Blevio

Overview

Blevio is a table by Ignazio Gardella, conceived in 1930 for the architect's own villa on Lake Como and now part of Molteni&C's Heritage Collection. The proportions of the original are respected and the table has been adapted to contemporary dining standards. The datasheet draws three lengths, 240, 280 and 320 cm.

Image source: Molteni&C — Blevio · © Molteni&C and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Construction

The legs are medium density fibreboard panels, curved in a mould and painted, and the supports connect to the top through counter-curves that also have a stabilizing purpose. The Eclipse top is a painted medium density fibreboard panel on a metal support structure. The marble version has a perimeter profile in curved extruded aluminium around a Breccia Capraia top.

Specifications

• BT24/10, Eclipse single-material table: 240, 105 and 74 cm (axes not labelled on the drawing)
• Finishes: Eclipse (legs and top) or Breccia Capraia (top)

A table for a villa on Lake Como

Gardella designed Blevio in 1930 as a single model for his own family home, Villa Usuelli in Blevio on Lake Como, and the table now becomes collective heritage. Gardella (1905-1999) was already an established figure in Italian architecture, and his works of those years include the Vittorio Emanuele III Sanatorium in Alessandria.

Copper finish and marble top

The original copper finish was reinterpreted by Molteni&C's Research and Development team with a special metal powder varnish that maintains its lustre. The alternative is a slab of Breccia Capraia marble, whose natural veining is set within an aluminium surface.