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C O N T E M P O R A R Y O U T D O O R F U R N I T U R E

A K / N Z

By Aroon Xayalith

Unitec Tutors:Dr Cris de Groot & Ben Jarrett for their ongoing support anddesign input throughout the year.

Industry Professionals:Nick Gill /LuxR for helping with the technical side of the project and the sourcing of materials.

Chris Metcalfe/Finewood Furniture for the sharing of commercial furnitureknowledge and insight.

Becks Silke/ Little White Lies for helping with photography and styling.

Suppliers:South Pacific Timber LtdEDL FastenersSteelcuts Ltd

Powderworks

Teaching Technicians:Mark Seeney, Harry Redward & Danny Rowlandson for their assistance in the workshops and technical support.

Acknowledgments:HL

Aroon Xayalith#1366686

Bachelor of Design and Visual Arts:Product & Furniture Design

Unitec Institute of TechnologyAuckland, New Zealand

2014

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C O N T E M P O R A R Y O U T D O O R F U R N I T U R E

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INTRODUCTION

OPPORTUNITY

CONTEXT

RESEARCH

SECONDARY RESEARCH

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

KEY CONCEPT

THE DESIGN

REFLECTION

Brief Introduction Into what The Project Is All About.

Where, Why & What I’m Designing.

New Zealand ClimateOutdoor Activities & RecreationDecking spaceBehaviors & Emotions OutsideGroup Architects

AimPoints of InquiryProbes 1 & 2Summary

Visual taxonomy of furnitureDiagrams

Gantt ChartBasecamp

Idea GenerationConcept

DevelopmentRefinementResolving

Design Direction Overview

Contents

35.BRANDINGNameIdentityLogos +36.

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MATERIALS

FABRICATION

FINAL OUTPUT

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDIX

SteelTimberFasteners

Cutting & Welding SteelWood WorkingFinishes

Photography

Project Closure

Books

CADBill of MaterialsDimensions

”We know there is another way of living in which a house is logically contrived for peace and comfort, where the sun brings life without faded carpets, and in which leisure and beauty are not interred in respectable museums. And we mean to find it for ourselves and make it real to everyone who feels as we do.

-Bill Wilson, The manifesto of the Architectural Group, 1948.

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Introduction:

New Zealanders have an affection for the outdoors and we spend a large amount of our outdoor leisure time in our own backyards. Being in an open environment that is not confined by walls, but defined by a sense of personal space, relaxation and freedom are qualities we desire in life.

During the research phase of this project I uncovered a large majority of contemporary outdoor furniture is imported from overseas, very little is designed or made in New Zealand. What becomes apparent is that the outdoor furniture currently available here is not strictly appropriate for our way of living. This project is a design response to insights discovered surrounding furniture, people and the outdoor decking space. In specific, this project aims to develop furniture that attends to the shifting role and function that the New Zealand deck performs through the changing seasons.

7-Great Barrier Island Bach by Herbst Architects NZ

Opportunity

The way we view the garden, roof terrace, balcony, deck, or however else you define your outside space, has changed dramatically in the last 20 years, both in aesthetic content and function. We enjoy and appreciate the light under the open sky, the fresh air, the sun and look forward to the prospering of plants, and often this is even more pleasant in good company. Climate change, certainly in the southern hemisphere, means conditions are milder and we are able to spend more time outdoors.

An upsurge of interest in outside space has resulted in an unprecedented growth in products for outdoor settings, furnishing environments that are sympathetic extensions of our interior taste. Today we see the potential of these exterior domestic spaces as important as any other room in the house.

It’s not just our outdoor spaces that have changed, but our relationship with the outside in general. With an increase of stress levels we experience in response to technology: smart phones, computers, Internet, emails and social media. Today, for many, the constraints of space and the desire for a healthier lifestyle means we spend more time in our outdoor spaces than ever before.

To negotiate with the different activities people do on the deck, a flexible contemporary outdoor table and bench is required to support the dynamic space.

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-Container House at Muriwai:Photography by Simon Wilson for Green Modern (Penguin) ”9

Home is where we can be alone and be ourselves; it is where we dress, cook, eat, bathe, and sleep in what is usually a sequence of personal, private activities. But what we do in the living room may be even more essential to civilized behaviour than these everyday activities; in the living room we sit around and talk.

-Akiko Busch, Geography of Home: Writings on Where We Live, 1999.

