Herculano: A Charred Wood Coffee Table Inspired by Ancient Herculaneum

A Unique Blend of History and Design

Herculano stands out with its distinctive features and design elements. The table is supported by an interlocking leg structure that mimics the shape of an ancient Roman vessel. The delicate legs are made from resilient ash wood, sourced from trees affected by the Ash bore infestation, ensuring the use of surplus wood and contributing to the preservation of local forests.

The tabletop of Herculano is 30mm thick, creating the illusion of a thin top while maintaining the strength of a thick one. The oval pattern on the top is achieved through laser etching a photograph of tire treads into the wood. To enhance the wood's natural grain and the checking caused by the charring process, the table is flame-charred and wire brushed. Finally, a vibrant blue pigment is applied to accentuate the wood grain and the unique textures created by the charring process.

With dimensions of 1120 x 690 x 424mm, Herculano is made entirely of solid ash. The legs are constructed using three layers of ash, laminated together. The inner layer has horizontal grain, while the outer layers have vertical grain, providing both strength and a visually consistent look. The interlocking legs ship flat for convenient delivery and assembly.

The Herculano coffee table is designed for easy interaction and functionality. It consists of five parts: a long leg resembling a boat's keel and three cross legs resembling ribs. The legs interlink with notches and insert into mortis pockets on the tabletop, secured with a pin. To collapse the table, simply remove the pin and disassemble.

The design process for Herculano began with research at museums and archaeological sites in Rome, Milan, Naples, and Herculaneum. The table was created in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA, in 2015-2016, with production commencing in 2017. The project was a collaborative effort, with manufacturing by Purdue Carpentry and laser etching by David Marchese.

Herculano has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2018. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

With its blend of ancient inspiration and modern design techniques, Herculano is a testament to the beauty and innovation that can be achieved through the fusion of history and design.