MACH Architects Beijing's Cat-Shaped Timber Bench Reimagines Potter's Wedging Stand

MACH Architects, based in Beijing, has created 'The Stretching Cat Bench,' a unique furniture piece that reimagines the classic potter's wedging stand. Its forward-leaning slope, which is typically used for clay wedging, mimics the posture of a stretching cat, embodying this feline shape in its design. Made from 24mm timber panels, the bench strikes a balance between modern aesthetics and ease of mass production. It features traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery for durability, a functional drawer in its 'belly,' and a rotating head that serves as a mechanical lock. The designers adjusted the width and incline to enhance ergonomic comfort. This project was submitted to designboom's DIY submissions, with editing by Christina Vergopoulou.