While I was in Milan recently for the Salone, I met Eleonora Dal Farra and Andrea Forti at Spazio Rossana Orlandi. Their Marble Ways table is made from discarded cutting tables used in marble quarries and processing labs. I was intrigued to find out more, so they have kindly allowed me to share this video that demonstrates the making process.
Marble Ways from alcarol on Vimeo.
The counter tops are ‘damaged’ every time a piece of marble is cut on them. When they become too damaged to be used, they are pulped. Eleonora and Andrea became fascinated by these huge slabs of wood when they were working with marble and were determined to find a way to rescue them. “We are immediately fascinated by these wooden worktops as these are incredibly rich in history and also have an incredibly modern aspect, almost futuristic… and we were very sorry seeing these wood planks thrown away for pulping,” said Eleonora. By pouring resin onto the surface of the wood, they preserve every cut and even the marble dust inside them, creating a beautiful and useful table with a story to tell.
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- here’s one I made earlier :: samesame
- here’s one I made earlier :: utopia & utility
- here’s one I made earlier :: woven oak
- here’s one I made earlier :: wood tailoring
