If you’ve ever wondered what a tensegrity table is, you’re not alone—but thanks to Laurie and Mark, we now have a much clearer understanding. They brought in two of their own creations, along with a small plywood model originally purchased on eBay, which was surprisingly capable of supporting a glass jar. As we passed it around, everyone was intrigued by how the structure balanced tension and compression. With the help of construction photos and a full-sized MDF prototype, Laurie and Mark explained the challenges they faced—particularly how too much tension on crosscut timber affected stability—and how those lessons led to a refined second version.

One of the clever innovations in their updated design was the addition of small feet, which discreetly concealed adjustable turnbuckles. This allowed for precise tensioning of the wires, making the structure both more stable and easier to fine-tune. Mark also mentioned that the same principles of tensegrity can be applied to more ambitious projects—like a chair—using diagonal wires for support. It was a fascinating demonstration of engineering and creativity, and a great example of how curiosity and experimentation can lead to elegant design solutions.