2017 DS Constantia - Business SA Design for Export Awards
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
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AWARDS > 2017 Gallery
2017 SHORTLIST
MIRAGE SERIES CHAIR
CONSTANTIA FURNITURE CRAFTSMEN
Category
PRODUCT DESIGN
FURNITURE & LIGHTING
SERVICE INDUSTRY - TOURISM
Design
CONSTANTIA FURNITURE CRAFTSMEN
About
Since 1977 Constantia has been creating some of the world’s finest furniture. Each handcrafted piece is made to last for centuries and is finished in Organic products specifically developed by Constantia to provide the greatest enhancement and protection. Selected above all others to design and build the Central Table and Hansard Desk for the House of Representatives in Australia’s new Parliament House, Constantia Organic Finishes are used throughout. The Organic Finishes are renowned for highest quality, multi-purpose durability and ease of use and can be applied to interior or exterior timber, steel, stone and cork.
The Global notoriety of Contantia has resulted in a steady stream of international tourists to Port Lincoln to experience and tour the Constantia creative workshop.
The 'Mirage series' chair is inspired by a variety of Australian landscape elements are present within the design of this visually delicate but highly robust chair. Ergonomic principles underpin structural curves and fold away arms to provide for maximum comfort. Laminated Australian hardwoods and raw kangaroo hide ensure infinite strength and durability.
Design Challenge
Design and construction challenges: The clients expressed a passion for the rugged Australian landscape and in particular the fire age Eucalyptus trees. The first challenge was to accurately translate this into a functional form. A fascination with the Central Table and Hansard Desk we had designed and built for the New Parliamant House in Canberra was noted in discussion. The notion was to construct a dining setting that would form the centrepiece within an Australian style ranch located in Californian wine country. The clients expressed an inability to reach decision on whether or not to have arms on the chairs. We suggested the development of arms that could be folded away under the seat. Sourcing of materials with Australian origin was paramount. The combination of timber, steel, stone and leather presented structural challenges associated with the varying tolerances and hard working qualities. Elements such as colour and texture were to correspond with the natural perspectives perceived to be most important to the clients. Visual lightness in design required materials and reinforcements to provide the necessary stability and strength.
Design Solution
Australian Grey Box was selected for its great hardness and durability. As it was the main timber used in the construction of the Central Table and Hansard Desk for the New Parliament House, it also served to provide for the desired connection. Laminated sections were bent to form parabolic curves to reinforce strength and stability for the front and rear legs. These curves also reflect those present within our Australian Eucalyptus leaves. The choice of timber and laminations provided strength necessary for such delicate form. The front and rear legs are further balanced through reflective angles which, when viewed from the front, also appear in the shape of Eucalypt leaves. The arms were designed to represent leaves and are also laminated. We developed a mechanism to fold down and slide the arms to retract under the seat. The seats were moulded in cyma curves congruent with Eucalyptus leaves with particuar provision for lower lumber support. Raw Kangaroo leather was hand woven for the seats and backs and was chosen for its taught strength and minimal softening. Colours were selected based on the ochres of the Australian desert.
Design Impact
Having seen some of our work on display in the home of an associate, the clients visited us in Port Lincoln South Australia. This commission was created as part of a dining setting that forms the centrepiece of an Australian style ranch. The ranch is located in prestigious Californian wine country. One of the chairs was gifted to an associate of the client based in New York. We have since been contacted by one of New Yorks most reputable Interior Designers on behalf of the new owner, requesting details on the background of the design.
Since 1977 we have had commissions from England, Scotland, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, Israel and South Africa and continue to host intersate and overseas visitors who visit our workshop and gallery in Port Lincoln South Australia. Following are testimonials from some of our visitors:
“We are so privileged and blessed to see your work. Thank you everyone at Constantia for your passion and dedication.” – G and J O’Connor
“Waited a lifetime to see the work of a genius”. – Domenic Julie
“You are a national treasure”. – John Hammond
Each project requires fresh approach presenting constant design challenges. We strive to create intrinsic value that surpasses time.
