SurPlate: Transforming Leftover Marble into Unique Platters

Marble Platter with a Twist

Marble has long been a beloved interior finish material in Taiwan, resulting in an abundance of leftover segments from various applications. These segments often go unused due to cracks or damage, leading to a surplus of unused marble stocks in stone fabricators' inventories. The SurPlate design takes advantage of this surplus and utilizes fabricators' CNC machines to transform these leftover segments into one-of-a-kind platters for the home.

Using a water jet CNC cutter, the designers shape the small sheets of white marble into captivating and imaginative platter designs. Each platter is carefully crafted to match the unique pattern of the marble, creating a harmonious blend of nature and technology. With a diameter of around 30 cm or less, these platters are the perfect size for serving appetizers, desserts, or displaying decorative items.

The SurPlate project not only repurposes unused materials but also highlights the potential of digital technologies in redefining design. By embracing sustainability and incorporating leftover materials, Nagatomo and Jan demonstrate how industrial practices can be improved to create beautiful and environmentally conscious products.

The SurPlate project faced its fair share of challenges. Understanding the capabilities of the CNC machine and finding innovative ways to utilize the small sheets of marble required careful planning and experimentation. However, the designers' dedication paid off, resulting in a collection of stunning platters that showcase the natural beauty of marble.

Completed in the middle of 2018 in Taipei, the SurPlate project has garnered recognition for its ingenuity and resourcefulness. In 2019, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware, and Cookware Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

The SurPlate project is not only a testament to the designers' creativity but also a reminder of the importance of maximizing the usage of valuable materials. By transforming leftover marble into functional and visually captivating platters, Nagatomo and Jan invite us to appreciate the beauty of nature in unexpected ways.

All photos: Daisuke Nagatomo, 2018