Play Coffee Table

This dual purpose, low table is based on an antique folding playing card table design. I have always loved the dioramas in Brio, Lego and Playmobil toy catalogs and I wanted to create something similar which could be played with. The three dimensional lake, revealed when the table is open adds real drama to the train track layouts. The train set components can also be stowed inside the table's built in storage compartment.

The shape of the lake was decided by laying out the Brio ferry, lighthouse and pontoon parts into various formations to work out how to create the perfect scene.

As a coffee table, this design works well and suits a modern interior scheme. There is another useful storage compartment ideal for keeping books, newspapers, magazines or tablet computers within easy reach. The only clue to the tables second purpose are a pair of small brass inset hinges.