Tray and side table oak

It shares with the Arts-and-Crafts-movement (and with us) an appreciation of craftsmanship, with Bauhaus (and with us) the clear, minimalist lines of "form follows function" and with the forward-thinking modern age (and with us) the sensual aesthetics of natural materials: we developed this tray and side table, which can do much more than just be a table, out of our preoccupation with the type of coffee table.

Two elements can be 1) joined together to form a table, 2) pushed under each other as two side tables, 3) functionally divided to form 3a) a side table and a tray or 3b) a side table and a side bookcase (or whatever you want to arrange decoratively on a shelf).

At first glance, the reduced, open design of the table frame is reminiscent of the set tables from Josef Albers. However, we have developed the design further and recessed the table top. This opens up the table to a durable plug-in function: With the longer side panels in front, the smaller element can be placed precisely on top of the side table to save space, gain height or even - not only interesting for people with children or pets - create a side "railing" for the table.

The smaller element is more than just a second set table that can be pushed under the larger table. Above all, it is ideal as a durable couch and bed tray: The shorter side panels establish themselves as solid carrying handles, while the longer side panels create stability and standing height to position the tray over pillows or blankets. Those who are well rested also have the option of using the tray element in the same way as a desk bookcase: placed at the workstation or bedside table, on the chest of drawers or simply next to the wing chair, the longer sides keep reading material within easy reach or your decorative arrangement at eye level.

You can rearrange and use this tray and side table over and over again, whether combined or as individual elements - its timeless aesthetics and multiple functions make it just as much a generational piece as its handcrafted production from durable, robust materials. We have found an experienced partner in the southern Slovenian wood workshop Breka , which primarily uses wood from the surrounding forests. Here, the delicate-looking yet sturdy frames and side panels of the table and tray are cut from solid oak and solidly joined together using classic mortise-and-tenon joints. A durable, real wood-glued poplar plywood panel coated with HPL (High Pressure Laminate) is used for the table and tray base. Even in the busy everyday life of a family, this material proves to be easy to clean (traces of use such as spills can simply be wiped off), scratch-resistant (in case the house cat is looking for a jump-off ramp) and impact-resistant (in case the offspring needs an abrupt hold).

Creating "living products" - that is, products that integrate into your life, that enrich your everyday life and are welcome to age gracefully - is a goal close to the heart of our product designer Markus Stallberg. The focus of his designs is therefore on the innovative added value that a product opens up for you - and innovation consists of solving a problem that arises in our everyday lives.

"You don't stumble across good ideas," Markus Stallberg emphasizes. Rather, he approaches the solution to such an everyday problem in many small steps, the direction of which is determined by constant observation and questioning. Until a functional solution has been developed, one must "sometimes take wrong paths. Trial and error, reconsideration and further improvements are just as much a part of this process as the lively exchange with a wide variety of people. An open ear for their respective needs is indispensable to produce a product that is functional and yet not too complex. Close cooperation with experienced manufacturers is just as important. After all, the product should not only have an appealing, yet "environmentally friendly" design on paper, on the computer and in the self-built model, but should also be well-crafted and manufactured in a way that conserves resources. Instead of reinventing the wheel, the tried and tested can be transferred to the present - with an additional benefit that ideally "satisfies everyone". Whether this succeeds in the best possible way is decided by life. And thus you.