Silver Furniture Design · 2022
Spiral Blonde Side Table
by Ben Dungey
- A' Design Award 2022 Silver Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Ben Dungey
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 32,790
- Verification code 8FF15253B4 · Verify this award
About Spiral Blonde Side Table
Inspired by fractal art and mathematics, the Spiral Blonde side table is equally a work of art and also a functional piece of furniture. Its distinctive geometric form and intricate patterned surface of shimmering rye straw combine to achieve a striking aesthetic which attracts the eye in any setting, subtly transforming over the course of the day as the quality of light changes. Production of the table has combined the traditional art of straw marquetry with modern 3D printing and all materials used in its assembly are fully biodegradable and come from renewable resources.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Spiral Blonde side table is equally a work of art and also a functional piece of furniture. Its distinctive geometric form and intricate patterned surface achieve a striking aesthetic which subtly transforms over the course of the day as the quality of light changes. Production of the table has combined the traditional art of straw marquetry with modern 3D printing and all materials used in its assembly are fully biodegradable and come from renewable resources.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 350mm x Depth 350mm x Height 450mm
- Tags
- Side table, 3D print, 3D printed furniture, straw marquetry, algorithmic design, fractal
- Production Technology
- The 3D model was generated using open source modelling software and employed python scripts to develop the form of the design algorithmically. The model was then printed in parts on a 3D printer using wood fibre filament and the parts were soldered together and the joints sanded down smooth. Organically grown rye straw was applied to the completed base structure using traditional straw marquetry techniques, with each piece of straw ironed flat, cut precisely then glued down to create the intricate pattern.
- Design Challenge
- Applying straw marquetry to a 3D printed object is a unique approach to furniture fabrication, and key challenges were around printing the curved, organic base structure and ensuring the rye straw adhered to it effectively.
- Project Duration
- Production occurred during 2020-2021 in Sydney, Australia
- Operation Flow
- Spiral Blonde can function as a side table or stool and its strong aesthetic qualities also lend it to use as a standalone piece of art. Its captivating form and shimmer draw the eye, creating a bold focal point in interior settings.
- Research
- Development of the design came out of studies of fractal mathematics and the generation of three dimensional objects using algorithmic processes. Subsequent printing of the 3D model involved extensive analysis and testing of materials and fabrication techniques to determine the best approach to printing the complex, organic shape in a way which created a robust base structure suited for use as a piece of furniture and to which straw marquetry could be applied.
- Inspiration
- The design takes inspiration from fractal art and mathematics. Fractals are self-similar shapes or patterns which repeat recursively at different scales to generate complex, captivating forms. Combining fractal forms with the beautiful shimmering effects possible through straw marquetry represents a unique approach to the creation of elaborate and beguiling objects.
- Image Credits
- Images #1-5: Photographer Tae Yun, Spiral Blonde, 2021