Staples

The aim was to push a familiar material further by making it carry load instead of covering it. Working with SMITHS and Casa Grande in Italy, we explored how large-span porcelain tiles could be cut, slotted, and assembled without glue or fixings, using standard tile production methods.

We provided the full structural engineering design and testing for the table. The final piece uses 12mm porcelain tiles in a diamond pattern, which adds stability and keeps leg room clear. The legs were water jet cut and interlocked to secure the structure in place through compression alone. We tested cantilevers, cutting tolerances, and load transfer to get a stable connection that could be assembled and taken apart without adhesives. Using large elements reduced waste and kept the design simple.

The table formed part of the ‘Staples’ event programme for Solus during Clerkenwell Design Week, showing how porcelain can work structurally and be reused in different ways.