In the spring of 2019, Elijah was approached by commercial developers to create a completely original line of outdoor furniture for patio spaces in the newly renovated Pentagon Park business center in Edina, MN. The project called for roughly 100 pieces of furniture, as well as five pergola structures. A site visit early on provided an opportunity for Elijah to explore the architecture of the late 1960s campus and come up with several designs that would highlight the repeating lines of concrete columns and glass.

After considering all the design elements already part of the site and the practical requirements of creating a durable commercial space, Elijah presented a series of furniture designed with laser cut steel, concrete, and thermally modified Ash. Businesslike yet energetic forms with an interesting combination of repeating lines and dynamic angles. Our pergolas would be modern steel frames with perforated aluminum sheets providing shade, and cedar legs.

The client accepted the preliminary proposal, and we moved on to develop the designs into prototypes, select colors, and put together a formal bid for the entire project. After settling on the final details, it was time to begin production. The lumber was sourced from a responsible forestry service specializing in recycling felled urban hardwood. The steel parts were laser cut from 1/4” steel plate and welded. We cast steel reinforced concrete tops in our own molds, and finally bolted, glued and screwed everything together.

Delivery of the full shipment of furniture was made six days ahead of the project deadline, with the Pergolas following shortly after. They were set up as specified by the landscape architect and fixed to the concrete slabs via anti-theft wire leashes. All necessary permitting was completed and inspections were scheduled by Elijah to verify with the city of Edina that the Pergolas met code. One of the most unique pieces we delivered was the community table, an 18ft monstrosity supported through its span by a 10” I-beam. Each of the spaces we got to create now draws coworkers together and into unique outdoor settings for breaks, meetings, and events. Our furniture provides flexibility, comfort, and is built to withstand the elements for many years to come.