The 'Clip' Table

In researching existing sheet-metal products I came across numerous pieces that centred around the processes associated with the material; highlighting laser cuttting or brake press operations, for example. With this in mind I tried to take an alternate approach and concentrated on the material's physical characteristics.

Steel has a far lower embodied energy than other metals making it an attractive option. Its weight, rigidity and inherent 'spring' are properties I tried to work with.

I like the idea of avoiding fasteners and hoped to link all these factors. The concept I pursued was inspired by common foldback clips.

The components slide together while lying on one side. When the table is tipped onto it's feet, the weight of the top distorts the interlocking sections to hold them firmly in place.

The hem at each end of the tabletop doubles as a safety feature and lends rigidity to the surface.

The components are powder coated for resilience and because of the low material waste inherent in the process.

With the black legs disconnected and stowed around the table top, the packaging would be trapezoidal in section, allowing for efficient tesselated warehousing and transport.