Gold Furniture Design · 2025
Tura Table
by Mai Wahdan
- A' Design Award 2025 Gold Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Luxentti
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 216,988
- Verification code 3F33D38152 · Verify this award
About Tura Table
The Tura Table draws inspiration from the pyramids, built from Tura stone, a symbol of resilience and history. This influence shaped its name and design, merging ancient and modern aesthetics. It features three stone-like bases, crafted from fiberglass to replicate stone's texture while reducing weight. A seamless glass surface, secured with silicone bonding, contrasts with the rugged texture below. The stones provide stability, while the glass adds lightness and functionality. This fusion of history and contemporary craftsmanship makes the Tura Table a timeless statement piece.
Mai Wahdan's Tura Table emerges from a contemporary design discourse that celebrates the dialogue between geological time and human-scaled function, positioning raw natural materials within refined domestic contexts through deliberate juxtaposition rather than seamless integration, an approach that recalls both mid-century explorations of material authenticity and current movements toward biophilic design principles that seek to reconnect interior environments with the textures and rhythms of the natural world. The work demonstrates considerable technical sophistication in its apparent simplicity, the travertine bases requiring careful selection for structural integrity while celebrating rather than concealing the characteristically porous surface that distinguishes this sedimentary stone formed through mineral precipitation in hot springs and limestone caves across deep time, each void and striation representing a moment of ancient geological process now frozen and presented as aesthetic feature rather than defect to be polished away. The glass plane achieves visual levitation through its transparency and its gently radiused corners, softening the potential severity of the material contrast while establishing a functional surface that hovers above its supports with studied nonchalance, the minimal connection points between glass and stone emphasizing the ontological distance between these fundamentally different substances while their coexistence proposes a kind of material reconciliation. Thematically, the Tura Table invites contemplation of permanence and transience, the ancient stone bases speaking to durational scales that dwarf human lifespans while the pristine glass surface suggests contemporary precision and perhaps vulnerability, together creating a meditation on how we might inhabit time through the objects we choose to live with, how material culture bridges the deep past and the present moment through thoughtful design that honors both the given qualities of natural substances and the transformative potential of human intention, inviting viewers to consider how the elemental and the refined might coexist in harmonious domestic dialogue.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This table showcases three monumental stones inspired by ancient pyramid construction, merging historical significance with modern elegance. A seamless glass surface contrasts beautifully with the rugged stone texture. The stones ensure robust stability, while the glass adds optical lightness, creating a striking visual effect. Each stone is carefully selected for its durability and aesthetic appeal, reflecting a commitment to quality and innovation while honoring timeless craftsmanship.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The Tura Table measures 850 mm x 850 mm x 450 mm (W x D x H). It features a tempered glass top securely bonded with industrial-grade silicone, supported by three precisely cut fiberglass bases that replicate the texture of natural stone while reducing weight. The materials ensure stability, durability, and ease of maintenance. Designed for both functionality and aesthetics, the table blends historical inspiration with modern craftsmanship.
- Tags
- Coffee table, modern furniture, fiberglass design, glass table, contemporary decor, lightweight table, elegant centerpiece, functional design, minimalist table, durable furniture
- Production Technology
- The table was crafted using fiberglass to replicate the texture and feel of stone while addressing weight challenges. This material ensures durability, stability, and easy maintenance. Precision molding techniques shaped the sturdy base, supporting the sleek glass top. The combination enhances functionality and aesthetics, making it a striking yet practical piece.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was replicating the texture and solidity of stone while reducing weight for better usability. Extensive material research led to using fiberglass, mimicking stone’s aesthetics while ensuring durability. The glass top is secured with silicone, providing a seamless, sturdy bond. This innovative approach enhances stability, functionality, and modern integration.
- Project Duration
- The project commenced in May 2024 and the design was completed in August 2024. Currently, the table is being manufactured in Cairo, Egypt.
- Operation Flow
- The table seamlessly blends function and style, perfect for relaxed settings. Sturdy stone bases ensure stability, supporting a sleek glass top that’s easy to clean. Smooth edges enhance safety, making daily use comfortable. Ideal for gatherings, it invites conversation while offering space for drinks, books, or décor. A striking centerpiece, it elevates any space.
- Research
- The design explores the balance between aesthetics and functionality, addressing the challenge of heavy stone tables by utilizing fiberglass. Extensive research focused on material innovation to replicate the texture and stability of stone while ensuring lightweight practicality. The result is a sleek, durable, and versatile table that enhances modern living spaces.
