Atlas
A shapely steel leg that will hold the world on its back, affixed to bespoke steel surfaces with customizable functionality, extreme durability, heavy industrial aesthetics, and uncompromising construction.
Here we have the last and final word in durability - a line of infrastructure-grade surfaces combining industrial age design aesthetics with completely uncompromising fabrication techniques. Each Atlas piece is custom fabricated from the same A36 hot-rolled steel plate that goes into bridges and battleships across the world, with primary structures and the top surface measuring 0.250" thick. In its work desk configuration shown above and below, each leg contains over 60 feet of TIG welded joints and 23 individual pieces, taking more than 50 hours to construct a single leg, and the total weight of a completed desk is over 700 pounds. The working load limit, according to our engineering analyses, is 50 tons, although in practice we recommend restricting top loads to 20 tons or less, to avoid damage to the underlying foundation. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure sufficient floor loading capacity at the installation location.
Configuration 1 - Computer Desk
As shown below, the Atlas architecture is configured with a roller-bearing keyboard drawer and power/cabling options for use as a computer workstation, with overall dimensions of 30" w, 64"lg and 32.5" high. 110VAC outlets with USB power are located at each end along with a cable tray at the rear that allows for tidy management of necessary wiring. When configured as shown with the lower leg brace (a solid 2" steel bar connecting the rear feet), a custom made striking wrench is included to allow assembly and disassembly of the 3" nuts which secure the brace bar to the legs.
Base price: $20,000
The unit may be optioned with several types of accessories, including edge clamps and platforms for speaker or monitor mounting, and a wide array of integrated power and cable management solutions. In the case of the version shown above, a concealed power strip is located in a cable management tray in the rear, such that all the computer components may be plugged in beneath the desk top, and then the single master power cord for the desk is connected to the wall. Each piece is custom made to order, and we are happy to design and explore options and capabilities not listed here - just ask!
Configuration 2 - Atlas Coffee
Here we see the coffee table version of the Atlas line. Using half scale Atlas legs this example stands 20 inches tall with a 1/2” thick tempered glass top measuring 65” x 30”. The two legs are held together by a pair of solid 2” steel bars with accompanying hardware.
This table is an example of the “brushed” finish option.
Configuration 3 - Three Leg Executive Desk
This model takes the original Atlas 1 and expands the design to an L shaped configuration, with a third Atlas leg as an imposing focal point, front and center. The minimum size of this configuration is about 75"x75" overall, but a larger top surface is available based on customer requirements. As with Configuration 1, this model may be optioned with a single or multiple drawers, power and cable management solutions, and the same wide range of bolt-on accessories. The approximate total weight of a standard size Executive Desk is 1000lb and up.
Base price: $30,000
Configuration 4 - Conference Table
Do you find yourself wearing out flimsy granite conference tables at your corporate headquarters entirely too frequently? Markwardt Metalworks has your solution! Our same Atlas leg design is employed for our largest configuration, with the minimum size being a three leg design. As shown, the top is five feet wide and sixteen feet in length. Overall top dimensions may of course be custom specified to whatever the customer requires. Dual inset leg brace rods are employed to allow unrestricted seating from both sides.
Base price: $35,000
Finish and Material Options
The Configuration 1 model shown here is presented in natural finish - the steel surface as it left the rolling mill, and the welding heat coloration and grinding marks all tell the story of the fabrication process. A light coating of wax preserves the appearance, or it may be left bare to evolve and gain a unique character over the life of the piece. Other metal finishing options are available, including a brushed or sanded surface to remove the dark mill finish or decorative engine turning applied to the top surface or other areas. For the ultimate in pleasing appearance and unreasonable longevity, full stainless steel construction is available for all configurations of the Atlas series at a significant premium over mild steel. Such a piece will have a service life measured in millennia under even the harshest conditions.
For a very unique stylistic touch, we also offer the addition of bronze accents to the steel surfaces. In keeping with the uncompromising construction of the Atlas series, rather than being painted or mechanically fastened in place, bronze is thermally fused into grooves painstakingly cut into the steel surfaces. The overall surface is then leveled, yielding beautifully contrasting designs that are seamlessly integrated into the surrounding steel.
