1x3: A Coffee Table That's Also a Brain Game

Petar Zaharinov's Award-Winning Design Inspired by Burr Puzzles

1x3 is a coffee table composed of three wooden sticks and a 10mm thick tempered glass top. The design's uniqueness lies in its assembly - no glue or nails are needed. Instead, the parts interlock in a manner reminiscent of burr puzzles, complex three-dimensional interlocking puzzles. The assembly process involves only sliding movements, making it suitable for frequent relocation. The challenge of assembly relies not on dexterity but on spatial vision, adding an element of brain-teasing fun to this piece of furniture.

The name 1x3 is derived from the structure's logic. The first figure represents the number of element types (1), while the second represents the number of elements of each type (3). The entire expression gives the total number of wooden elements (1x3=3), reflecting the simplicity and cleverness of Zaharinov's design.

The 1x3 coffee table's production process is as straightforward as its design. The wooden base's geometry is simple enough to be produced without high-tech or CNC machines, making a good table saw sufficient. Beech and oak are the preferred materials due to their common availability and non-exotic nature. The round top is made of regular 10mm thick tempered glass, a widespread material that allows customers to source locally, reducing shipping costs and environmental impact. The finish options, bee wax and plant oil, are natural and harmless, further enhancing the table's eco-friendly appeal.

Zaharinov's innovative design has not gone unnoticed in the design world. The 1x3 coffee table was awarded the prestigious Platinum A' Furniture Design Award in 2011. This award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, contribute to societal wellbeing, and advance the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology.

With its unique blend of functionality, simplicity, and challenge, Petar Zaharinov's 1x3 coffee table is more than just a piece of furniture. It's a testament to the power of innovative design, a brain game that challenges spatial vision, and a sustainable product that respects the environment. It's a design that truly embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity in the realm of furniture design.