CHANNEL SLAB TABLE

MATERIALS:  Pecan, Powder-coated Steel, Plant Matter

Sustainability is at the heart of the concept for this conference table, commissioned by Whole Foods Market for their new 365 brand corporate offices. The pecan slabs are hyper-local - urban harvested, kiln-dried and milled right here in Austin. When the city arborist determines that a tree requires removal, it generally ends up getting mulched. This is where the Urban Foresters come to the rescue. Hatch Workshop harvests the tree, mills it and kiln dries the flitches. This affords craftsmen and designers an opportunity to work with huge, beautiful, and truly unique pieces of local hardwood.

The pecan is finished with Rubio Monocoat - a zero VOC finish that is renowned for its durability as well as its sustainable characteristics.

The steel frame was manufactured here in Austin by Method Mfg. Steel C Channels make up the majority of the frame and reveal their iconic cross sections at the table ends. The gloss white powder coat provides a crisp, clean contrast to the wild, natural character of the pecan.

The central trough contains three steel insert trays that contain planted material - bringing a living micro-ecosystem to the table surface. The inserts sit above the main trough, allowing for proper drainage of the plantings. A second set of inserts allows for variety and a manageable presentation of quality plantings.

SIZE: 138" X 50" X 30"

CLIENT: Whole Foods Market - 365 - Corporate Offices, Austin, TX

DESIGNED in collaboration with artist Nancy Mims

INSTALLED: December, 2015