British designer Benjamin Hubert announced the launch of a production-ready version of the lightweight Ripple table, which is on the shortlist for Design Museum’s Design of the Year 2014. Ripple 2.0 will weigh even less than the prototype (first launched at the 2013 London Design Festival), and can now easily support the equivalent of a person’s weight.
Image © Benjamin Hubert
The design has gone through a series of rigorous strength and stability tests to ensure the table can endure everyday use. The updated version includes a lights curve across the length and width of the underside of the table’s surface, adding tensile strength to the structure.
Image © Benjamin Hubert
The leg design has also been improved, and it now employs a hollow triangular profile that offers increased strength and rigidity in two directions. The curved stretchers between the legs increase the strength of the connection between the legs and the table surface.
Image © Benjamin Hubert
The Ripple table uses 80% less material than a regular standard timber table, and still provides space for ten people. Ripple is made entirely from 3 ply 0.8mm sitka spruce, a timber only available in Canada, where the table is manufactured.
Image © Benjamin Hubert
The innovative production process of corrugated plywood furniture through pressure lamination, was developed by Benjamin Hubert Ltd in collaboration with Canadian manufacturer Corelam. The unique construction method allows for the incredible lightweight table to measure just 3.5mm on its edges.
Image © Benjamin Hubert
Image © Benjamin Hubert
Image © Benjamin Hubert
Image © Benjamin Hubert
Image © Benjamin Hubert
Ripple will be exhibited as part of the Design Museum‘s Designs of the Year 2014.
Facts:
Design: Benjamin Hubert Ltd
Manufacturer: Corelam
Material: Sitka Spruce 0.8mm aircraft plywood
Dimension: 2.5m L x 0.95m W x 0.74m H
*All images and information courtesy of Benjamin Hubert.
