The Australian International Furniture Fair was held last week in Sydney at Darling Harbour. “The Edge” is an annual international competition, run in conjunction with the show, that recognises excellence in furniture design across four categories: Student, Commercial, Concept and Green.
38 finalists vied for the top prizes which were judged by a panel comprising Jan Henderson, Associate Publisher Archmedia; Lisa Green, Editor Australian House and Garden; Marc Schamburg, Director Alvisse and Schamvburg / Zenith Interiors; Ross Didier, Didier; and Scott Lewis, Curator.
Commercial Award Winner: Ash Allen/Dollop Light
Victorian-based Ash Allen was described by the judges as a “mature talent”. He exhibited at the London Design Festival in 2012 and was invited to be a part of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York in May 2013. His design, ‘Dollop’, is made from earthenware slip casting and its organic shape is representative of a dollop of cream dripping from a ladle. In concealing the low-wattage LED light source within the light, Ash allows the light to reflect off the highly-glazed internal surfaces.
Green Award Winner: Toby Nowland/Fold & Peg Stool
Toby Nowland’s entry, ‘Fold & Peg Stool’ was described by the judges as a “smart use of sustainable material”. Constructed from EchoPanel (a material produced from recycled PET) it comes together via a system of flat panels and Tasmanian oak timber pegs. This clever item requires no adhesives. Even the fold-around tabs have been given a purpose, becoming pockets where magazines or other reading material can be stored. Toby holds a Bachelor of Design (Product Innovation) from the University of South Australia and is currently completing his Masters in Design.
Student Award Winner: Ben Brayshaw/Clam Chair
Currently a student at RMIT, Ben is studying an Associate Degree in Furniture Design. The ‘Clam Chair’ was inspired by the shape of a shell and was designed to fold, allowing people to transport the chair to the park or beach. Inside, padding is provided by 19 small cushions. The ‘Clam Chair’ is constructed from American walnut veneered hoop pine, plywood, flexible PVC and woolen felt upholstery. Ben’s design has also been awarded the Australian Furniture of the Year Student Design Award for Victoria and Tasmania.
Concept Award Winner: Stephanie Ng Hui Sien/Halo Light
Based in Melbourne, Stephanie is an industrial designer who holds a Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) from Swinburne University of Technology. She also holds a diploma in product design from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Kuala Lumpur. Stephanie’s ‘Halo’ light is constructed from polyurethane resin and is designed as a modular system that can be configured in a variety of sizes and shapes. The judges were impressed with this entry, describing is as “versatile and innovative”.
