Melancholy Coffee Table 01

Aluminum table cast from deformed polystyrene by Adelaide's SATURDAY YARD WORK

Date

October 13, 2025

SATURDAY YARD WORK produced an aluminum coffee table measuring 900x600x400mm in Adelaide, Australia. The studio uses polystyrene deformation as the starting point, applying paint to create textures and shapes that become molds for aluminum casting.

The process begins with polystyrene forms that warp and bubble when painted. These deformed surfaces create the negative space for casting. When aluminum fills these molds, it captures every texture and irregularity from the polystyrene. The translation from lightweight foam to heavy metal preserves gestural marks while changing the material's weight and permanence. Random variations occur throughout, making each casting unique.

Surface treatments range from rough textures left by the casting process to sections polished smooth. Different areas catch and reflect light based on their finish. The aluminum shows tool marks, air bubbles, and flow patterns from the molten metal. These imperfections remain visible rather than being ground away or polished out. The table's form follows what the deformed polystyrene allowed, not a predetermined design.

The piece is part of SATURDAY YARD WORK's ongoing exploration of aluminum casting techniques. The studio focuses on single-material investigations, testing how far aluminum can be pushed expressively. This approach prioritizes process over planning, letting material behavior determine outcomes. The resulting furniture shows its making, with surface irregularities and dimensional variations that industrial production would typically eliminate.

Designer/Studio

SATURDAY YARD WORK

Nathan Martin's Adelaide studio where materials misbehave beautifully. Sculpture meets furniture through experiments that celebrate accidents, texture, and what happens when craft refuses perfection.

Photo Credits

SATURDAY YARD WORK