RIFT Coffee Table
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting
Company Name:Vitalli.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Ryan Olivier
Manufacturer Name:Vitalli.
Distributors Name:Vitalli.
Photo Credit:Vitalli. + Nina Lieska
Project Location:South Africa
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Product Description:
A striking interplay between form and void, the RIFT Coffee Table echoes the seismic forces of geological fractures and the tension between monolithic apertures. The design explores the moment where mass ruptures as two sculptural forms pull apart, revealing a metallic blade spanning the void. This element draws inspiration from the interaction between rock and water, where erosion carves pathways through stone and creates dramatic separations. The metallic plane acts as a dynamic connection between the masses. Its patinated surface catches and shifts light, echoing the fluid nature of water. The timber volumes are sculpted to reference fractured geological formations, capturing light and shadow while expressing the natural grain of the material and reinforcing the connection between craft and terrain. Proportions are carefully calibrated to provide a generous functional surface while maintaining ergonomic accessibility and sculptural presence. Each table is handcrafted by South African artisans using locally sourced materials, supporting a broader ecosystem of skilled makers. More than a coffee table, RIFT is a sculptural design heirloom, embodying the enduring power of craft.
A striking interplay between form and void, the RIFT Coffee Table echoes the seismic forces of geological fractures and the tension between monolithic apertures. The design explores the moment where mass ruptures as two sculptural forms pull apart, revealing a metallic blade spanning the void. This element draws inspiration from the interaction between rock and water, where erosion carves pathways through stone and creates dramatic separations. The metallic plane acts as a dynamic connection between the masses. Its patinated surface catches and shifts light, echoing the fluid nature of water. The timber volumes are sculpted to reference fractured geological formations, capturing light and shadow while expressing the natural grain of the material and reinforcing the connection between craft and terrain. Proportions are carefully calibrated to provide a generous functional surface while maintaining ergonomic accessibility and sculptural presence. Each table is handcrafted by South African artisans using locally sourced materials, supporting a broader ecosystem of skilled makers. More than a coffee table, RIFT is a sculptural design heirloom, embodying the enduring power of craft.
Product Innovation / Specification:
The piece consists of two sculpted ash timber volumes separated by a planar blade of patinated brass that occupies the rupture between them. This metallic element acts as both structural connector and visual datum, stabilising the composition while emphasising the deliberate separation within the form. The ash timber blocks are geometric and monolithic, establishing a grounded architectural presence. Their faceted surfaces reference fractured geological formations, capturing shifting light and shadow while allowing the natural grain to remain visible through the mocha stain. The finish introduces a terrain like quality that reinforces the geological narrative of the piece. Running between the two volumes, the patinated brass blade introduces a dynamic linear element that dissects the composition. Its fluid patina reflects the liquid nature of water, creating a contrast to the grounded solidity of the timber masses. Together these elements establish a dialogue between mass, rupture and connection. This tension between grounded mass and fluid metallic movement reinforces the narrative of fracture, erosion and natural forces that inspired the design.
The piece consists of two sculpted ash timber volumes separated by a planar blade of patinated brass that occupies the rupture between them. This metallic element acts as both structural connector and visual datum, stabilising the composition while emphasising the deliberate separation within the form. The ash timber blocks are geometric and monolithic, establishing a grounded architectural presence. Their faceted surfaces reference fractured geological formations, capturing shifting light and shadow while allowing the natural grain to remain visible through the mocha stain. The finish introduces a terrain like quality that reinforces the geological narrative of the piece. Running between the two volumes, the patinated brass blade introduces a dynamic linear element that dissects the composition. Its fluid patina reflects the liquid nature of water, creating a contrast to the grounded solidity of the timber masses. Together these elements establish a dialogue between mass, rupture and connection. This tension between grounded mass and fluid metallic movement reinforces the narrative of fracture, erosion and natural forces that inspired the design.
Product Sustainability Approach:
The piece is produced through a craft driven fabrication process that supports skilled South African artisans and specialised making techniques. Each table is handcrafted using locally sourced materials, contributing to a regional ecosystem of makers and encouraging a slower, more intentional approach to production. The design is conceived as a collectible heirloom, intended to stand the test of time and be passed down through generations, rejecting modern consumerism and throwaway culture. Ash timber forms the primary mass of the piece, finished in a mocha stain that enhances the natural grain and introduces a terrain like character, paying homage to its tectonic muse. A dynamic blade of patinated brass runs through the centre, its surface and form echoing the fluid motion of water. The design embraces the natural ageing of materials. Over time the timber and brass develop a patina that records the life of the object, allowing each table to acquire its own distinct character through use. By prioritising longevity, material integrity and skilled craftsmanship, the piece is conceived as a lasting object intended to move through generations of ownership.
The piece is produced through a craft driven fabrication process that supports skilled South African artisans and specialised making techniques. Each table is handcrafted using locally sourced materials, contributing to a regional ecosystem of makers and encouraging a slower, more intentional approach to production. The design is conceived as a collectible heirloom, intended to stand the test of time and be passed down through generations, rejecting modern consumerism and throwaway culture. Ash timber forms the primary mass of the piece, finished in a mocha stain that enhances the natural grain and introduces a terrain like character, paying homage to its tectonic muse. A dynamic blade of patinated brass runs through the centre, its surface and form echoing the fluid motion of water. The design embraces the natural ageing of materials. Over time the timber and brass develop a patina that records the life of the object, allowing each table to acquire its own distinct character through use. By prioritising longevity, material integrity and skilled craftsmanship, the piece is conceived as a lasting object intended to move through generations of ownership.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
The piece is produced through a network of South African artisans specialising in timber fabrication and metalwork. The ash timber is sourced through responsible regional supply chains, while the brass elements are fabricated within local production workshops. Using regionally available materials reduces reliance on international transportation. The craft driven fabrication process encourages a slower, more intentional mode of production, supporting local economies, preserving specialised making knowledge within the community and contributing to the international visibility of contemporary South African collectible design.
The piece is produced through a network of South African artisans specialising in timber fabrication and metalwork. The ash timber is sourced through responsible regional supply chains, while the brass elements are fabricated within local production workshops. Using regionally available materials reduces reliance on international transportation. The craft driven fabrication process encourages a slower, more intentional mode of production, supporting local economies, preserving specialised making knowledge within the community and contributing to the international visibility of contemporary South African collectible design.
Company Name:Vitalli.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Ryan Olivier
Profile Description:
Vitalli. is a collectible design brand which speaks to the raw, unfiltered beauty in imperfection - where precision meets intuition, and form follows feeling. Vitalli. fosters a dialogue between presence, absence, permanence and change - designed to be lived with & evolve over time. Each moment is meticulously crafted, with passion, precision and an uncompromising attention to detail – for those with an eye for the exceptional.
Vitalli. is a collectible design brand which speaks to the raw, unfiltered beauty in imperfection - where precision meets intuition, and form follows feeling. Vitalli. fosters a dialogue between presence, absence, permanence and change - designed to be lived with & evolve over time. Each moment is meticulously crafted, with passion, precision and an uncompromising attention to detail – for those with an eye for the exceptional.
Previous Awards Won:
Member of Scape 100 2026 Winner of Scape Masterpiece of the Year Shortlisted for Scape Maker of the Year Winner of Cape Town Furniture Week Best in Show
Member of Scape 100 2026 Winner of Scape Masterpiece of the Year Shortlisted for Scape Maker of the Year Winner of Cape Town Furniture Week Best in Show
