Introducing Patch, an extendable dining table that melds minimalist form with a user-friendly design.

Determined to create a table that would suit a modern family's myriad needs, designer Hee Welling made multiple prototypes before he was satisfied. The result was Patch, an extendable dining table that employs a butterfly extension technique to provide seating for more people.

The Danish concept of 'umage' inspired Welling throughout the design process. Translating as “making a bit more effort,” this mindset meant that every aspect of Patch's design was considered to provide optimal practicality.

The minimalism of the table's wooden base and smooth laminate tabletop is offset by a highly functional design. Patch comes as a knock-down so that it can be easily assembled within a few minutes. Once constructed, it is firmly held together by small metal fittings on each leg that locks the table together. In addition to providing stability, these metal patches offer a subtle contrast of materials against the table's solid wooden frame. A further point of interest is added by the drop-shaped curve of the legs, which, despite their slimness, boast hidden depth to increase their strength and stability.

"Often when you have these types of table there's a lot of compromise during development," Welling notes. "But I really made a lot of effort to do things as well as possible."

Raised in the Danish countryside, Welling's lifelong appreciation for the outdoors can be seen in his fondness for natural materials. This translates to all aspects of his creations, resulting in a simple and honest minimalism that brings a striking visual identity to his pieces. In addition to being exhibited at fairs and museums worldwide, his products can be found in a diverse array of interiors, from the Oslo Opera House to Australia's parliament.