Inspired by Scandinavian culture, specifically the fjords of
Norway. The desk is made from European Beech and finished with a light soap
layer. The high curves represent the high peaks of the fjords while falling down
into the deep valleys created by the monumental glaciers that carve their way
through the mountains.
(Norwegian Fjords)
Fjords are deep valleys carved into the earth by glaciers.
Since the last Ice age glaciers have grinded and washed away rock.
The water ways can be as deep as the mountains are high.
The main shape of the desk (top curve) and its other attributes
represent the deep valleys and the high peaks created by these
natural wonders. I chose to use Beech as my main material as it
is generally a timber used by norwegians to brighten up their homes
in an environment that is cold & dark.
Here is the final concept presentation I submitted. Used this for class presentation. Having feedback is the best thing, allows your design to be seen from the other side of the fence. Therefore has potential for generation of solutions that maybe I hadn't thought of.
Concept Investigation
Veneers
Veneers will come from Briggs veneers in NSW. Briggs started veneer milling in 1933 in Briggsvale. They supply Paper back, Skateboard, Eco-cert, FSC, AFS, Truegrain reconstituted veneers & also edge band veneers.
European Beech
- eco-cert Certified Veneer
- Origin: Europe
- Value: Average
- Colour: Pinkish
Solid Beech will be sourced from Matthews Timber in Vermont. They have over 45years experience in importing and local timbers. Stock will most likely be 150x25 @ whatever lengths are needed to construct the table top and the foot rest.
Leather was sourced from Lefflers leather in Kensington. After extensive research I found that vegetable tanned leather is the best type of leather to mould. Leather moulding entails submersing the leather into hot water until air bubbles stop appearing. Then the leather is clamped around a form and left to dry completely. After this process the dyeing of the leather can be carried out.
Hardware
Hardware needed for the desk is minimal. Small 180 degree hinges are needed for the flip lid on top of the metal basket which is located underneath the table top. These hinges will be sourced from Hafele. They come in different sizes that suit various thicknesses of wood, for this application I chose “Zysa Hinge Brass Matt 180deg 14mm”.
Stainless steel 304 bolts are needed to connect main arm to table top. Hex bolts are the only bolt that’s long enough that I could find. 8gauge x 110mm is best suited to the desk. Although since the thread will be connecting to a threaded insert the hex head of the bolt has to be fabricated to a dome and a slit cut into it.
(Lap joint - But machined 45degree angles at all ends which holds each lap into each other, therefor making the overall joint stronger)
(Used dominos with Festool, efficient & quick!)
Lux flakes are all natural soap flakes (100% degradable & No added phosphorus). Soap finishes are suited to light timbers as it is a light white coating. Using soap as a finish is common with European timbers such as European beech and birch. The soap penetrates the timber while serving as a protective layer between it and the environment. The end product is a finish that is soft to the hands and the environment.
Scale model
(1:6 scale model)
Used white cardboard and glue stick to produce a lamination shape. Made moulds out of plywood for main arms and back support legs. Simply cut cardboard to width and length then layered up around mould with glue and sticky taped it tight around mould.
Final Rendering
(Autocad/Solidworks/Photoview 360)
Furnitex 2011
Melbourne Exhibition Centre - 21st July - 24 July
This design was a production from myself Rowan Turnham, 2011.
