Bespoke boardroom table
- Paris (2022)
When relocating its head office, a mutual insurance company commissioned Factory to design its new premises.
Central to the project was the creation of a boardroom to seat 42 people, with a remarkable 16-metre-long table as its centrepiece.
We were asked to take up this unique challenge and bring Factory’s bold design to life. Our brief: to deliver on the architects’ vision, seamlessly incorporating all the technical and functional requirements of a modern meeting room.
For this extraordinary boardroom table, we called on every facet of our expertise, from project design to on-site installation.
Creating an exceptional piece
The creation of a piece of furniture like this cannot be improvised. Before embarking on production, a partial prototype was made to validate feasibility, design, choice of materials and technical solutions. This was vital in securing the entire project.
For eleven weeks, the table occupied a significant part of our workshop, with up to six of our joiners working on it at the same time. We harnessed the full breadth of our expertise to craft the 32 linear metres of tabletop, which featured a waxed-finish oak veneer and was upholstered in furniture-grade linoleum.
Given its extraordinary dimensions, the table was designed in several custom-made modules. This masterpiece of craftsmanship required precision and meticulous attention at every stage – from panel cutting to CNC-machined shaping.
It took no less than a month for the table to really take shape. As with every one of our projects, it was fully assembled in our workshops, to facilitate a faster, seamless installation process at its final location.
Taking technology on board
This boardroom table also required a built-in, powerful but unobtrusive audiovisual system for communication between in-person attendees and those joining meetings remotely. We installed perfectly concealed flush-fitted access hatches discreetly integrating sockets and microphones. Special care was given to the positioning of the central island and the screens. It was important that each attendee had optimum visibility, without disrupting the discussions.
When it comes to materials, we always strive to offer clients solutions tailored to their needs, constantly aiming to reconcile aesthetics, performance and financial considerations. For example, here we suggested an innovative Forbo coating, based on natural materials, as an alternative to the resin initially envisaged. A more ecological and cost-effective solution that does not compromise on quality.
Delivered on time, the end product sparked much enthusiasm from Factory and its client. The table represents not just a remarkable technical achievement, but also the success of a collaborative effort, with each person contributing the best of their expertise. Bringing together architects, account managers, joiners, fitters, audiovisual professionals and electricians, it was the synergy of skills that made this visionary project a reality.
The table is a testament to our bespoke expertise and our ability to take on the most ambitious challenges. On the strength of this shared success, Factory has since entrusted our workshop with more boardroom table projects.