Interested, initially, in the strength gained from coffering a horizontal concrete ceiling, material investigations lead to trials with thin aluminium sheet. 1.5mm sheet was pressed with indents of various shapes and sizes to test the acquired strength. Technical difficulties encountered during the trials included as tearing of the sheet, but it was clear that ‘coffering’ offered hugely increased strength.
The most applicable technique was for one large indent across a whole sheet. A 1.5mm sheet, 400mm x 1000 mm, with an indent of 320mm x 920mm and 15mm deep, provides impressive horizontal rigidity. It spans 1m with a heavy applied load without bending. The aluminium is from recycled sources and can be itself be recycled after use. The use of a single rectangular sheet is very efficient in its use of material.
The pressed aluminium element is used to form the top for the Sideboard as well as for a lower shelf. Bending both ends of the sheet at a 90 degree angle gives additional stability to the furniture. The formed and anodised aluminium is fixed on either side to ash, legs. The ash is closely grained with vertical lines which compliment the fine 1.5mm profile of the leading edge to the horizontal elements. A metal rod cross brace prevents the piece from wracking.
The component parts of the Sideboard can also be used to form a ridged shelving unit of various heights, by replicating the use of the pressed aluminium element, extending the length of the wooden legs and employing the bracing rods. Designed for the domestic environment, this piece would also lend itself well to other settings.
The ‘Twinned Table’ is a furniture range for the domestic environment, which is assembled from two interlocking forms made from 3mm bent aluminium sheet. Both pieces are formed from identical cut out shapes, which are then bent at 90 degree angles with 24mm radius’ to create the desired sculptural forms.