Photography
Wim Martens
Design team
Toon Martens Sam Peeters Sarah Vanwelden Nicolas Anné Brecht Rogiers
Year
2025
Object
Antwerp
AWE
The Toba coffee table was born from collaboration. What began as a client-relationship evolved into a creative partnership. In line with AWE’s mission to infuse a sense of wonder into everyday objects, the Toba table became a shared design challenge - an effort to bring the energy and spatial depth of interior architecture to a smaller, functional piece. Rooted in a poetic approach, the table draws from Lanzarote’s volcanic forms and César Manrique’s singular vision. Polyester and aluminum were chosen for their tactile and aging qualities. A movable element and built-in storage balance sculptural presence with everyday function. We began with ceramic scale models to explore the form by hand, followed by 3D-printed prototypes to refine proportions and ergonomics. This iterative process led to the final polyester shell, cast from a custom mould.
topview
The Toba coffee table was born from collaboration. What began as a client-relationship evolved into a creative partnership. In line with AWE’s mission to infuse a sense of wonder into everyday objects, the Toba table became a shared design challenge - an effort to bring the energy and spatial depth of interior architecture to a smaller, functional piece. Rooted in a poetic approach, the table draws from Lanzarote’s volcanic forms and César Manrique’s singular vision. Polyester and aluminum were chosen for their tactile and aging qualities. A movable element and built-in storage balance sculptural presence with everyday function. We began with ceramic scale models to explore the form by hand, followed by 3D-printed prototypes to refine proportions and ergonomics. This iterative process led to the final polyester shell, cast from a custom mould.
The Toba coffee table was born from collaboration. What began as a client-relationship evolved into a creative partnership. In line with AWE’s mission to infuse a sense of wonder into everyday objects, the Toba table became a shared design challenge - an effort to bring the energy and spatial depth of interior architecture to a smaller, functional piece. Rooted in a poetic approach, the table draws from Lanzarote’s volcanic forms and César Manrique’s singular vision. Polyester and aluminum were chosen for their tactile and aging qualities. A movable element and built-in storage balance sculptural presence with everyday function. We began with ceramic scale models to explore the form by hand, followed by 3D-printed prototypes to refine proportions and ergonomics. This iterative process led to the final polyester shell, cast from a custom mould.
The coffee table consists of three distinct elements. A translucent polyester shell forms the upper part, featuring dual levels, integrated cut-outs for seated use, and concealed storage. Beneath, a 5mm-thick natural aluminum, prone to patinating, base adds structural contrast. Five swivel wheels, recessed into the aluminum, allow for smooth movement. Measuring 1080 mm by 1600 mm, the table’s combination of scale and materiality bring forth a delicious cocktail of tactility and visual depth.
The coffee table consists of three distinct elements. A translucent polyester shell forms the upper part, featuring dual levels, integrated cut-outs for seated use, and concealed storage. Beneath, a 5mm-thick natural aluminum, prone to patinating, base adds structural contrast. Five swivel wheels, recessed into the aluminum, allow for smooth movement. Measuring 1080 mm by 1600 mm, the table’s combination of scale and materiality bring forth a delicious cocktail of tactility and visual depth.
The coffee table consists of three distinct elements. A translucent polyester shell forms the upper part, featuring dual levels, integrated cut-outs for seated use, and concealed storage. Beneath, a 5mm-thick natural aluminum, prone to patinating, base adds structural contrast. Five swivel wheels, recessed into the aluminum, allow for smooth movement. Measuring 1080 mm by 1600 mm, the table’s combination of scale and materiality bring forth a delicious cocktail of tactility and visual depth.
This triad of components results in a light, playful and sculptural object designed to move easily through a space while maintaining a strong, iconic presence. The form is intended to complement a wide range of interiors while remaining distinctive in character. We selected materials with longevity in mind. The polyester shell is exceptionally durable and develops character over time. The aluminum base and wheels are equally long-lasting, ensuring the table can be passed down through generations. In all, the piece reflects both thoughtful craftsmanship and a shared joy in the design process. Toba - limited to ten pieces - will continue to inspire in the homes it enters.
This triad of components results in a light, playful and sculptural object designed to move easily through a space while maintaining a strong, iconic presence. The form is intended to complement a wide range of interiors while remaining distinctive in character. We selected materials with longevity in mind. The polyester shell is exceptionally durable and develops character over time. The aluminum base and wheels are equally long-lasting, ensuring the table can be passed down through generations. In all, the piece reflects both thoughtful craftsmanship and a shared joy in the design process. Toba - limited to ten pieces - will continue to inspire in the homes it enters.
This triad of components results in a light, playful and sculptural object designed to move easily through a space while maintaining a strong, iconic presence. The form is intended to complement a wide range of interiors while remaining distinctive in character. We selected materials with longevity in mind. The polyester shell is exceptionally durable and develops character over time. The aluminum base and wheels are equally long-lasting, ensuring the table can be passed down through generations. In all, the piece reflects both thoughtful craftsmanship and a shared joy in the design process. Toba - limited to ten pieces - will continue to inspire in the homes it enters.