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Seasonal Context

The three key factors determining New Zealand’s climate are the prevailing winds, the surrounding oceans, and the country’s mountain ranges. New Zealand is made up of two Islands surrounded by the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. It enjoys a temperate maritime climate. Figures from New Zealand’s National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research show much of New Zealand has average temperatures between 20 and 30°C in summer and 10 and 15°C in winter. The coldest month is

What we choose to do for fun often involves getting outside, and the particular outdoor activity we choose is strongly influenced by the local climate. For example, Aucklanders love to sail because of the regular winds and warm air and sea temperatures in the

usually July, and the warmest is January and February. Sunshine hours are relatively high in areas that are sheltered from rain-bearing westerlies. The majority of New Zealand has at least 1,800 hours of sunshine annually. Most regions receive between 600 and 1,600 millimeters of rainfall throughout the year, with a dry period in summer. In the northern and central areas of New Zealand, there is more rain in winter compared to summer.

Hauraki Gulf. Gardening is a hugely popular recreation, and garden styles are influenced by the varied regional climates. Auckland’s high rainfall and warmer temperatures allow gardeners to enjoy year-round greenery and cultivate subtropical plants.

-One Tree Hill, Auckland, New Zealand: Photography by Aroon Xayalith

be under a cloud and relationships can be stormy. It is this tension between clement and inclement weather, between enjoying the outdoors and retreating indoors, that this project crucially engages with. The locus of this project is described by the unstable climatic conditions of New Zealand, and the Auckland peninsula in particular. This oceanic isthmus and it’s unpredictable seasonality – combined with the deep kiwi desire to be out on the deck, forms the critical tension that this project aims to bridge. In short, when the weather is bad, the deck becomes a part of the garden, an extended ‘back step’ if you will… When the sun breaks through we want to get out there and enjoy the moment (but not at the expense of sitting in a puddle). Innovative outdoor furniture has the potential to negotiate this tension and accommodate the immediate changes in environment and social or situational behaviour.

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Where we spend a great amount of time with other people out of the doors is on the deck. The deck is a second living area of the home and is a place to support the lifestyles and activities of its occupants, where they can, socialise, celebrate, eat, drink, relax and play. Having a large deck area provides a private area for outdoor entertaining and can help extend the functionality of the home. It’s a social hub where family and friends can hang out, relax and enjoy the sunshine. There are two phases that the deck goes through in its life cycle. One is being active during the hotter summer months and the second is that it’s dormant during the colder winter months. In summer the deck is activated through a hive of activity by its inhabitants. During the cold and rainy winter months the deck is heavily affected by wet weather, which makes the deck unusable. The grey weather also affects how people think and feel. It induces sombre thinking and as the temperature drops away from the ideal 20°C people feel a discomfort and stay indoors. Like the weather, emotions sometimes seem like fickle forces of nature: unstable, enveloping and uncontrollable. Peoples moods can brighten and darken, dispositions can be sunny, futures can

IN-ACTIVITY ENGAGEDARCHITECTUREWINTER SUMMER

HOME

ASLEEP ACTION

Architectural Context

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It brought a new honesty the way builders used timber and blocks and introduced house design suited to New Zealand conditions and our more relaxed way of life. New Zealand has developed a well-established contemporary architectural scene. There is a growing demand for architecture to be designed specifically to suit various sites and environments. However it would be difficult to say the same for furniture. New Zealand’s furniture market is dominated by imports and to design contemporary outdoor furniture that fits our way of living, is an idea that is thought-provoking and worth challenging.

When searching for design appropriate for New Zealand, the Group Architects came up as having played a significant role. In 1946 a group of Auckland University architecture students wrote a manifesto, setting out their vision for a New Zealand style of architecture. The first set of houses designed and built formed their legacy. This was an effect to find cheaper, simple yet attractive style of house construction suitable to local conditions. During the 1950s, houses that were built using the group’s methods revolutionised the way New Zealand houses were designed. They are the antithesis of the English style closed in houses that had been built previously. The people behind the revolution were the Group Architects.

It marked a change from the work that was happening before them, particularly with opening up planning of the interior spaces, exposing the construction and collapsing the relationship between indoors and outdoors because they enjoyed the informal way of living.

-Group Architects First House today.Photography by Simon Devitt.

living

deck

kitchenbath

bed bed bed

living

dining

laundry

Research

Design Probes.

