Emotional Object #010: "Roots"

Coffee table inspired by the Sacred Ceiba tree in Havana

Interpreting nature is a long tradition in design. In this coffee table that was the aim. The uniqueness of this table is that the initial inspiration was taken to the limit. Wood and lacquer intercept revealing the true mastering of the artisans. What makes this design unique are the woodworkers that made it possible. It is a testament to their commitment to take an idea and make it possible, producing with patience, art and craftsmanship a piece of nature in our living room.

As always in our designs, "Roots" can't be made in large production due to its design. To produce this table we have a combination of highly skilled artisans with laser cut technology and router cutting techniques. Manual and skilled work is a component without which this design wouldn't be possible.

Veneered polywood and laquered MDF. Physical dimensions 900 x 900 x 300 mm. Dimensions of crate: 1000 x 1000 x 450 mm. This product is delivered fully assembled in a wooden crate. Weight: 50 Kg.

We can look at this table from many perspectives... If we forget all the emotional side, it's just a coffee table, to be placed next to the sofa and television. It has a clearly defined role and fulfills it without blemish. But if we try to be more ambitious, then it is not just a table... It's a piece of nature that we have inside our home and interacts with us in many different ways.

This object was born in December 2013, Porto, Portugal. After fifteen prototypes, the two variations of the final model were concluded in January 2016 and presented at Maison et Objet in Paris in January this year.

Although Roots have been inspired by the Sacred Trees of Cuba, its origins have walked in our minds for a long time. We sought to draw a coffee table whose design was so strong that it does not require any decorative object on top. Deep down, the same way we look to an aquarium or clouds, our goal was to design something that could relax our mind in a way that only nature can. And that object, that something, should be close to us, next to a sofa or an armchair, where we lay from the rush of our day to day life.

The main difficulty of this object was its implementation because, despite not appearing, technically it is a table of great complexity. The technology and construction processes required to obtain this final result of great perfection are the most advanced available on the market, which is, nevertheless, ironic for an object that tries to simulate nature. Alongside the laser cutting and CNC methods, skills and knowledge of more traditional joinery are also necessary, particularly in the assembly of the piece and finishing.

"Roots" is not just a coffee table. It's a piece of nature brought into the living room. A work of craftsmanship, made by 3rd generation woodworkers who put their long knowledge into this piece. This table reinterprets, in a contemporary design, the roots of the ceiba tree, found in Havana, the source of its inspiration. A line that revolves around a volume intercepting with another surface to make a table. Because nature is the oldest inspiration, this design takes it just a little bit further...

Image Credits: João Faria Concept

Awards and Accolades: This Design was awarded Iron in A' Furniture Design Award in 2016. Iron A' Design Award: Awarded to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, they provide fulfillment and positive feelings, contributing to a better world.