The architectural Brace Table by jehs+laub now offers more economic and versatile options than ever before including Fenix Laminate (shown) and Oak and Walnut Veneer table tops.
Designed by the German duo jehs+laub, the Brace table collection seamlessly blends the technological precision of modern design with a celebration of materiality from solid wood to Fenix® Laminate and wood veneers. Ranging in size and shape from small meeting to large conference, Brace asserts itself as an anchoring visual in any interior from contract to residential. Originally introduced solely with solid-wood tops, the Brace Collection is now offered in Oak and Walnut veneer and Fenix® Laminate options – providing new price points and application options for the modern showpiece. Blending the stylistic comforts of home with increased commercial durability and versatility, these tables continue to adapt to their surroundings through mastery of angles and proportion.
Brace’s architectural legs form a minimalist base for this statement piece. Each leg unites at the floor and then splits into a fork that connects to the underside of the table. Constructed from either binary steam-bent solid wood or dual 3/8” angled solid steel, this sculptural foundation creates an element that is both physically and visually strong while maintaining an air of lightness and delicacy. Brace’s design is a triumph of physics, utilizing geometric properties to confidently support the substantial 28-millimeter thick top with slender legs. The name Brace was inspired by this detail, lending a perfect balance between the table’s aesthetic and structure.
The solid wood option used in the manufacturing of these tables is as distinctive and unique as the design itself. When asked about Brace, jehs+laub spoke to this collection as such, “Brace is a melody of intelligent design and solid wood artistry.” Each piece exudes the quality and care taken to create an enduring heirloom. Defined by the intersection of strength, minimalism and innovative technology, Brace’s design encompasses simplicity of form and function by appealing to a sense of timelessness while maintaining a soft edge. Wood veneer and laminate top options provide a range of price points and unique aesthetic options for this beautifully designed collection.
Brace illustrates a commitment to sustainable harvesting practices and craftsmanship. When designing this table collection, jehs+laub began by reflecting upon the honesty and authenticity of the materials from which it is made. Available in solid oak or walnut, each table begins as a single-sourced trunk consciously chosen at the end of its lifecycle. Trees up to a hundred years old are selected within European forests and are aptly granted new life with this product. As the timber is harvested, two saplings are planted to continue the legacy of their predecessor. Once the logs are processed, great care is taken to guarantee that any unusable elements of the trunk are used in a purposeful manner to ensure a zero-waste harvest. The cut lumber is stacked in the exact formation of the original tree and air-dried. Every board is carefully monitored for two years until each piece achieves the perfect moisture equilibrium needed for Brace’s construction. After this extensive curing process, Swiss craftsmen select their material from a single tree and individually configure the timber to provide the basis for each piece of furniture. To create Brace’s unique solid wood leg design, jehs+laub explored many manufacturing processes and eventually chose to utilize steam bending, a traditional process dating back to the 1800s. Once constructed, Brace is then finished with either clear lacquer or linseed oil, which allows the true beauty and depth of the wood to be realized.
Markus Jehs and Jürgen Laub met each other during their academic studies of industrial design in Germany and became friends after an internship in New York in 1990. Shortly after they graduated, they set up their studio, jehs+laub, in 1994. From that time on, they started to design furniture and lamps for Italian companies, such as Cassina, Ycami and Nemo. They soon expanded their collaboration with brands like Fritz Hansen, Knoll International, Renz, Stelton, Schönbuch, Cor and Wilkhahn. Davis Furniture began its long-standing collaboration with jehs+laub in 2009, and since that time, the designers have created multiple award-winning collections, including the Ginkgo family, A-Collection, Poise Occasional tables, Sachet, Reed and Hue, to name a few.
Over the last decade, Davis has developed a line of solid wood furniture for the American contract market. When choosing partnerships and designs to introduce, Davis wanted to uphold the highest aesthetic standards while also respecting and valuing this beautiful natural resource. Davis and our partners stand for the dedicated processing of this honest, attractive material through mutual admiration and respect for solid wood.
Brace joins the solid wood offering of Davis Furniture, which boasts extensive options in conference tables, credenzas and even seating. In addition to the natural beauty of the material, solid wood construction has advantages far beyond its aesthetics. This handcrafted, heirloom furniture is constructed with the highest-quality materials and created to last generation after generation. Because solid wood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, there is significantly more value to each piece through an extended lifecycle and a lower environmental impact. Even at the end of the furniture’s lifespan, solid wood can be reclaimed for numerous applications. Other non-wooden elements are crafted in solid aluminum or solid steel parts, which can also be recycled.