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In semester one of 2014, Studio Practice 5 incorporated gathering information by using a research method called cultural/design probes. The aim of the design probe was to investigate the role furniture plays to support the relationship between people and the outdoor decking space of the home. To explore the area of interest, the first design probe kits were given to five participants to uncover fragmentary clues and inspirational user insights around behavioral, socio-cultural issues and the role objects and furniture play in this outdoor space. The second design probe kits were given out to six participants which specifically focused on emotions, social aspects, activities and comfort on the deck.

The research kit consisted of a dairy, task book and a disposable camera. The participants were asked to record, complete tasks and answer a series of questions related to the outdoor deck for one week. Living arrangements varied from family homes with kids, flatting and recently purchased a house. All of the participants live in Auckland, ages ranging from 23 to 40 years old. Facebook was also used to communicate with the participants throughout the process. The data captured was collated and interpreted into charts and graphs.

EATING & DRINKING

SOCIALISINGSUNBATHINGPLAYING WITH PETSREADINGSOLO

Activities people enjoy doing on the deck

TWO SEATER CHAIR

TABLE

BENCH

CHAIRS

UMBRELLAS

DOG BOWL

CAT BOWL

PATIO TABLE

BBQ

BEAN BAG

What’s on the deck?

What people perceive as being low and high value furnitureHIGH VALUE

LOW VALUE

MATERIALS

CHEAP

MATERIALS

EXPENSIVE

-Wooden-Plastic-Pallets-Raw finish-Home depot-DIY

-Mix of steel & wood-Woven fiber wicker-Aluminum framing-Upholstered-Padded with cushions-High finishing-Powder coated-Designer furniture

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Peoples thoughts and wishes

CANNOT USE DECK WHEN ITS WET

OUTDOOR KITCHEN AREA

OUTDOOR HEATED SEATING

SPACE IS TOO SMALLMODERN CHAIRS & TABLE

GAS HEATINGOUTDOOR FIRE PLACEWATERPROOF AWNING

WEATHER RESISTANTQUALITY DURABILITY

OUTDOOR LOUNGER

COMFORTABLE WATERPROOF CUSHIONS

DAY BED

THE LACK OF LIGHTING AT NIGHT

FacebookFacebook was used as a way to communicate and prompt each participant during the research process. A community facebook page was created to get people interested in my research area. A few people engaged with my posts and posted up pictures of their decking areas at home.

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Eating on the deck is nicer and invites more conversation.

Compared to eating indoors you eat slower and enjoy the food a lot more.

Inside you compete with the TV to get attention.

Eating outside feels more relaxing when breathing in fresh air and enjoying the sunshine.

Compared to eating on the couch inside, it feels more romantic and intimate because we are facing each other.

5 mins INSIGHTSUtensils

Phone

Plates

Cushions

Blankets

Candles

Drinks

30+ mins

10 mins

20 mins

TIME EATING & DRINKING COOKED FOOD INDOORS

Eating & drinking on the deck

How people feel outside on the deckPeople were asked to record their emotional levels when outside on the deck every 5 minutes on a scale of 1 (excited) to 5 (Bad).

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

PEO

PLE

TIME SPENT OUTSIDE ON THE DECK

5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes 20 minutes 25 minutes 30 minutes

EXCITED GOOD AVERAGE OKAY BAD

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Outdoor furniture surveyThe purpose of the survey was to investigate and get insight into what people like and dis-like about their outdoor furniture. Also identify the kinds of outdoor furniture they have at home. I have collated the information and interpreted the results into visual charts. There was a total of 31 participants involved in my survey and they all lived in Auckland.

People dis-like outdoor furniture that is old & weathered, made out of cheap materials, heavy and not visually appealing.

People like outdoor furniture that can accommodate a lot of people, is simple, honest, functional, practical, made out of quality materials and is solid in construction.

Dis-likeLike

Secondary Research

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL

STORING

TABLE CHAIR

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Summary

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Today the choice of outdoor furniture is as extensive as ever before. Furniture that lives outdoors is made to be functional, durable and is crafted with quality in mind. The most commonly used weather-resistant materials are wood, metal, stone, concrete, plastics and developed high-tech artificial fibers or a combination of these materials. Prominent furniture designers like Konstantin Grcic, Marcel Wanders, Ron Arad and the Bouroullec brothers have all used plastics in their outdoor chair designs. The chairs are fabricated in a highly industrial process, such as injection and rotational moulding. The tooling required to make the chairs is expensive and quite often involves working with engineers and manufacturing companies. There are different types of plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide and other advanced high-speed plastics. While I can appreciate the durability of plastic and the high finish, I prefer materials that are more honest like wood, steel, aluminum and concrete. Over time materials like concrete and metal leave a patina, which is an appearance I find appealing.

