U is not your ordinary bar table. It is a design that reflects the designer's love for industrial aesthetics and his desire to create a workspace that fosters productivity. The inspiration for this design came from the tabletop found amidst scrap metal at the designer's company, where conveyors are built. This unconventional source of inspiration led to the creation of a bar table that is not only visually striking but also emotionally engaging.

The tabletop of Steel U is made from 70mm solid reused steel, giving it a robust and industrial look. It is supported by two concrete blocks, which are connected by forged reinforcement steel. What sets Steel U apart is the unique process of creating the concrete blocks. The owner of the table pours the concrete into a mold, and then, with a sledgehammer and jackhammer, destroys it. This process allows the owner to physically express their emotions and make the design truly their own.

The realization of Steel U involves a combination of craftsmanship and technology. The tabletop is made from S355 steel, which was originally used for producing machine parts. The shapes are created through the oxygen cutting process, giving the tabletop its distinctive appearance. The reinforcement steel rods are forged into shape and then welded to the tabletop. The concrete blocks are made by pouring regular concrete into a steel mold that holds the reinforcement steel.

With dimensions of 3220mm in width, 650mm in depth, and 1120mm in height, Steel U is a substantial piece of furniture. The tabletop is displayed under 10mm hardened glass, adding a touch of elegance to the industrial design. The legs of the table are made from regular concrete, with an inner steel shell to reduce weight. The connection rods are made from reinforcement steel, ensuring stability and durability.

Steel U offers a unique interaction between the owner and the design. The use of scrap metal for the tabletop ensures that each piece is one-of-a-kind, as no two pieces of steel are alike. The destruction of the concrete legs by the owner allows them to leave their mark on the design, making it a truly personal and meaningful piece of furniture.

The journey of Steel U began in July 2020 at the designer's home in Ede, The Netherlands. It took several months for the tabletop to acquire the desired appearance, and it wasn't until January 2022 that the legs were made and finished at the designer's workshop. The design process presented its challenges, particularly in creating the concrete legs that had to look like demolition while also reflecting the owner's emotions. With the guidance of the designer's father, who has experience in construction, these challenges were overcome, resulting in a design that is both visually striking and emotionally fulfilling.

Steel U has been recognized for its excellence in design and craftsmanship. In 2022, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements. Steel U stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its ability to provide fulfillment and positive feelings to its owners.

Steel U is not just a bar table; it is a work of art that combines industrial aesthetics, personal expression, and functionality. With its unique combination of reused steel, concrete, and the owner's emotions, Steel U offers a truly personalized experience that inspires creativity and productivity in any workspace.