Paul has sent me a rendered image. So cool!

Now with approximate inlay:

The latest from Paul. Getting there.

Discussed with Terry. He made a few practical suggestions about how to make the table structurally strong.

Sent an email to Brod from Garde Timber (www.gardetimber.com.au) inquiring about QLD Maple slabs.

or even like that:

Really getting to like it:

Please note that the space between the supporting rails is now filled:

Now I have a feeling that the legs could benefit from an extra horizontal line, a divider. Or two.

Will need to see whether the new element should be an insert or really a groove, exposing the inner 'dark matter'.

Back to Paul...

The latest update from Paul:

Better. But still needs more work. I want to try something like:

This is what I've received from Paul this morning:

Looks much better. I can now see a few spots where it is 'peasant'-looking. Will need to change. To something like that:

Asked Paul to change the model.

Played with the model a bit more. Became rather clear that a flat shape of the top part does not work.
Should be something less straightforward. Like this:

Asked Paul to change the model. Let's wait and see.

Paul is a professional 3D designer. He lives and works in Moscow for the company which developed the most advanced industrial 3D modelling software - T-Flex (www.tflex.com).
It takes Paul very little time to create a sophisticated parameterized model which can be later re-sized and re-shaped to my liking.

This is Paul:

After spending an hour playing with the model:

I know it is not very impressive yet. And it is not meant to be (yet). This is just the beginning.

A visit to Specialty Wood Veneer Panels shop

Visited the shop. See more on this page.

The more I look at the drawings, the more I'm inclined to make the middle section thick, really thick.
Like that:

And add a bit of curve to the front face of the middle section:

Colors.
I'm considering using two dominant colors - dark brown and warm light color. The inlay will be a combination of very dark brown and the whitest possible timber I can find.
See samples and sketches in the "thinking about colors" page.

The new dining table project.
A large (8 seater? 10 seater?) dining table, combining a mixture of traditional and contemporary elements.
Timber, glass, timber inlay.

The main creative trigger for the new design was this photo of a panel, taken by Lara somewhere in Istanbul:

When I saw it I immediately thought of using it as a table top inlay. A snapshot of my initial thoughts can be viewed in the "Preliminary Conceptual Sketches" page. Feel free to post any comments, questions and suggestions.