As an admirer of not only Kvadrat's textiles but also of their classy, clean cut with a dash of colour brand image, I was not overly surprised by the latest exhibition stand at the 2013 Stockholm Furniture Fair. The Design team at Raw Edges, played on the concept of creating a picnic scene, colourful, whimsical and inviting. The main feature of the stand is the textile straps showing off the superb tonal qualities of the Kvadrat product. 1500 of theses straps create the feature and they are attached to the overhead trusses at staggered heights to create a layered effect of different tonal hues. To complement showing the product off in a creative and charming way, Plywood work benches with angles tops have the sample swatches seductively hanging over them to encourage the visitor to touch and feel. This project further emphasises the importance and usefulness of computer visualisation software throughout the Design process. As the above images show, the Raw Edges Design Team could effectively map the alternating heights of the straps in Elevation. To further show off the whole scheme a perspective view is shown to portray the ambience. In contrast to the digital approaches used their was also a real need to explore with physical scale models. These were produced to explore the design of the Plywood shelving units that span the perimeter of the stand. This is a testament to the versatility and aesthetic qualities of Plywood. The light woody tones are the perfect backdrop for the bright colours of the Kvadrat repertoire.
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Conventionally OSB (orientated strand board) has been constrained to the dark abyss of our domestic lofts as a cheap flooring finish. However its use within commercial environments is on the increase and in my opinion quite rightly so. As the above projects show, it can be used for a variety of Interior components and it is slowly becoming the replacement for plywood panels. Why? Well OSB is cheap, rigid and adds a variation in tone, pattern and texture. These very properties means that it easily available and can be cnc cut to create more challenging planar faces as seen in the fame agenda store example above. The manufacturing process sees 'flakes' of wood engineered in an array of orientations (hence orientated strand board) and compressed into mats of conventional sized boards (6, 12 and 18mm) bonded together with a mixture of resin and wax. Plywood does have some advantages over OSB, predominantly that OSB is difficult to treat. Because of the resin mixed into the strands the board is not completely porous, unlike Plywood, and therefore does not absorb the treatment making it extremely unsuitable for exterior use. The video below outlines the manufacturing process of the UK's largest OSB supplier, SterlingOSB, who have the capability of producing over a million square feet of this versatile product each day. What happens when you cross Biffy Clyro, Band of Horses and Belle and Sebastian together? You get Frightened Rabbit. Their infectious first single, Woodpile, off their new album The Pedestrian Verse is a real delight.
Starting off with a slow drumbeat and a gentle clatter of lead guitar it builds up to an anthem of a chorus full of Glaswegian spirit and attitude. They have been around for around 10 years now and I was first introduced to them in the 2nd series of the American Geek Spy show Chuck. Please listen and I implore you to press repeat again and again. T for tune! As I was sifting through this month's ICON magazine I came across a double page advert for Chorus Furniture. I was taken a back by the stunning Theo range by the designer legend Simon Pengelly. He has done a wide variety of furniture for an equally diverse range of manufacturers and his products never fail to please. Available in a variety of finishes including beech, natural oak, stains and solid colours (above) and also available in standard side chair, bench and stool configuration means it is a versatile choice for any Interior situation. Made from veneered Plywood it is strong, lightweight and durable. However what seals the deal for me, and potentially specifying this for use within a commercial environment, is that they can be stacked. This is a major advantage for space saving and allowing for rooms to have a multifunctional use. A useful addition to this is the option of having an upholstered version which adds a splash of accent colour to it. The mix of the beech finish and the lime green upholstery is a fantastic combo and adds a sense of freshness to a variety of spaces especially within an educational environment.
If you would like more information regarding the Theo chair by Simon Pengelly then please click here! Arguably one of the most versatile, interesting and tactile materials available. It can be partially man made, natural, veneered and CNC cut. The wonderful world of timber is this months' focus. Keep posted for wood related features!
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Designer. Did a blog. Starting blog again. Early Thirties. Like Food. Like Drink. Like Music. Like travelling. If you like this blog get involved, comment and send me a story or a product, lifestyle, or way of life to promote.
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