Students from the Design Lab have been busy creating unique pieces using reclaimed materials. Over the years, they’ve transformed wood from fallen trees into conference tables for Williams Hall in 2013, the President’s office in 2014, and a reception desk for the Alumni Memorial Building in 2015. Their latest project is a striking conference table for the Business Innovation Building, completed in 2023.
This wood comes from trees that fell during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. The student projects reflect a commitment to sustainability and a connection to the university’s history.
For the first time, students have integrated a historic piece of campus into their design with new pub tables. “This project will transcend time,” says instructor Slocum. The materials used carry stories from the past, making each piece special.
Slocum explains that the pine wood in these tables could be as old as 500 years. The trees were part of the original growth before the Clayton University Center was built in 1868. One notable piece is a purlin beam, essential for roof structure. It measures 10 inches in diameter and shows signs of charring, though the cause is unclear. The beams were filled with hand-cut nails, which students diligently removed, spending about four hours on this task alone.
“The students felt a sense of ownership and reverence for this material,” Slocum shares, highlighting the emotional connection to the wood that’s part of their campus history.
The tables were crafted by a talented group, including Sonja Hackenmueller, Nate Ivill-Weiner, and Annie Oatman, all from a product design class led by Professor Wes Heiss. Grant Litchfield, who has woodworking experience and has been with the Design Labs since his freshman year, also contributed.
One table measures 6.5 feet long and 5 feet wide, accommodating ten people, and is now gracing a private dining space at The Lehigh Pub. Another, a larger banquette table at ten feet long and six feet wide, seats eight. Both designs reflect the architectural style of the Clayton UC, regarded as one of the early examples of Ruskinian architecture in the U.S. This building is famous for its intricate decorative features, including custom stained-glass windows and detailed woodwork.
The students received guidelines on the table sizes and materials. Utilizing 3D modeling software, they brought their designs to life, balancing modern aesthetics with a nod to the building’s rich history.
