Dennis Gibbens, local architect and designer came to us with a specific table design for us to fabricate for him. Dennis shared his vision of a sensually shaped and heavy legged coffee table for his living room inspired by Charlotte Perriand. We began this project with an image and a template for the tabletop shape provided by the client. We agreed to use our locally harvested stock of Aleppo Pine for the material. From there, Chris and Dennis collaborated with Bill Taylor and the Keita team to create the unique oblong edge profile of the piece. Julie Jackson a skilled wood turner and craftsman turned two of the legs for this project on her lathe at Surclewood.
The tabletop for this piece is made from four laminated and joined planks. As opposed to the hardwoods like oak and eucalyptus, the Aleppo felt almost buttery. The milling process was extremely satisfying.
Shaping the edge of this table was an exercise in geometry. Bill and fellow fabricator Jon Meador worked to determine the various radii and angle router bits needed for the task. After having done the math, the edge profiling was passed on to local artist and Keita manager Hannah Peck, who continued the work of shaping and sanding until Bill returned to do the final assembly and finish work.
After the elements were assembled, the supple nature of this lighter wood required a delicate hand in the finishing process. This piece is finished with a subtle stain that adds a browner tint to the yellow pine. To find the perfect stain and finish for the pine, Bill created several samples and iterations of the staining process including multiple sanding techniques, pre-stain finishes, and various application practices.
The table was delivered to its home this fall where it happily remains, sequestering carbon and serving as a lovely addition to the space of its now owner.