NUCRAFT PARTNERS WITH JOSEPH JEUP FOR NEW PRESTON TABLE
It all started with a very basic need; a conference room table worthy to hold the top spot in Joseph Jeup’s Grand Rapids Headquarters. Jeup, renowned for artistic approaches to residential furniture, was not going to settle for just anything. He needed something that functioned like a formal conference table but reflected his residential brand. The result was a one-of-a-kind piece that was inspired by a Parsons table originally designed by Jean-Michael Frank, one of the most influential designers of residential furniture of the early 20th century.
Years later, Jeup hosted a meeting with Nucraft, and his guests took special note of the table. “We immediately saw that it would be a perfect fit for us,” says Nucraft CEO Matt Schad. “It was the embodiment of a resimercial design perspective for community and creative spaces in offices. Plus, it was perfectly consistent with our mission of providing quality and modern simplicity in a crafted, beautiful design.”
In the Groove
A defining feature of Jeup’s table is a long, linear channel down the center that cuts through the perpendicular veneer grain pattern. “The concept,” Jeup says, “came to me by observing the center line of a highway. It struck me that a ‘line’ down the middle of the table was an opportunity to play with negative space,” he says. “The table is substantial, while the channel lightens the look.”
The channel also supplies the tables power, but at first glance, it appears Preston is without technology. It’s there as an option, but it’s cleverly concealed. To reveal USB access, a 6-inch long tabbed slide at both ends of the channel can be easily pulled out with a finger. When not needed, just slide the unit back to hide it.
“It’s in keeping with a low-tech feel to achieve a more residential vibe,” says Jeup. “For aesthetics, people don’t really want to see technology components, but when they do, they want them to look nice.” To that end, the unit is finished with bronze plating for added appeal.
Elegant and Robust
Preston’s architecture is scaled for strength. At the same time, intriguing design elements soften the appearance.
The top is 2 inches thick, with end panels inset to provide leg room and raised to create foot space and lighten the scale. The horizontal line established by the bottom of the raised panel is carried around the wide, 2-inch-thick legs by means of a visual sabot. These “slipper feet,” as Jeup calls them, have grain running in the opposite direction from the rest of the leg, creating an interesting juxtaposition.
Wires are managed along a trough under the top and through either the legs of 120- and 144-inch-long tables or the center leg on the 160-inch model. Legs have a small removable panel to allow for convenient wire management access.
Special Veneer
Preston has an exclusive Flaky White Oak veneer option, which features medullary rays that give the veneer an exotic iridescent quality and casual flair. Flaky white oak accepts finishes beautifully, pulling out the detail of the unique grain.
“The visual effect is friendly and inviting, and it makes you want to linger,” says Jeup. “It feels like you’re at home.”