Grip: A Unique Side Table that Showcases the Beauty of Marble

Introducing Grip: A Side Table Designed by Omid Behboudi

Grip was inspired by the weakness of marble in terms of strength and its availability. The main challenge for the designer was to create a product that not only showcased the beauty of marble but also addressed its weaknesses. The result is a side table that appears to be held by a tripod, giving the illusion of a marble surface floating in mid-air. The choice of a unique kind of marble that can pass light adds to the overall appeal of the design.

What sets Grip apart from other side tables is its unique properties. The design maximizes the contact between the marble and the wooden hemisphere, creating a strong and stable structure. Bolt connections are used to secure all three parts of the design, ensuring better carrying and restoration capacity. Additionally, the marble surface can pass light, creating a soft and inviting ambiance. The volume of the semicircle also serves as a light source and power supply, without compromising the original design.

Grip is made using a combination of marble, beech wood, and CNC technology. The grip surface is crafted from marble, Persian, and rhino stone, while the globe and legs are made from beech wood to withstand pressure. The hemisphere shape is achieved using a turner, and the pits for the bolts are created using a 5-axis CNC machine. The separation of the marble, globe, and legs makes it easy to pack and ship the product.

Grip is available in two types: a coffee table with a diameter of 550mm and a height of 410mm, and a side table with a circular surface and foots with varying dimensions. To ensure the product's safety during transportation, the marble plate and legs are separated and packed in a sturdy wooden box.

With its personal touch lighting and minimal design, Grip creates a unique and warm atmosphere. The touch-sensitive surface lighting illuminates the marble in dark areas, showcasing its beautiful streaks. The design is also versatile and can be seamlessly integrated with different styles of furniture.

The Grip project started in February 2017 and was completed in December 2017 in Mashhad. It was exhibited in the Choobsang showroom in January 2018, receiving accolades for its innovative design and craftsmanship.

Grip is a testament to the designer's extensive research and creative problem-solving. The stability of the marble on the wooden tripod was a major challenge, which was overcome by using bolt connections and carefully chosen leg joints. The touch-sensitive technology embedded in the marble allows users to easily control the lighting, adding to the overall functionality of the design.

With its minimal design and focus on showcasing the beauty of marble, Grip is a truly unique side table that adds elegance and sophistication to any space. Its compatibility with different types of furniture makes it a versatile choice for interior design enthusiasts.

Grip has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2019. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.