Neilson Table

Since 1987, we’ve stored a fragile facsimile of the Federation Pavilion plaque in our studio. This artefact lists everyone involved in the project (1985-1987) and key figures leading the country on January 1, 1988. To preserve and showcase the plaque, we considered creating a glass-top table for our reception. Shortly after, we were commissioned to design the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas (JNIJI), presenting the opportunity to create bespoke furniture for the project, including a glass-top reception table. This offered an opportunity to transform the design conceived for our office, to furniture that can be made for anyone.

Our design concept was to create a seamless ’ribbon’ of metal that elegantly supports the table top. The design of the table support developed into a flowing, visually light form with a purity of structural rationale, showcasing the richness of unadorned brass or stainless steel. Inspired by the clarity of form and economical use of rolled metal plate in the furniture developed for the City of Sydney, the table is a progression of this previous work exploring design which is derived from tectonic principles, enduring and economical in its use of material.

The Neilson table was named after one of Australia’s most prominent champions of architecture and design. The first completed table was installed at JNIJI featuring a glass top in the reception area alongside our timber joinery and brass reception desk. The second version of the table is located in our studio reception, showcasing the cherished facsimile Federation Pavilion plaque protected by a glass top. The design is such that the table top can be fabricated in a variety of materials, allowing for customisation to suit differing needs, including art tops or special purpose designs.

The design of the table appears deceptively simple, with the brass or stainless steel structure defining the leg profiles in a continuous, flowing band. To achieve the thin metal profile and tight radii, we collaborated with the fabricators to manufacture a prototype to test structural adequacy and buildability. In the generic form the table top materials are select stone, glass, stainless steel and brass, but as mentioned can be customised for special purpose designs.