Folding into possibilities with HOWE’s office surfaces

The way we work today is at the most fluid and flexible it’s ever been – and the parameters of hybrid work are constantly expanding beyond our expectations. A space in flux is a challenging one to design for, which is why the workspace furniture of today must be able to effortlessly shift to encompass all kinds of speeds, styles and philosophies – even within a single room, within a single day.

Tables have been subject to increasing flexibility since the early 20th-century, when US-founded manufacturer HOWE established its specialism in multi-functional folding tables in 1928. From convenient snack tables and card tables, to space-saving sewing tables and folding cribs, HOWE’s folding surfaces embraced increasingly ‘modern’ living.

Now nearly 100 years later, HOWE has refined its focus to adaptive office furniture that blends technology, design and sustainability. Its latest release is Folding Surfaces, a series of mobile, double-folding workbenches with integrated power options. It offers a broad, sturdy space for diverse styles of work, which can then be smoothly folded and nested when not in use.

Contrary to what one may expect from a folding table, Folding Surfaces has a very sleek, minimalist design that is aesthetically versatile when both open and closed. Designed in collaboration with Jones & Partners, it has a central 100% recyclable steel frame with options for FSC® certified wood table tops. HOWE brought expert engineering to the design with the intuitive double-folding mechanism, with four castors and brakes. ‘To allow nomadic workers a flexible work environment we have conceptualised a product where the user can fold down a surface where needed,’ highlights designer Craig Jones from Jones & Partners.

‘Folding Surfaces redefines workspace dynamics by allowing users to transform any environment into a productive area instantly,’ says the product development team at HOWE. ‘It addresses today’s need for versatile, mobile and multifunctional furniture for various settings – ideally specified for the corporate sector, shared co-working spaces, the education sector and public buildings such as libraries and auditoriums.’

In these kinds of settings, work is often changing, yet one constant often remains true, the requirement for powering digital work. This is why plugs and USB ports, as well as portable batteries, can be integrated into the table, with additional options for extra power on demand through mobile power units designed to complement the table. Not only are workspaces kept clear and free of wires, the desks can be set up in places where power is not immediately available. Employers can liberate themselves from expensive power floor tanks, break free from wall sockets and embrace super flexible set ups. In addition, the table is also available without electrification, providing greater mobility and spacious, distraction-free work surfaces.

For businesses that are growing, shifting and staying agile, there should be no compromising on the quality of desk space available for workers and their productivity. Nor the activities that can be carried out. With up to 3.84 sqm usable space and seating up to twelve people, Folding Surfaces’ largest size (2400 x 1600 mm) is one of the largest available on the market with these mobile and electric qualities.

‘Its versatility extends to creating meeting spaces for events, training sessions, team working, hybrid tech workspaces, focus groups and single occupancy. It can serve as an open space workbench, mobile project desk, mobile hot-desk, multifunctional bench or space elasticity desk for high peak times. This makes it particularly valuable in highly mobile offices and environments with fluctuating occupancy due to hybrid work models,’ explains the product development team at HOWE.

As well as mobility and flexibility throughout the days and weeks, Folding Surfaces also considers the necessity of durability for the future. Aligned with HOWE’s approach to sustainability, the tables are designed for disassembly so parts can be easily replaced, whether they need to be repaired to extend the life of the product or recycled.

Its innovative design and impact have been recognised with the Best of NeoCon Business Impact Award, which honours exceptional product solutions that enhance business operations. Evaluated by a distinguished panel of journalists and industry experts from publications such as Fast Company, Forbes and The Economist, Folding Surfaces stood out for its outstanding design, adaptability and contribution to productivity. This recognition underscores its ability to facilitate seamless transitions – a core principle in its design thinking. By equipping workspaces with the freedom to adapt and evolve, Folding Surfaces responds to the ever-changing needs of businesses, work environments and modern work dynamics. ‘Traditional fixed furniture does not cater to the dynamic needs of modern work environments,’ says the team at HOWE. ‘Folding Surfaces is designed to meet these challenges head-on.’

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