Iren Freestanding Desk

Overview

Iren is a small domestic desk by Kensaku Oshiro, in a freestanding version with the top resting on a solid ash trestle base. The top slides to the right or to the left, as chosen when ordering, and the usable surface grows from 119 to 149 cm when it is fully open.

Image source: Poltrona Frau — Iren Freestanding Desk · © Poltrona Frau and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Construction

Two overlapping tops, both beech plywood with ash edging, form the desktop. The lower top is L-shaped and fixed, with a recess for small objects; the upper top is upholstered in leather or saddle leather and slides on internal guides. A matt black steel plate anchors the top to the base.

Specifications

• W 149 cm (119 cm closed), D 56 cm, H 79 cm (5661701): values printed on the drawing
• Versions: sliding to the right or to the left

Iren, a continuity between gestures

The page and the sheet explain the name: in Japanese calligraphy "iren" (意連) is an invisible but deliberate continuity between points, lines and characters. They say the desk's spirit lies in a quest for beauty and simplicity and above all in reviving a natural, harmonious action.

A small domestic workstation

According to the page, Kensaku Oshiro envisaged Iren as a small domestic workstation that adapts easily to modern lifestyles, and two overlapping surfaces slide over each other to create new work and storage spaces.