BELLOW IS AN EXPANDING TABLE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR SMALL SPACES.
A number of design objectives inspired the development of the table design. The intent was to invite play and luxury in small space living while experimenting with alternative materials and folding movements. The most crucial phase of the concept development was discovering what is needed in small space design as well as how an expanding table could be improved to suit the multiple needs of the user.
A large portion of the research for the project was focused on materials as well as mechanics. The goal was to create an intuitive motion in the folding mechanism with a simple movement. The most significant element of the table is the integrated leaf system to avoid the need for storage of expansion pieces. A large consideration in this is the typical wear on a table surface compared to the condition of a rarely used table leaf. It is because of this that the integrated leaf in Bellow is a different material than the outside tabletop.
INITIAL IDEATION
PROTOTYPING
Large scale cardboard prototypes created to validate simplicity of movement and efficient use of space.
Scale
Mechanics
Rendering
FINAL PROTOTYPE
Bellow is the result of extensive prototyping and research. As there are few precedents for the integrated leaf mechanism, exploration of various means of opening was essential. A priority was placed on local and sustainable materials, which resulted in some experimentation as well. This research and exploration culminated in this final, functioning prototype.
The table surface is composed of PaperStone®, constructed out of recycled paper and LEED approved resin from Washington state. This material is often used as a countertop surface due to its durability. This characteristic is crucial in a table for small spaces as the table often serves many purposes. The leaf system is created out of black walnut. This wood was chosen because of its aesthetic compliment to the PaperStone® as well as its machining qualities and durability. The frame of the table is aluminum, which was chosen because of its lightness compared to other materials. The aluminum is easily extruded to create the sliding mechanisms on the side of the table.