Norr11 – Gear coffee table

With its robust pillars and thick tabletop, the Gear table almost looks like a modest brutalist sculpture.

Gear draws its inspiration from the architectural movement of brutalism from the 1950s, characterised by its geometric shapes and rough concrete surfaces. The series reinterprets brutalist architecture in furniture, but aims to soften its otherwise perceived harsh expression. For example, grooves in the table legs create shadow effects depending on the light falling on them, adding a dynamic element.

The Gear table is handcrafted through a 9-step production process, meaning that no two tables are the same. Each table has its own characteristics, with variations in the fluted surface, slightly visible mold lines, small holes or subtle irregularities on the edges, demonstrating that all steps in the making of the product require hands. In the final stages, the table is hand-painted, a process that involves four steps before the final color is achieved, making it a unique piece whose expression varies.

The colours, including Chalk and Earth, present a chalky white and a coffee-coloured hue, giving the concrete a warm reddish hue. These warmer nuances temper the look, making it easier to combine with softer materials such as wood and upholstery.