- Inspiration
- This table draws inspiration from the strength and grandeur of the pyramids, built using Tura stone, a symbol of resilience and history. This connection influenced both its name and design concept. By merging ancient materials with modern elements, the table embodies a dialogue between past and present. Extensive research into limestone durability and glass technology guided material selection, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic harmony.
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Design Interview about Tura Table
The Tura Table was inspired by the limestone used in ancient Egyptian pyramids—specifically the Tura stone. The principle was to capture the monumentality and symbolism of this material while translating it into a modern, lightweight, and functional design.
My focus was to create a piece that evokes cultural memory while functioning effortlessly in contemporary interiors. I wanted to achieve harmony between form, materiality, and emotion—blending ancient presence with modern lightness.
We plan to exhibit the Tura Table in major design events, including Milan Design Week. I also aim to explore limited-edition releases and potential collaborations with galleries and luxury interior brands to expand its reach.
The entire process took approximately 10 months, from concept development and research to prototyping, refinement, and final production.
This design was self-initiated, born from a personal inspiration to reimagine ancient materials in a modern, sculptural form. It was a creative pursuit driven by passion, not a commissioned project.
The Tura Table is produced in-house under my design brand, and we are open to future licensing opportunities with select partners who align with the concept and quality expectations.
As both an architect and interior designer, I often felt the need for furniture that speaks a spatial language. The Tura Table bridges furniture and sculpture—it was a natural evolution of my desire to create meaningful centerpieces for interiors.
While the core inspiration was historical, I’ve long admired the sculptural approach of designers like Thomas Heatherwick, who balance storytelling with bold materiality. His work encouraged me to explore emotional form beyond function.
Discerning clients who appreciate cultural depth, sculptural aesthetics, and bespoke design. It appeals to collectors, design-focused homeowners, and hospitality spaces seeking a standout statement piece.
Its material storytelling and visual weight contrast with its actual lightness. The fusion of ancient stone influence with contemporary production techniques gives it a strong identity and emotional depth not often found in modern tables.
The name “Tura” directly references the limestone quarries of Tura, which supplied the white casing stones for the Great Pyramids. It honors the origin of the material and the story it carries.
Initial sketches were done by hand. The final form was developed using Rhino for 3D modeling, with rendering done in V-Ray and detailed prototyping involving physical material samples and molds.
Its sculptural form that mimics heavy stone but is made from lightweight fiberglass, allowing easy integration into modern interiors without compromising its monumental presence.
I collaborated with specialized fabricators to perfect the fiberglass texture and finish. Their technical expertise was essential to achieving the tactile realism of stone while ensuring stability and lightness.
Technology played a crucial role—from digital modeling and simulation to fiberglass molding and precision glass bonding. Without these tools, the material expression and structural balance would not have been possible.
The research was material-focused. I conducted texture and weight comparisons, stress tests on fiberglass prototypes, and user experience studies on scale and ergonomics. The goal was to ensure both usability and longevity.
The biggest challenge was achieving the tactile authenticity of stone in a lightweight material. There were also technical hurdles in bonding the glass securely while maintaining visual lightness and overall balance.
My husband, who is also an architect and has already won several awards at the A’ Design Award, encouraged me to submit. His support and experience gave me the confidence to share my work on an international platform. It felt like the right moment to present a piece that reflected both my personal voice and cultural inspiration.
I deepened my understanding of fiberglass fabrication and learned to embrace bold, sculptural gestures in furniture. It also reaffirmed the value of storytelling in design and the power of blending heritage with innovation.
Design is not just about creating objects—it’s about leaving a trace of meaning. With the Tura Table, I wanted to create something that feels both ancient and alive, something that connects people not only with function but with legacy.
Grand Interview about Tura Table
The inspiration for the Tura Table began with a deep admiration for ancient Egyptian architecture—specifically the enduring symbolism and precision of the pyramids. I was particularly drawn to the Tura limestone, once used to clad the Great Pyramid, for its refined texture and cultural significance. I sought to honor this material’s legacy through a modern lens, focusing on expressive forms and structural clarity. The pyramid’s stable triangular base became a guiding principle. The three sculptural bases of the table echo this geometry, celebrating balance, permanence, and simplicity in form.
