Using innovative CNC manufacturing to work maple into a culturally significant piece of bespoke furniture, the Communion table by Giles Tettey Nartey has taken the top prize in the Bespoke category at the Wood Awards 2024.

Designed to celebrate the preparation and serving of the West African staple dish fufu, which is made by pounding cassava and plantain, the communal table features an outer workstation, equipped with Womas (pestles), Woduros (mortars) and textured bowls, surrounding a central table for shared dining. Accompanying seating is inspired by both traditional Ashanti stools and typical kitchen stools found in Ghana. 

Created entirely from American maple – a valuable yet underused hardwood which is dense and durable, with a beautifully fine grain–the piece is designed to be activated through performance, exploring West African culinary traditions and rituals of domestic life. 

A combination of wood working techniques were used by furnituremakers Jan Hendzel Studio to craft the table’s components. CNC machining was used to create the intricate textural patterns that define the table’s surface – finessed with highly skilled hand finishing – and stained in black.

The Woduros  were constructed in two parts, with the lower section using alternating layers of laminated segments to create the tapered bowl shape. A staved top section made from 24 pieces allowed for the depth of the hollow form. Both sections were then independently lathe-turned and seamlessly connected with a hidden mortise and tenon joint.

“This profound piece combines innovative approaches to timber manufacture with real cultural significance,” said Sebastian Cox, lead judge of Furniture and Objects. "When the table is activated through performance, an incredible contrast is produced by witnessing such a beautifully made, high-end piece of furniture being used is such a forceful way. Brought to life by being pounded and touched, the Communion table is a powerful storytelling piece that connects history, culture and cuisine, and has made a mark on stories around colonisation.”

The Wood Awards furniture and objects panel is led by designer and maker Sebastian Cox RDI. The panel includes Caroline Till, co-founder of FranklinTill; Hugo Macdonald, critic and curator; Sophie Sellu, founder of Grain & Knot; and Johanna Agerman Ross, Conran Foundation Chief Curator at Design Museum. 

Among the furniture and product design pieces was the National Portrait Gallery Bench, made using American black walnut, which was Highly Commended at this year’s Awards.

You can find out more information about the 2024 winners by visiting the www.woodawards.com.

Learn more about Communion here, which was originally created for the Wallpaper* Class of ‘24 exhibition at the Triennale Milano in April 2024.