ComfortableDesirable

Lightweight Weather Resistant

Flexible SupportNegotiate

Simple

DurableQuality

Based on the data and insights captured from the design probes, there is an overall notion that people want the qualities and comfort of their indoor living space applied to their outdoor decking area. However there are many elements to consider when designing for the outdoors, especially in New Zealand. Rapidly changing weather patterns and the harsh sun make it hard for any materials to live outdoors.

Specifying what the design constraints are, will help narrow the scope of the project and enable me to move forward to generate ideas into concepts.

Project Management

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PROJE

CT BRIE

F

BRAINST

ORM

C A D

WO

RKING D

RAWIN

GS

PHOTOG

RAPHY

VALUES

STATE

MENT

SKETCHES

PROTOTYPES

MO

CK UP

PRESENTATI

ON B

OARD

PROJE

CT M

ANAGEM

ENT

SKETCH M

ODELS

ANALYSIS

FINAL

PROTOTYPE

VIDEO

LITERATU

RE REVIE

WS

INTE

RVIEW

S/PRO

BES

CASE ST

UDYO

BSERVATIO

NS

INSIG

HTS

PLANNING RESEARCH IDEATION

DEVELOPMENT MANUFACTURE COMMUNICATION

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To manage the project, gantt charts and Basecamp were utilized to make sure deadlines were met. Basecamp became a valuable tool as it streamlined communication with other people and showed a better sense of what had to happen next. Another benefit of using Basecamp was that it allowed you to have an smart-phone app, so you could catch up on the progress of the project anytime and anywhere.

Key Concept

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The key concept that was chosen to take forward and develop is a table that is able to negotiate with the different activities that people do on the deck. It is derived from the notion of multi-functional furniture that’s flexible and can adapt to changes in environment and social or situational behaviour. When the table is upright, it has a high bar table and a low sitting table. As the decking environment changes the table flips over to become a tiered platform for plant pots and herbs as well as additional seating.

An important function that the concept addresses is the issue of not being able to use the deck when it’s wet. By flipping the table over this allows the table to be useful during the dormant phase of the space.

It will also need to withstand the harsh weather we have in New Zealand. Choosing durable materials and finishes will become a critical part in the process.

ACTIVE

High Table

Planting Accessories

Low Table

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DORMANT

Tiered Platform Plants/Herbs

FLIPPED

Storing/Seating

The Design

Going from small scale models to full scale uncovered some issues around transitioning the measurements proportionally. After a few measurement adjustments with the first full scale cardboard model, it was still looking too heavy and big. This may have been because of how I constructed the cardboard itself.

Making a full scale cardboard model of the table became a valuable process because it gave me data I could have not gathered from a 1/5 scale model.

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Once I was happy with the measurements from prototyping in cardboard, I prototyped using pine timber to get a better understanding on the structure. There were certain weak points in the frame when constructing, especially where the two table tops meet. A brace was put in place to temporarily take the load.

The planting accessories were also made out of wood. I was having second thoughts about the accessories and if I should include them.

From here I was questioning the negative space that the table has. I knew this would need to be addressed.

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At this point of the project it was time to take the wooden prototype outdoors to test and see how other people would use it. Through different arrangements, it was interesting to observe the social interactions with one another. This confirmed the heights were suitable for standing and sitting.

Photographing the table on its various sides allowed for other developments to happen such as, introducing another tier or bench and instead of using wooden plant platforms, use wire that pivots out from under the table.

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After soldering up some different wire patterns for platforms I decided to go with the grating. I used a small scale model to see what it would look like, I then applied it to the full scale wooden model.

Having a bench completed the table because it used up the negative space. It would sit nicely on the extra seating area when it was rotated over. At this point I decided to run with this direction and start to think about how all the components would come together.

To visualize this I used Solidworks to model and assemble the components.

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To test how the timber would attach to the frames, I used a sample of the Vitex hardwood timber to simulate how the stainless steel screw would go through the wood and get fastened onto the frame.

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Reflection

The initial design started out as an outdoor table, which accommodates the various modes of engagement people have on the deck while socialising and entertaining. The rationale behind the two table heights is that this enables people to use one side as a high bar table and the other side as a low sitting table. Through prototyping, testing and questioning every design decision that was made along the way, I feel the results have improved the design significantly which lead to the final direction.

