Lavvu: Small Tables Inspired by Sami Culture

Lightness and Flexibility for Changing Lifestyles

Inspired by the lavvu, a temporary dwelling used by the Sami people of northern Scandinavia, the Lavvu coffee tables underscore lightness and flexible use. Designed by Dorian Asscherick, these tables are a modern interpretation of the nomadic tents, adapting easily to different environments both inside and outside. With their conical shape and wooden slats, they pay homage to the Sami tradition, while the colors recall the reindeer hides used on traditional lavvus.

The Lavvu coffee tables are small tables that prioritize lightness and flexible use. They are designed to respond quickly to constantly changing lifestyles, habits, and requirements. Whether in a living room, contract furnishing schemes, or on terraces and residential balconies, these tables adapt seamlessly to various settings.

One of the unique features of the Lavvu coffee tables is their easy disassembly. They are designed with sustainability in mind, allowing for the materials to be easily recycled at the end of their life cycle. This ecological approach aligns with the growing demand for environmentally friendly furniture.

The realization of the Lavvu coffee tables involves a combination of different materials and production techniques. The steel parts are cut using a laser cutter and then welded together to form circles. The wooden legs, made from teak for its exceptional resistance to atmospheric agents, are prepared, leveled, and cut into slats. These slats are then milled to create small notches where the metal parts are found. The table tops, made from HPL, are cut using a CNC equipped with a specialized tool. Finally, the metal parts are lacquered and assembled with the wooden legs and table tops.

The Lavvu coffee tables come in two sizes. The lowest table has a width and depth of 700mm, a height of 362mm, and a base measuring 431mm. Its table top has a diameter of 700mm. The tallest table has a width and depth of 550mm, a height of 552mm, and a base measuring 461mm. Its table top has a diameter of 550mm.

Laavu is a project with a green soul. All the materials that make up the various elements of the table can be easily separated and disposed of with respect for the environment at the end of the product's life cycle. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the increasing demand for eco-conscious designs.

The Lavvu coffee tables project started in October 2020 and was completed in January 2021 in Kortrijk, Belgium. The designer, Dorian Asscherick, drew inspiration from nomadic peoples to address the needs of urban nomads. By exploring the lifestyles of nomadic cultures and incorporating their knowledge and traditions, Asscherick created a design that caters to the mobile and flexible lifestyles of the younger generation.

The Lavvu coffee tables have received recognition for their outstanding design. They were awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2023. This prestigious award acknowledges their creativity, resourcefulness, and contribution to improving the quality of life. The tables exemplify the fusion of art, science, design, and technology, making them a valuable addition to any living space.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Dorian Asscherick
Image Credits: Dorian Asscherick
Project Team Members: Dorian Asscherick
Project Name: Lavvu
Project Client: Dorian Asscherick


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