The concept was simple: Reflect on the simplicity of the classic Parsons Table and design an interpretation that was innovative, functional, and recognizable.  To complete the task, Nucraft tapped industrial design powerhouse Mark Goetz. 

“Customers are more savvy now,” says Goetz. “They want precisely engineered, beautiful products that fit perfectly, and they know a great product when they see it.” 

So when the designer began thinking through initial concepts, he turned to a peculiar source of inspiration. “I wanted to maintain all the simplicity and logic of a piece of origami.  The visual effect is pure, uninterrupted planes blending together as one.  I knew this was the concept we needed for Tova.”  The top shape is an elongated octagon with a 2-inch-thick surface that visually folds into four slender legs.

“Ultimately, Tova embodies Nucraft’s hands-on crafting and attention to detail, using less material, more precision, and greater simplicity. The look is classically sophisticated, and distinctively modern”, says Nucraft CEO Matt Schad.

Design with innovation

“Once I had sketched out initial concepts, I moved from design to innovation”, says Goetz. “I create original designs that are not just another one of the same.”  With Tova, Mark achieves his goals. Says Schad, “The centerpiece of the line is a conference table that looks strikingly clean and simple. Creative innovations enhance table performance without interfering with Tova’s visual statement.”

Practical elements, like support, top strength, durability, and power/data access, “are all contained within the skin,” Mark says, “so Tova can appear as simple as possible from the outside.”

A core of steel

The top is exceptionally strong. A structural-steel core is sandwiched between layers of materials specified for strength. As a result, Tova requires no support beams the entire expanse of most table sizes, with a fifth center leg being added to exceptionally long expanses.

While the top is thick and super strong, it looks thin and delicate, with references to modernist architecture. A 45-degree cutback on the edges makes the top appear to be only ½-inch thick. What’s more, the edges and cutback surface of the wood top are aluminum, so the surface actually seems to be paper-thin.

Dynamic, streamlined design

Legs feature the same cutback, so they, too, appear thinner than expected for such sturdy elements. When outside leg surfaces are veneer, the inside are aluminum to visually complement the top edge. The dynamic design makes Tova look completely different from different viewing angles. Design features seem to disappear and then reappear as you move around the table.

“For me, the ultimate test is my own expectations. Do I want it to be part of my home and my life? If the answer is yes, I know I’m satisfied. And Tova passes the test.”