The breakthrough moment was when I decided to leave out the modular planting accessories. Originally the table was developed to have modular planting platforms when it was rotated over. Instead the idea to use steel wire or mesh as platforms kept it clean, compact and discrete.

The bench was added in response to a discussion surrounding the negative space the table had. It made sense to add the bench so people could sit down while using the low table, where as the high table people can lean and stand. When the season changes to winter, the table flips over to engage into a dormant mode and the bench is neatly placed onto the secondary platform.

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When thinking about what kind of brand identity I wanted for the table, the words that came to mind were simple, minimal and easy to understand. I explored a few options by using different fonts and small graphics. I ended up going with the logo that was not overpowering and would compliment the furniture. I also explored logo ideas for a business card so I could give out to people, but due to time restraints I decided to park it for another time.

Branding

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Materials

The timber I chose to use is Vitex hardwood due to its durabilities and waterproof properties outdoors. I discovered that it was a popular choice of decking wood and was in hot demand in New Zealand. Having looked at other hardwoods like Kwila, Teak and mahogany. I preferred the lighter colour of Vitex, which doesn’t leach or stain as much as the others. Vitex is originally from the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Vitex is sourced from low-impact, village-based operations in the Solomon Islands.

To make the table and bench frame I chose mild steel angle, which was cut and MIG welded together. I chose to work with mild steel angle because I wanted a visually light aesthetic quality to the frames. While it may look light, the steel angle is very robust and solid in construction for the outdoors. To prevent it from corrosion the steel is zinc base coated and finished with a powder coating. Another common practice to prevent corrosion on outdoor steel furniture is to galvanize it.

M5 Stainless steel screws are used to fasten the wood down onto the steel frames. The screws are threaded into the tapped holes in the frame itself.

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This page Vitex is a durable hardwood with a pale yellowish to creamy-grey appearance.

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Top Mild steel angle

Bottom Stainless steel countersunk hex socket head screws.

Fabrication

Making the table and bench frames started with measuring and cutting the steel angle on the metal cutting band saw. This turned out to be a lengthy process because there were so many to do. I had to make sure I marked off the parts as I went through the cutting list. It was a bit of an production line once I got into it.

Once all of the steel angle parts were cut, ving each cut was critical in order to make the welds stay. I used the grinder tool for cleaning up the cuts.

Before going a head to weld each part, I drilled all the holes for the screws to be tapped into.

When it came to welding the parts together a welding jig had to be created so the parts could be clamped onto it. This is a important process to know because it makes welding easier and accurate.

While I enjoyed learning how to fabricate and weld for the first time. If I had to do it again I would outsource it.

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This page Using the metal cutting band saw for miter cuts and butt joins.

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Right Checking off the cut list and making sure all parts are accounted for.

Below right Drilling holes before welding the parts, which are also tapped for the M5 S/S screws

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Below Deburring the holes before tapping.

Right Measuring out where the gridmesh platforms brackets are to be welded.

Below right Fabricating the L-brackets for the gridmesh platforms.

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This page V-ing and cleaning the steel angle cuts with the grinding machine.

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Above Close up of the steel angle grind to a V.

Right Grinding in action.

Above right Top view close up of steel angle cut

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Left Working with the MIG welder in the metal workshop. Welding the table and bench top frames on a jig. It was critical to have everything clamped down to keep the frames square.

Below Once I got used to welding and practiced on a few pieces, I grew confidant in using the gun and my hand became steady. Originally I had no experience welding and I’m glad I got to experience it at Unitec.

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Right Table and bench frames almost all welded together.

Below Close up of my MIG welding skills.

Far right Bench frame completely welded together ready for dressing.

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“I’m glad I didn’t outsource my welding work that needed to be done. I gained a lot of knowledge from the technicians and enjoyed learning a new skill that I can put to good use in the real world. I have a new found appreciation for fabricators and precision engineers, because this is hard work!”

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Left Using the router to put a radius on the timber edges.

Below left A wooden jig was made to make it easier to router the edges of the timber.

Right Table saw was used to cut all the timber to size.

In between the metal fabrication and welding, I made sure the wood working wasn’t left to last minute. I knew before I sent the steel frames away to get powder coated, I needed to double check the lengths and holes of the timber tops were going to fit.

