Max Hauser's Trifold: A Masterpiece of Digital Manufacturing

Winner of the Golden A' Furniture Design Award in 2014

The Trifold is a versatile piece of furniture that can function as a table, stool, trestle, or plinth. Its unique design, which is informed by a complex combination of triangular surfaces, a unique folding sequence, and a clean fixing detail at the base, sets it apart from other furniture pieces. The design can be scaled and altered to suit various purposes without compromising its structural integrity. From every angle, the Trifold reveals a unique composition, making it a minimalist yet complex and sculptural piece.

The Trifold is not just a piece of furniture, but a showcase of digital manufacturing and the use of new manufacturing technologies such as robotics. The base material is 3mm thick brushed finish aluminium sheets. The unfolded shapes are CNC-machined and routed to prepare the structural bends, and the table is folded in a set sequence using robots. All edges are CNC cut and chamfered to achieve maximum precision.

The design process behind the Trifold was a combination of intuition and rigorous testing. The shape was developed using 1:10 scale paper models to test various configurations and folding sequences. This led to the creation of various full-scale models and prototypes to test the aesthetics and stability of the design. The production process was developed in collaboration with a robotic fabrication company specialising in folding metals with 6-axis robots.

The Trifold is not just a piece of furniture, but a piece of art. Its unique design, combined with the innovative use of technology, makes it a standout piece in any setting. The table can be playfully arranged in upright or horizontal configurations, and by rotating the table, its appearance can be altered to achieve diverse compositions. This design remains alluring to the user and offers interesting combination options by itself and with other furniture pieces. It is lightweight, robust, and with its brushed anodised surface, it can be used indoors as well as outdoors.

The Trifold is a testament to Max Hauser's creativity and innovation. It is a perfect example of how technology can be used to create unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs. The Trifold is not just a piece of furniture, but a piece of art that is sure to be a conversation starter in any setting.