Words: Foster and Partners.
Photography: Foster and Partners and Arcaro Productions.
Developed in collaboration with Punt, the Spanish furniture manufacturer, BEAM and COLUMN are two complementary timber collections – a flexible shelving system and a range of tables – that support diverse spatial arrangements within office, residential, and commercial environments. Together, they explore the close relationship between materiality and craftsmanship. BEAM is informed by Foster + Partners’ architectural projects, particularly the Narbonne Via Museum, which features long-span roof-supporting concrete beams, and interprets this architectural language at the scale of furniture. Its clean design derives from the simple section of a structural beam.
Mike Holland, Head of Industrial Design at Foster + Partners, said: “The BEAM and COLUMN collections express both material honesty and craftsmanship. Designed in close collaboration with Punt, we have combined carefully selected materials with a rigorous design process to create durable, precise pieces. Each piece of the collection has been conceived as a sculptural element.” The collection includes freestanding, ceiling, and wall-fixed shelving units, credenzas, and cabinets.
A series of metal posts establishes a rhythm for open timber shelves that can be positioned at varying heights. The adaptable system is available in multiple tier configurations, while individual units can be combined horizontally to form larger shelving compositions. A series of accessories complements the shelving system, including a tray that sits neatly on the shelf, bookends, a storage drawer, and a sliding fabric screen divider. The bookends are sustainably produced from offcuts of shelf production, minimizing material waste. COLUMN features a trio of sculptural coffee tables – with varying heights and diameters – designed for use individually or together. The collection also includes three types of dining tables, including a round table, a flat-oval seated table, and a flat-oval standing table. These pieces incorporate concealed cable management while preserving the clean lines of the design. Sustainability is central to both collections – through the process of making and embedded within the design.
Both BEAM and COLUMN are designed for longevity, using FSC-certified wood from responsibly managed forests, and water-based stains that reduce environmental impact. The collections allow for efficient disassembly, making it possible to repair, replace components and facilitate end-of-life recycling. Crafted in matt oak or ebony-stained oak, both collections are available in a variety of finishes – including lacquers, fabric, and stone specifications.