Unfortunately when I went to match up the timber holes to the steel frame holes, quite a few of them were not centered. So I had to fake this as best as a can. I thought about screwing from underneath the frame, but the whole point was to showoff the screws on top. If I were to do this again I would research into using self-tapping screws into the wood itself.

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Below Using raw linseed oil to finish of the Vitex timber.

Below left Stainless steel screw fits nicely into the hole.

Right Countersunk holes drilled for the screws.

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Top left Fabricating the expanded grid mesh to size.

Right Fitting the grid mesh into the brackets.

Bottom left Table and bench frames all welded together.

“There were a couple of problems when fabricating the grid mesh to make it work with the brackets I had designed. It took a few goes at altering the mesh enabling it to have a bit of tolerance to move and pivot.”

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Left Measuring out spacing with 2mm gaps between each piece of wood.

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Above Close up of seamless welds that have been cleaned up.

Bottom Close up of grid mesh bracket.

Above right Close up of grid mesh bracket

Final Output

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Left During the hotter summer months when the deck can be used for social gatherings and entertainment. High + Low is activated to become a table and bench.

Below When it starts to get chilly and winter shows it’s cold face, High + Low rotates and transforms into a compact tiered platform for your plants and herbs to live on.

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Conclusion

For this project I explored furniture design for outdoor living. An area where kiwis have a strong interest for but little innovation has been applied in a New Zealand context. With a lack of outdoor furniture appropriate for our way of living in New Zealand, gave purpose to design and develop contemporary outdoor furniture that is simple, functional, innovative and visually appealing.

One major key insight driving the design is the tension between enjoying the outdoors one minute and then having to quickly retreat back indoors due to rain. The opportunity to explore and develop a table and bench to address this issue seemed appropriate considering the rapidly changing weather patterns received in New Zealand.

The final design is a table and bench which transforms from being a high bar table and low sitting table into a compact tiered platform for plant and herb pots. The table and bench has been designed to not only to improve one’s outdoor living space, but also open up new opportunities for recreation.

Overall the project resulted in an original and innovative idea to challenge the way we would normally use an outdoor table and bench. This has been enjoyable project to work on and I’m pleased with the design aesthetic, functionality and feedback I have received so far.

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Busch, Akiko. Geography of Home: Writings on Where We Live. New York: Princeton Architecture Press, 1999. ProQuest ebrary. Web 16 August 2014.

Gatley, Julia. Group Architects: Towards A New Zealand Architecture. Auckland: Auckland University Press, 2010. Print.

Lawson, Bryan. The Language of Space. Oxford; Boston: Architectural Press, 2001. Print.

Pheasant, Stephen. Bodyspace: Anthropometry, Ergonomics, and the Design of Work. London: Taylor & Francis, 1996. Print.

Smythe, Michael. New Zealand by Design: A History of New Zealand Product Design. Auckland: Random House New Zealand, 2011. Print.

Bibliography

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Appendix

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CAD Renders Developing and detailing components in Solidworks. Renders are done in Keyshot.

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Table Dimensions: Length: 1200mm x Width: 800mm x Height: 990mm

Bench Dimensions: Length: 1130mm x Width: 400mm x Height: 430mm

Bill of Materials: EDL Fasteners NZ105 x (M5 x 25 CSK Hex Socket Screws Stainless T304) $24.15 incl GST

Steel Cuts Ltd24 meters Mild Steel Angle 30x30x3mm $108.00 incl GST

South Pacific Timber Ltd30 meters Vitex Decking Timber 140x20mm $313.95 incl GST

Fletcher Easysteel1 sheet of EPM (Expanded Metal) Grid Mesh Flat 2400 x 1200 $174.55 incl GST

Powderworks Ltd1x Zinc base coat & 1x Charcoal Textured Final Powder Coat $100 incl GST

Placemakers1x 750ml Raw Linseed Oil Timber Finish $15.00 incl GST

I would firstly like to thank my friends and family for their ongoing support and who have always encouraged me to express my creativity abilities and explore my desires to design.

I would also like to thank Dr. Cris de Groot, Ben Jarrett, Martin Boult, Michael Freeman, Teaching Technicians and staff from the Unitec Design and Contemporary Arts programme for pushing me to explore beyond my comfort zone, for this I am grateful.

Thank you to my peers from Product & Furniture, Jewelry and Contemporary Craft.

Finally, thank you to my partner Lizzie Stanyer, who without her support, encouragement and patience over the past three years I simply wouldn’t have been able to complete this degree.

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