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Twisted Cabinet: a Signature Design Developed on Spindle Sander
By Bill Esler
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The simple elegance of this piece defies its extraordinary complexity of construction which has given us one of our greatest technological challenges yet. The design concept came about when, as a student, Thomas Heatherwick spent time experimentally carving wood on a bobbin sander. Using the rigorous geometry of straight lines, this tool is able to create forms with twisted surfaces. Four of these twisted pieces were combined, forming intriguing doors: when they are opened halfway, the bottoms of the doors look as if they are nearly open, while the tops still look almost closed. The Twisted Cabinet is offered in oiled oak.

Photo By Benchmark Furniture

Click on the image to open
The simple elegance of this piece defies its extraordinary complexity of construction which has given us one of our greatest technological challenges yet. The design concept came about when, as a student, Thomas Heatherwick spent time experimentally carving wood on a bobbin sander. Using the rigorous geometry of straight lines, this tool is able to create forms with twisted surfaces. Four of these twisted pieces were combined, forming intriguing doors: when they are opened halfway, the bottoms of the doors look as if they are nearly open, while the tops still look almost closed. The Twisted Cabinet is offered in oiled oak.

Photo By Benchmark Furniture

Click on the image to open
The simple elegance of this piece defies its extraordinary complexity of construction which has given us one of our greatest technological challenges yet. The design concept came about when, as a student, Thomas Heatherwick spent time experimentally carving wood on a bobbin sander. Using the rigorous geometry of straight lines, this tool is able to create forms with twisted surfaces. Four of these twisted pieces were combined, forming intriguing doors: when they are opened halfway, the bottoms of the doors look as if they are nearly open, while the tops still look almost closed. The Twisted Cabinet is offered in oiled oak.
Click on the image to open
The simple elegance of this piece defies its extraordinary complexity of construction which has given us one of our greatest technological challenges yet. The design concept came about when, as a student, Thomas Heatherwick spent time experimentally carving wood on a bobbin sander. Using the rigorous geometry of straight lines, this tool is able to create forms with twisted surfaces. Four of these twisted pieces were combined, forming intriguing doors: when they are opened halfway, the bottoms of the doors look as if they are nearly open, while the tops still look almost closed. The Twisted Cabinet is offered in oiled oak.

Architect and designer Thomas Heatherwick established Heatherwick Studio in 1994. It is recognized globally for its work in architecture, urban infrastructure, sculpture, design and strategic thinking. 

When he was a student, Heatherwick spent time experimentally shaping wood on a bobbin sander (a spindle sander in the U.S.). 

"Using the rigorous geometry of straight lines, he was able to create forms with twisted surfaces. Four of these twisted pieces were combined, forming a cabinet with schizophrenic doors: when they are opened halfway, the bottoms of the doors look as if they are nearly open, while the tops still look almost closed," notes Heatherwick Studios. 

Heatherwick made this first original oak cabinet by hand. The complex piece is now produced and marketed by Benchmark Furniture, priced at £4,000, about $6,000 U.S>

Thomas Heatherwick is founder of the Heatherwick Studio and considered to be one of Britain's most gifted  and imaginative designers. He is well known for many high profile national projects such as the Olympic Cauldron and the New Bus for London and was awarded a CBE in 2013 for his services to the design industry.

Today the Heatherwick Studio team of 170, including architects, designers and makers, work from a combined studio and workshop in Kings Cross, London. At the heart of the studio’s work is a profound commitment to finding innovative design solutions, with a dedication to artistic thinking and the latent potential of materials and craftsmanship. This is achieved through a working methodology of collaborative rational inquiry, undertaken in a spirit of curiosity and experimentation.

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.

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