Unveiling Petra: A Volcanic Stone Dining Table by Caterina Moretti

A Homage to Mexican Terrain, Crafted in Volcanic Stone

The inspiration behind Petra is deeply rooted in Mexico's rugged terrain and the volcanoes within. The design reflects the raw beauty that flows from the Earth's core, capturing a sense of mystery and adventure. This dining table is more than a piece of furniture; it's a symbol of the force, warmth, and raw beauty that defines Mexican identity.

Petra is composed of four monolithic pieces of volcanic stone. The table top is supported by a single column and two conjoined columns, creating a unique and striking design. The surface of the table features engraved lines that intersect in three discs, corresponding to the columns below. The stone on the surface of the discs is polished, contrasting with the natural grain of the rest of the table.

This design was realized using locally sourced volcanic stone, a material deeply appreciated by the design team. All processes involved in creating Petra are handmade, involving a dialogue between the designers and the craftspeople. The team's knowledge and experience in handling such massive pieces of stone were crucial in bringing this design to life.

Petra is not only a dining table but also a massive sculpture fit for indoor or outdoor spaces. The design project was conceived in November 2020 in Guadalajara, following a visit to a local quarry. The design was finished and presented a year later, in November 2021.

The creation of Petra was not without challenges. The design team had to balance the desire to create a symbolic and abstract homage to the Mexican terrain with the need to maintain a streamlined and elegant design. Furthermore, they had to consider the resistance of the stone while working with such heavy materials. Despite these challenges, Petra stands as a testament to the team's creativity and technical expertise.

Petra is a winner of the prestigious Silver A' Furniture Design Award in 2023, a testament to its outstanding design and innovation. This dining table is more than a piece of furniture; it's a symbol of the force, warmth, and raw beauty that defines what being Mexican means.