Una Side Table

Una Side Table

Una Side Table is an innovative furniture design that exemplifies the harmonious integration of form, function, and material properties. Created by American designer Conor McDonald, this sophisticated side table represents a masterful exploration of material capabilities and structural engineering. The design features three identical maple forms crafted from precisely layered veneer plywood, which converge to create a base that cradles a tempered glass surface. The table's construction demonstrates exceptional technical prowess, utilizing eight pieces of 1/16 inch rotary cut maple veneer pressed together and precisely cut into a common form. The inherent flexibility of plywood is ingeniously exploited, as the three legs are pried open to secure the glass surface without the need for additional fasteners, creating a self-tensioning system that maintains structural integrity. Standing at 514mm in height, with a width of 418mm and depth of 369mm, the table achieves remarkable lightness at just 3kg while maintaining robust stability. This design, which earned the prestigious Golden A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category, showcases an innovative approach to traditional manufacturing techniques and materials, challenging conventional furniture design principles while maintaining functional elegance. The seamless integration of components, coupled with its airy appearance and structural efficiency, positions the Una Side Table as a significant contribution to contemporary furniture design, demonstrating how thoughtful material selection and precise engineering can result in both aesthetic grace and practical functionality.

furniture design, contemporary side table, maple veneer construction, tempered glass surface, minimalist furniture, innovative joinery

— Adam Dawson