TDF Design Awards

The Most Fabulous New Furniture Designs In The TDF + Laminex Design Awards 2021

From utilising 3D printing and recycled plastic bottles, to a collaboration between a New South Wales-based designer and a saddler in Fitzroy Crossing, WA, there is no shortage of innovation and inspiration from the Furniture Design finalists In The TDF + Laminex Design Awards this year!

Out of 44 submissions in this category, here are the 14 outstanding projects that made it into the shortlist, from which judges Nick Rennie, designer and founder of Nick Rennie Studio, and multidisciplinary designer Khai Liew will select the winning and commended projects.

Join us for a closer look at the shortlisted designs in this outstanding category, which is supported by Jardan.

Written
by
Lucy Feagins
THE FURNITURE DESIGN AWARD IS SPONSORED BY JARDAN

Photo – Haydn Cattach.

Photo –Romello Pereira.

Ross Gardam, Breeze Collection

Over a 12-month design process, Ross Gardam developed the ‘Breeze’ table as a flatpack marble structure with only three fasteners. The top is Emperador marble sourced from a quarry located in North Queensland, and the base is black marble.

Johnny Nargoodah and Trent Jansen, Ngumu Janka Warnti Collection

A collaboration between Nyikina man and saddler Johnny Nargoodah and furniture/object designer Trent Jansen sees salvaged scrap metal bent into structural forms and covered with beaten leather. The pair created the designs remotely, developing a collaborative ‘sketch exchange’ system to ferry prototype designs between Johnny’s home in Fitzroy Crossing and Trent’s on the south-east coast of NSW.

Photo – Timothy Kaye.

Biasol Studio, Strato Collezione Marmi

Inspired by Memphis design characteristics and the work of Ettore Sottsass, this collection of tables and accessories by Biasol sees geometry, texture and repetition explored through stone.

Left: Photo – Tom Ross. Right: Photo –Photo – Haydn Cattach.

Real Non-Real, Formosa Coat Stand

With the intention of creating a functional and sculptural furniture piece, this industrial-inspired coat-stand by Real Non-Real activates transition spaces by integrating a rack and table ledge into one colourful structure.

BoardGrove Architects, Stool Dolly

MPavilion commissioned BoardGrove Architects to design the seating for their 2020 season of cultural events to take ‘physical distancing’ into consideration. The bold, angular public furniture strikes a balance between conspicuous and optimistic.

Photo – Mattia Balsamini.

Adam Cornish Design, MAKI Chair

The MAKI Chair by Adam Cornish Design is a vertical stacking chair suited for both commercial and residential applications. The elegant, ribbon-like design is made from bent timber.

Photo – Eve Wilson.

Koala, Cork Sofa

Global retailer Koala pioneers a new material that reproduces the functional and aesthetic features of leather, but contains no animal by-products. This vegan innovation is used to upholster the brand’s new sofa design.

Left: Photo – Amanda Santamaria + Chris Von Menge. Right: Photo – Peter Ryle and Nat Turnbull.

Rosanna Ceravolo, By Product

Utilising terrazzo stone offcuts, Rosanna Ceravolo created a sculptural modular piece that could also serve as a bench or side tables.

James Howe, J5 Credenza

The J5 Credenza by James Howe explores the dynamic properties of light through surface texture, materials and form. The clean timber aesthetic is uninterrupted by handles, splined joins or visible solid edging.

Photo –Brenton Colley.

René Linssen, Union

Working within the limitations of the 3D printing manufacturing process, this coffee table by René Linssen is made using materials local to Canberra. The leg pillars are made from recycled plastic bottles printed with new technologies developed at University of Canberra and the top from acrylic supplied by a neighbouring manufacturer.

Left: Photo – Penny Katopodis. Right: Photo –Jem Selig Freeman of Like Butter.

Marino Made, Round Desk

Easy to take apart, reassemble and repair, this minimal desk by Marino Made is made for longevity. It is constructed from a combination of American oak and timber veneer to ensure pieces are removable and portable.

Like Butter, Kitta Parts

Like Butter aimed to develop a quality flatpack modular shelving system using only timber connections to be sold at the accessible price point of $1,500.

Left: Photo – Brook James. Right: Photo –Dean Toepfer.

Eva, Hideaway Table Collection

This collection of flatpack coffee and sidetables made from American oak by Eva can be assembled or taken apart in under five minutes without tools. Any offcuts are repurposed into matching timber coasters that are free with every table purchase.

Jordan Leeflang, Kilter

Emerging designer Jordan Leeflang’s ‘Kilter’ piece could be used as a bench or coffee table. The sharply pointed legs appear geometric in isolation but soften into a solid sheet when viewed from an angle.

The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards 2021 Furniture Design award is presented by Jardan.

Jardan is an Australian family owned and operated company that has designed and handcrafted furniture in Melbourne for over 25 years. Our furniture is built to last a lifetime and is designed to capture the essence of the relaxed Australian lifestyle. To complement our range of furniture, we work with local and international makers to unearth an eclectic, contemporary collection of homewares.

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