From Farm to Table

naco's secret to living

The Ingredients Table

From Farm to Table

Imagine walking into a dining space where the table itself tells a story—one that begins in the rugged landscapes of Victoria and winds its way to your plate. This is the essence of the Ingredients Table, a stunning centerpiece that embodies the farm-to-table philosophy through the medium of art and design.

A Celebration of Local Produce and Craftsmanship

The Ingredients Table is more than just a dining surface; it's a curated exhibition of Victoria's rich natural resources and the skilled craftsmanship that brings them to life. Designed to reflect the bounty of local produce, the table guides the diner's gaze along its intricate features—dimples, divots, and a meandering "river"—each housing the raw ingredients featured in that evening's menu. This is a table that invites you not just to eat, but to experience the journey of food from the farm to your plate.

The Beauty of Messmate Timber

At the heart of this project is the beautiful Eucalyptus obliqua, commonly known as Messmate timber. This species, native to South Eastern Australia, is celebrated for its durability and density. The Messmate used for the Ingredients Table has a particularly unique backstory. Rescued from a site in Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula that was slated for development, these massive timber slabs were salvaged by the passionate team at The Wood Project, who saw potential in what others might have discarded as waste.

The table’s live edge, where the natural contour of the tree is preserved, showcases the raw beauty of the Messmate timber. It’s a reminder of the tree’s origin and the environmental stewardship involved in giving it a second life.

The design process for the Ingredients Table was as meticulous as it was creative. The natural forms and features of the timber were mapped out using an age-old technique—charcoal rubbings on parchment—resulting in a life-sized black-and-white depiction that served as the blueprint. The final design, with its dimples, divots, and flowing lines, was loosely inspired by the snake motifs found in native Australian Aboriginal art. This cultural nod adds depth to the piece, connecting it not only to the land but also to the indigenous heritage of the region.

Adding to the table’s organic feel are three circular cutouts, intended to house living plants. This feature further strengthens the farm-to-table analogy, allowing the table to grow and evolve, much like the produce it celebrates.

from farm to table

CNC Milling Process

Crafting the Ingredients Table: A Labor of Love

Creating this masterpiece was no small feat. The CNC milling process, led by Chris Branchflower and his team at Branchflowers CNC Routing & Design, required the massive 4-meter-long timber slab to be turned midway through the process due to its sheer size. The density of the hardwood posed additional challenges, requiring countless hours of careful milling to achieve the smoothest possible finish.

The bespoke cabinetry that supports the table was crafted by NACO Design, a local firm with a 25-year history of making hardwood furniture for Melbourne homes. The design features hardwood battens—a deliberate choice that echoes the way timber slabs are stacked to dry in open-air yards before being kiln-dried. High-end BLUM hardware ensures that despite the table’s heft, its operation remains feather-light and functional.

A Collaborative Effort

The creation of the Ingredients Table was a collaborative effort involving some of the best talents in the region. From the initial design by Mond Qu and Sebastian Funke Kupper to the engineering oversight, artist renderings by Sonny Do, and the meticulous project management by UnitedMake, every aspect of the project was handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Suppliers like The Wood Project and Timberwood Panels provided the raw materials, while NACO Design and Branchflowers CNC Routing & Design turned those materials into the work of art that is the Ingredients Table. Even the hardware was carefully selected, with BLUM hardware supplied by Lincoln Sentry ensuring that every element of the table not only looks good but functions perfectly.

A Living Tribute

The Ingredients Table is more than just furniture; it's a living tribute to the land, the people, and the culture of Victoria. It’s a piece that invites diners to pause and consider the journey of their food, from the earth to their plates. In every divot, in every grain of the timber, there’s a story waiting to be told—a story of nature’s bounty, human ingenuity, and the timeless beauty of wood.

So, the next time you sit down to dine, take a moment to appreciate the table beneath your plate. If it’s anything like the Ingredients Table, it’s not just holding your food; it’s holding a story, one that’s rich with the flavors of Victoria’s past, present, and future.