Chamber Desk is a minimal desk created by Cologne-based designer Carsten in der Elst. The German designer has built his practice on the principles of his Heavy Duty project, emphasizing the raw essence of materials and production processes. His approach involves making the manufacturing process visible in the final product, a deliberate choice to highlight the origins of each piece. Over the past four years, his focus on furniture design has involved rigorous experimentation and hands-on labor, with a strong commitment to documenting each step of his explorations. This method reflects an appreciation for both the materials and the techniques used to shape them.
By staying closely connected to the origins and processes behind each object, in der Elst aims to create pieces that carry their own narrative. One of his recent projects involves desks made from a double-walled composite panel consisting of thin MDF surfaces reinforced with a grid structure, known for its high flexural strength. These lightweight panels are ideal for office environments, and their single-material design pushes the boundaries of what this material can achieve. The result is a dismountable desk that challenges conventional construction methods, demonstrating both functionality and an underlying story rooted in its production.
