AKIO Steel

The "Akio" range from Girsberger is collection of multifunctional solid wood tables for the office. The tables designed by Mathias Seiler are available in oak or American walnut and although primarily conceived for use in public spaces are equally suitable for the home. The product range fulfils a desire to have more authentic materials in offices and make them more homely. There is a choice of round, oval or rounded quadratic table tops and of sitting or standing table heights, making the tables perfect as high desks or for use in a wide variety of areas including meeting rooms, team workplaces, bistros or catering spaces.

"We are bringing solid wood into the office – in its most beautiful form," says CEO Michael Girsberger, the great-grandson of the company's founder. Developing new furniture solutions that meet the desire for natural and authentic materials at work as well as at home is a logical next step for Girsberger. As a furniture maker and expert in office seating with extensive experienc e in working with solid wood, the company has designed this new range specifically to be used in areas where communication and collaboration are key. The "Akio" range of tables is available with a height of 74 cm, and the "Akio High" version is 100 cm high. Long "Akio High" tables have a metal bar along their length that provides a comfortable footrest.

"A striking design feature of all the "Akio" tables is the chromium-plated steel cross bars which give the legs more stability and thus enable larger table top formats,” comments Mathias Seiler, Head of Design and Marketing at Girsberger, on his design. "The round and oval table tops also promote communication and the choice of wood as a material creates warmth. These are characteristics that are increasingly sought after in working environments today. They make the workplace more inviting and homely."

"Akio" tables can be used in meeting rooms, bistros and business lounges, but also work as a universal desk or team workplace and can also be supplied with media technology elements. "Akio High" tables are particularly suitable for the central areas of open-plan offices, where they encourage employees to change position throughout the day, provide a focal point for casual discussions and thus have a positive effect on teamwork. This is because the users are able to converse at eye level regardless of whether they are sitting on a high stool or standing.

All the table top formats – round, oval or quadratic with rounded edges – are available in various sizes. The table legs are optionally lathe turned from the same type of wood or as "Akio Steel" with a particularly slender steel frame. Bistro and round tables with a diameter of 80 or 100 cm are also available with a white laminated top.

As well as being aesthetically appealing, the "Akio" table range also scores highly in terms of sustainability. The wood is from managed European forests and is bought and stored in Girsberger's own wood trading business according to the highest quality standards. There is no impact whatsoever on the environment during the production of this range and it is 100% recyclable.