I-Beam

Design

I-Beam takes a familiar structural form and translates it into something quietly graphic. Three planes meet with a strict, linear logic, so the silhouette reads clean from every angle. It’s a simple idea, but the proportion makes it feel intentional, not industrial.

Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, the piece has a low, architectural stance at 11.4 inches high. In smoked glass, the lines stay crisp while the tone stays soft. And because the profile is so controlled, it works as a side table or as a bench without needing a different language.

Materials & build

Each element is made by gluing together three slabs of smoked laminated glass. The junction between the glass is minimal and straight, almost like a drawn line. But the construction isn’t delicate. High-resistant structural gluing supports the piece so it can be used as a seat.

The finish is fumè, giving the glass a darker, more lived-in presence than clear crystal. It keeps reflections under control and lets the shape do the work. Custom sizes aren’t available, which makes the offered dimensions the collection’s intended rhythm.

Comfort

For a harder material, comfort is handled with restraint. Removable cushions in black fabric are available, sized to match the top surfaces. They soften the sit without hiding the glass underneath.

The cushions come in 23.6 by 23.6 inches and 55.1 by 23.6 inches, so the look can stay consistent whether the piece is used for quick seating or longer lounging. And when the cushion is off, the surface reads sharper and more minimal.

Placement & longevity

The collection includes square and rectangular formats: 23.6 by 23.6 inches, 55.1 by 23.6 inches, and 78.7 by 23.6 inches, all at the same 11.4-inch height. That range makes it easy to place I-Beam in front of a sofa, at the foot of a bed, or as a low, extra seat where a room needs one.

Because it’s glass, it will always feel precise. And because it’s laminated and structurally bonded, it’s built for real use, not just for show. In glasitalia’s hands, I-Beam stays focused: a clear form, a darkened tone, and a construction that holds up over time.