Car manufacturer Bentley has released a collection of pieces for the home under its interiors arm, called Bentley Home, which includes a coffee table made with an innovative bio-material called micro-paper.
In a collaboration with Italian company Paper Factor, the table presents with a marble-like veined effect, but is actually a solid surface material made from a compound of raw paper, in what Founder Riccardo Cavaciocchi calls an “evolution of papier-mâché”.
The wet material is scientifically tested and developed in collaboration with the University of Salento. It is applied and pressed down by hand over a wooden frame and, once the drying process is complete, it is manually sanded to a smooth finish.
The coffee table, called Thames and designed by Federico Peri, features a two- or three-piece set with a design that resembles an island atoll. The middle table top has a contrasting veneered finish, while the outer tables feature the patented paper marbling effect.
In an interview with Dezeen, the Paper Factor founder said the material is combined with glues and non-toxic, water-based binders, and coloured with natural pigments. The production process largely avoids the use of heat, except for the drying stage.
Bentley Home, which is a partnership between Luxury Living Group and Bentley’s design team, describes this endeavour as one that brings the iconic design features of its cars – including well-defined lines, curves and the skilful use of wood – into living spaces.
Photos: Bentley Home
If you enjoyed this article, you might also be interested in: Six inventive furniture designs that influenced the world of interiors in 2023
