Winnipeg-based designer Thom Fougere recently completed the Tyndall Table, which debuted in January at IDS12 in Toronto, Canada. At just over 11 inches high, the low-profile table appears to be floating on its steel structure.
The top is made of Tyndall stone that resembles the local topography and is quarried in the Winnipeg area. The natural texture comes from marine creatures burrowing into the stone, which gives it nice dimension. The stone is then planed to a relatively smooth state allowing for its unusual character to remain.
Fougere has left the stone unfinished so that over time the surface will degrade from gradual wear and spilled substances, slowly exposing fragments of fossils layered in the material. He describes the coffee table as “the nucleus of a living space; the central object around which dwelling patterns revolve: living, drinking, eating, loving, making, sleeping.”
Photos by Mark Reimer.
Mari, smallforbig.com on 02.06.2012 at 15:18 PM
Ha, in my house the natural patina would turn to technicolor paint/pencil/play doh stains. Not to mention the blueberries and raspberries for snacks!
Jaime on 02.06.2012 at 16:20 PM
ha!
Yasmin Chopin on 02.07.2012 at 03:41 AM
Having the surface degrade over time sounds like a nice idea but I agree with Mari that stains might be a problem. I guess you could always get the plane out if the stains were just too ugly.
I wonder how long it would take to degrade sufficiently for the fossils to expose themselves? And does that mean it would create dust? Has the designer done any testing over time?
The height of the table is unusual – and might appeal to young professionals but I would worry about guests tripping over it!
Thanks for showing it to us.
Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
atomic dogg on 02.08.2012 at 01:15 AM
Ok People:
Tyndall (limestone) has been in the ground for millions of years. That is why it gets used on buildings: think wind, smog, and acid rain. Forget about the wine stains.
The stone slabs are cut with gigantic(!) saw blades, producing extremely fine and sharp dust particles that are dangerous to inhale. Gradual wear? Not in your lifetime.
At 68kg (150lbs), this table is impractically low in order to avoid impracticalities such as buckling table legs. Clumsy guests? Be prepared for broken toes and broken tabletops. Who knows? Maybe that’s the secret to revealing those fossils.