Simultaneously Complex & Simple
Inspired by George Nelson’s Platform Chair and Marc Newson’s Wood Chair, the design fuses both the positive and negative space together with the smart use of the Z shape and slatted wood structure. By making use of slatted design and with a twist on the layout, the Z Stool is the combination of both modern and traditional values carefully embedded in the form and function of the design.
Formed With Simple Templates & Fixtures
The plan to construct this stool relies on a few templates and dowel, with connector combining the whole structure together.
All the templates would have equal thickness and shape. Therefore the use of CNC machinery to cut out the templates would be easy to assemble.
Form Changes Throughout Process
Model making helps to give designers a virtual cue of the overall design and showcase the parts and rough edges that needs to amend.
The foam model is created to present with a rough model. Even though it was a scaled model, there was already a heated discussion to decrease the model height so as to be slightly more squared.
The amendments have led to the second and third model with the inclusion of technical joinery.
Connections Maybe?
The figuring out process is always how to assemble it or how to make it work. Having it with connector or dowels, it has become one of the more critical factors so that the production and installation is taken care of.
Appearance Mockup With Wood
Sheets of balsa wood has been both cut and slotted into position to have a final look and feel of the final shape. Each template or piece has to sand to perfection to look visually and tough physically before spending on more bigger pieces of wood.
Machining The Perfect Shape
The type of material chosen was 25mm marine graded plywood of A-B quality. This type of wood is usually found to be used in acoustic theaters where there is a high need for high wood density to ensure quality of the sounds in the room.
The process is CNC machining and has been programmed to cut through the templates via the parameters set by at the computer software.
Finishes
The finishes are what make the product stands out and stand with the test of time. The selection requirements for both the material oil and glue has to be strong, rigid and maintain the colour of the wood as it is.
It is made by Osmo Polyx- Oil and are based on natural oils and waxes. The waxes form an elastic, micro porous surface which protects the wood from moisture and abrasion. Therefore making the wood remains naturally beautiful, protected and durable.
https://australiandesigncentre.com/past-exhibitions-and-events/workshopped18/nicholas-tay-cathy-cao/