Last year we completed a bespoke domestic renovation for a new client. He recently got in touch regarding the design of some furniture for his flat, based on specific items and dimensions. This was a breath of fresh air from the relentless domestic renovations of late!
The client was at first unaware of CNC technology and intended to use a carpenter. However, CNC seemed a perfect means of production in relation to the relative simplicity of his proposed drawings and tight budget.
For ease of construction and delivery, the two pieces, a DVD holder and side table, were designed as a series of components that could be assembled and disassembled with ease. A system of slots was designed to connect the separate components without the need for any additional attachment methods. 18mm melamine plywood was the chosen material as it provided an ideal level of thickness for sturdy connections whilst its clean surface qualities would compliment the flats existing interior.
The client was at first unaware of CNC technology and intended to use a carpenter. However, CNC seemed a perfect means of production in relation to the relative simplicity of his proposed drawings and tight budget.
For ease of construction and delivery, the two pieces, a DVD holder and side table, were designed as a series of components that could be assembled and disassembled with ease. A system of slots was designed to connect the separate components without the need for any additional attachment methods. 18mm melamine plywood was the chosen material as it provided an ideal level of thickness for sturdy connections whilst its clean surface qualities would compliment the flats existing interior.
Sketch Model Explorations
Exploded axonometric illustrating the connection process
The client’s original drawings informed the design process which was then developed through a process of sketching, 3D CAD and physical modeling. Physical modeling with card was particularly useful as it allowed us to think with our hands and make a direct physical connection with the design process; experimenting with alternate attachment methods and the composition of the pieces simultaneously. Ideas moved forward at a far quicker rate when designing through rough sketch models whilst CAD proved less useful as its virtual basis was fairly dislocating. CAD was however essential in the final stages for the production of drawings for the workshop.
Cutting commences at the workshop
As a last minute gesture, the team rapidly thought up a final piece that we could utilize in the office, made from the left over wood. This piece was probably the most successful of the three and designed in the shortest time frame! A short video was also composed from still images of the furniture holding bits and pieces found in the office. Combining the separate pieces as one composition posed potential for the design of future pieces, as well as providing a couple of hour’s fun on a Friday afternoon!
The side table and DVD partially dismantled
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