Summit

COFFEE TABLE

Inspired by the fluid motion of skiing, Summit coffee table is designed to bring the essence of rolling hills and dynamic tracks into any living space.

Jan – Mar 2025

Furniture design, woodworking, CAD modelling

INSPIRATION

The outer ring is inspired by crisp, white ski tracks, the rhythm of movement, and the rolling contours of snowy hills. In contrast, the inner structure embodies warmth, rich wood, and a cabin-like coziness, evoking the comforting feeling of stepping inside after a day on the slopes.

MARKET RESEARCH

Current furniture trends emphasize sustainability, comfort, and personalization. Popular designs feature natural materials and finishes, soft curves, texture, and warm earthy tones. Multifunctional, modular and space-saving furniture caters to adaptable living spaces. Vintage-inspired styles with modern touches and pops of colour offer personality and character.

IDEATION

Early sketches explored the movement and rhythm of ski tracks through flowing lines, layered forms, and curved profiles. Quick cardboard prototypes helped translate these ideas into physical form, allowing me to test proportions, structure, and the relationship between the outer ring and inner wooden frame.

FINAL DESIGN

MATERIALS

The top and bottom rounds are crafted from solid maple, providing a sturdy foundation with timeless appeal. The curved walls of both the inner and outer rings showcase Tabu’s veneers. The outer ring is wrapped in Maple Fris – 09.S.086, creating a striking contrast with the inner ring, finished in Maple Frise – 09.S.004. A custom nylon edge banding frames both edges, adding a pop of colour that accentuates the flowing curves.

ROTATING OUTER RING

The outer ring glides smoothly on a circular bearing, generating dynamic, flowing patterns as it contrasts with the warm inner structure. This motion evokes the elegance of ski tracks carving through pristine snow.

HALF SCALE MODEL

I built a half-scale functional model to communicate the form, construction, and movement. I soaked and bent the wood for the inner and outer rings, cut and assembled the top and bottom rounds, and added a Lazy Susan mechanism to enable the table to rotate. I finished the model with veneer and stain.