Posted in 2006
and then again in 2011 by Morph Films for Fletcher Burwell-Taylor Ltd
Looks like this was an updated mechanism that was started by Robert Jupe in 1830.
Xylinum is a bacteria that consumes sugar and produces an artificial cellulose material, a random three dimensional fibre nano structure. It can grow around any given form. The properties of this material can be changed by changing the genetic code of the organisms. Jannis Hülsen, in collaboration with Jenpolymers, developed a technique to create a skin around a wooden fram, forming a coating and the seating surface. Here is a very informative video from Jannis explaining the process. Xylinum from Jannis Hülsen on Vimeo. http://www.jannishuelsen.com/?/work/xylium/ [via designboom & fastco.]
The ‘X-Federation’ chair by New York-Based Designer Victor Vetterlein uses a combination of laminated wood, combined with carbon-fiber to achieve a very slim and minimal look without compromising the weight-bearing function a chair requires. The technique first started in boat building and was further developed in the skateboard industry, which is where I first encountered this technique but was somewhat skeptical. (I have 2 Sector 9 Cloud 9 skateboards, very thin wooden veneer decks. Very maneuverable and a joy to ride. Sector 9 doesn’t seem to make them this way any more. They use fiber glass now. Here’s a that proves the strength of this kind of construction.) The design includes a thin steel frame under the seat where the legs are mechanically fastened.…
The Milan Design Week has started and among the many pieces of furniture that has already caught my attention, the material used by Calligaris caught my attention: Liquid Wood. It’s really a material and process combination: an air-molding technique that involves Polypropylene and glass fiber being injected at the same time. Calligaris describes it as a composite biomaterial of polymer and wood, recyclable and produced with raw materials that are easily available and renewable. The liquid wood is molded like a normal thermoplastic polymer allowing for great versatility and high performance in terms of durability, resistance and flexibility. It is mainly composed of lignin and cellulose, which together with hemicellulose make up the stem cells of plants. Found via [Gizmag]
Swapnil sent me a link to Christofer Ödmark’s desk. Like mine, it features a large workspace but he goes further to use solid oak, along with steel for his legs.
Following up on the exploration three dimensional weaving with wood, the more conventional method of creating three dimensional wooden objects using plywood pioneered by the Eames and Saarinen was further improved on with 3D Veneer. One company that manufactures this material is Reholz.
The image on the left is what happens when the shape is molded with conventional plywood. The image on the right is the same shape with 3D Veneer.
A classmate of mine sent this to me this morning. It bares a lot of resemblance to some of the earlier drawings and models of my desk. I really really like the drawer details. L’Orchidée was inspired by the work of Art Nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle, his series of the same name featured a desk which combined many innovative features of the 1890s, Marc’s desk is a natural progression and features signature innovations such as the aluminum dovetailed drawer sides and the seamless veneered tambour top. The Art Nouveau period has inspired Marc’s work, but reproducing or, looking achingly backwards to a better past is not Marc’s intention. Capturing the freedom and fluidity which the movement embodied makes Marc’s work more than a…
Continuing on from last week’s explorations into bent wood, Michael Thonet‘s [wikipedia] process and deigns is worth looking into. And just so it happens, Co. Design wrote an article about the #14 chair this week, along with this video from YouTube. Some images via Google Image Search. Thonet pioneered the steaming process for softening and allowing the ending of beech wood. In the 1800s, he had undergone training as a joiner and