This interplay between visual weight and transparency was a conscious attempt to create a table that feels grounded yet elevated. The sculptural bases, with their stone-like appearance, suggest mass and history. In contrast, the crystal-clear glass top hovers above them, introducing lightness and air. This juxtaposition reflects how we often experience culture and time—anchored by heritage but always looking forward. I was fascinated by how opposites could coexist in one form: solid yet floating, ancient yet modern. It’s a silent conversation between permanence and impermanence, designed to evoke emotion and curiosity within any space.
Sustainability was at the heart of this project from the beginning. I wanted to replicate the appearance and texture of Tura limestone without the environmental impact of quarrying or transporting heavy stone. Fiberglass allowed for that expression while significantly reducing weight and material consumption. It also minimized the carbon footprint associated with production and logistics. Furthermore, the durable nature of fiberglass ensures longevity, making the Tura Table a lasting piece rather than a disposable item. This aligns with my philosophy of conscious design—creating meaningful, lasting objects that honor the past while being responsible toward the future.
One of the main challenges was to find a bonding solution that would be both structurally sound and visually discreet. We tested several adhesives, but most either left visible marks or interfered with the clarity of the glass. Eventually, we selected a transparent, UV-resistant silicone with high bonding strength and flexibility. The real difficulty was in the assembly: aligning three independent sculptural bases so that they connected perfectly with the glass without introducing stress or imbalance. We developed a customized jig system during prototyping that allowed for millimeter-precise positioning. This ensured both the seamless visual integration and the long-term structural reliability of the table.
Ancient Egyptian design principles were deeply rooted in harmony and proportion, often tied to human scale and cosmic order. I wanted the Tura Table to echo that intentionality. The 850mm square footprint provides a visual stability and allows the bases to be spaced in a balanced triangular formation. The 450mm height was chosen for comfort, aligning with contemporary furniture ergonomics while maintaining a low, grounded presence—similar to ancient stone plinths. These measurements also allow the table to function flexibly in various interiors, from residential to gallery-like spaces. They were not arbitrary, but carefully refined through iterative models and proportional studies that tied back to both ancient logic and modern use.
Winning the Golden A’ Design Award confirmed for me that exploring cultural narratives through new material applications has a place in contemporary design. With the Tura Table, I intentionally stepped away from conventional materials and instead focused on material storytelling. By shaping fiberglass into monolithic forms and using bonding techniques that blur visual seams, I was able to create a piece that challenges expectations—both in texture and assembly. The goal was not just aesthetic but experiential: to make a table that speaks to memory, emotion, and form. I believe this layered approach—where every detail serves both function and story—is how we expand the future of design.
Nature has always played a pivotal role in how I interpret form. The Tura Table’s bases are not rigid geometric prisms; they’re subtly organic, echoing the way stone erodes over time. This wasn’t accidental. I wanted the table to feel sculpted by nature as much as by human hand. My design philosophy is about finding softness in structure—integrating organic elements into modern living spaces to create emotional warmth. In a time when technology dominates our environments, tactile, grounded forms offer balance. The Tura Table is part of my broader vision to reconnect design with nature—not just visually, but emotionally and spatially.
The three-point system was chosen for its inherent stability—three points always define a plane, regardless of surface irregularity. This was critical to ensure the table’s balance. However, creating that engineering reliability while maintaining a floating, sculptural quality required detailed analysis. Each base had to be angled precisely to share the load and prevent tipping, especially under uneven pressure. We conducted both digital simulations and physical stress tests to validate the geometry. The result is a structure that feels light and almost effortless, but is, in fact, the outcome of rigorous engineering and careful calibration.
Luxentti is rooted in the belief that design should reflect both where we come from and where we’re going. The Tura Table embodies that mission by transforming a culturally significant material—Tura limestone—into a new form that suits modern life. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about embedding identity, memory, and place into design. At Luxentti, we constantly seek to merge cultural storytelling with refined craftsmanship and innovative processes. This table is a statement of that blend. It proves that cultural design can be subtle, sophisticated, and globally resonant—all while staying deeply personal.
The Tura Table has become a design benchmark for how I approach future work. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of narrative design—where each piece carries meaning beyond function. Moving forward, I intend to expand this language into a full collection that explores regional materials and forms with the same sculptural sensibility. I’m currently researching other historic textures and cultural symbols that can be reinterpreted through modern techniques. The success of Tura also encourages me to invest more in material experimentation—finding new ways to bring lightness, tactility, and identity into every piece. It’s the beginning of a story that’s still unfolding.