1x3 (Coffee Table) by Petar Zaharinov
2010 - 2011, Platinum A' Furniture, Decorative Items and Homeware Design Award Winner
burr puzzles
1x3 is inspired by interlocking burr puzzles. It is both: a piece of furniture and a brain game. THE FURNITURE: 1x3 is a coffee table that consists of 3 wooden sticks and a 10mm thick tempered glass top. All parts stay together without the need of glue and nails. All parts are made of solid pieces. THE PUZZLE: The interlocking principle of 1x3 involves only sliding movements, giving a very fast assembly process. That makes it appropriate for frequent change of place. The level of assembly difficulty depends not on dexterity but mostly on spatial vision. The name of 1x3 comes from the logic of its structure. The first figure represents the number of element types (1), the second one represents the number of elements of each type (3). The whole expression gives the total number of wooden elements (1x3=3).
Design Challenges
Petar Zaharinov did not encounter any design challenges while designing the award winning 1x3 Coffee Table.
Production Technology
THE WOODEN BASE: The geometry of the parts of 1x3 is very simple; as a result, no high-tech and CNC machines are needed for the production process. A good table saw is absolutelly enough. The two material options are beech and oak for they are common and not exotic for the region. THE GLASS TOP: The round top is made of regular 10mm thick tempered glass. It is also a material that is widespread; as a result, the customer has the option of buying a glass top from a local manufacturer. It also reduces the shipping price and is ecologically reasonable. THE FINISH: The finish options are bee wax and plant oil for they are natural and harmless.