Molecular desk

This desk is a gift from wife to husband. The brief, simply to tame the chaos of his desk, was wide open. The husband in question is a medical researcher and this vocation was to provide the conceptual foundations for the project. Taking inspiration at first from molecular models of organic compounds and then more broadly from organic structures in general, we designed a leg structure that was highly sculptural. 

Right from the start we wanted to include hexagons in the design, this is a shape that is ubiquitous at every scale in the natural world from the six carbon rings that form the core of many molecules to the macro scale honeycomb structure. We gravitated toward bulbous joints as this is both practical, giving additional strength where needed, and made in white maple gives a look reminiscent of bone. There are also a number of triangles to be found in the leg structure as this is the simplest rigid geometry which gives the legs as much strength as possible with as little material as possible creating a visually lightweight structure. This is once again an imitation of nature which gravitates toward efficient use of matter.

Whilst the legs are a flowing and flamboyant representation of nature the desktop and drawer cabinet stand starkly in opposition. Their orthographic style of straight lines and 90 degree angles with its regular repeating patterns is a representation of the artificial. This juxtaposition of artificial and natural encapsulates science. 

To give this gift even greater significance the desktop and drawer cabinet were made from a wind felled Lucombe Oak from the clients own estate, a particular variety of the evergreen Holm oak. This oak had a wonderfully wild grain and fiery colour and whilst challenging to use the results are undeniably stunning.

Made in felled Lucombe Oak, Mable and brass hardware.

Size 2,200mm L x 800mm W x 730mm H