For many years Spa Laminates have shared their knowledge of veneers and have supported for a wide variety of Universities and Colleges both locally and nationally. In that time Spa have seen many varied designs and applications of veneers, however only a small number of the projects seen have a chance of making it to full scale commercial production.

In 2005, Spa has chosen to work with Gemma Marnier, a final year furniture design student at Nottingham Trent University. Gemma’s table design is not only astetically pleasing on the eye (in both forms) but its refreshingly ‘realistic’ design convinced everyone at Spa that it stood every chance of making the transition from a good concept to a commercial success.

Spa were not alone in our admiration of Gemma's design as ‘Grace’ has caused a real stir at the recent UNDU Graduates exhibition in London.

Converting the coffee table is easy. The base, constructed from American Walnut veneered MDF, is ingeniously hinged to the matching veneered tabletop. To ensure that the table can be quickly and easily converted by one person SPA developed a lightweight top utilising a foam core, a product we have been developing for use where lightweight panels are essential. By up-ending the table base to vertical and pulling out extra supporting door flaps in the base, the table top can then be slid into position to create a dining table both stable and of attractive proportions.

23 year old Gemma from Brighton has now completed her four year Furniture and Product Design course at Nottingham Trent University. The idea for the table came to her last Christmas. "I was staying with my boyfriend in his small London flat which has no dining area, only a large living room with a coffee table. Unable to eat round a table, share a bottle of wine and have a proper chat I found so frustrating, and even the nicest meal seemed unappealing while eating it off your lap on the sofa! It was also the social drawback, unable to have friends round for dinner."

After conducting market research with retailers and consumers to gauge interest, Gemma found there was not only a need but an enthusiasm for such a piece of furniture. However, Gemma had to approach upwards of 50 veneered panel companies before finding the quality veneers and specialist knowledge that she wanted at Spa Laminates. Gemma says: "Spa were really helpful, their knowledge was invaluable and their veneered panels were perfect. I was amazed at the weight reduction they were able to achieve for the table top which made all the difference to make the conversion process very easy for one person to do."

"With the design of Grace, understanding the market was crucial, both functionally and aesthetically in order to produce a contemporary, desirable product which answers a current need. Simplicity was another key factor; the table should enable the user to convert it easily and elegantly from one position to the next, while keeping all the mechanisms as discreet as possible, so the movement is almost unexpected!"

For further information on this table email daryn@spalaminates.co.uk or call Daryn on 0113 2718311. 'Grace' is a registered design.