Our picks from Denfair 2019
This year’s iteration of Denfair is based around the theme of ‘LIFE WORK’ – bringing attention to designs that address the integration of our personal and working lives. As always, we’ve taken a tour of the exhibition and have rounded up a few highlights.
OAK REDefined – American Hardwood Export Council
OAK REDefined is an enigmatic American red oak installation, the interior of which materialises in glimpses stolen through wooden screens as one approaches. The multipurpose space invites visitors to sit and enjoy their surrounds; it was conceived as an exploration of an American timber species by designer Adam Markowitz, digital craftsperson Marcus Piper and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), manufactured by Sydney-based Evostyle. Here, the tangible and intangible properties of American red oak are on full display – the tangram-inspired table inside the exhibit is particularly eye-catching.
Front / Centre
Denfair’s curated selection of emerging Australian designers never fails to deliver variety and quality. We’ve selected a few standouts from this year’s finalists. Read more here.
Tait
The dappled, leaf-shaped light cast across Tait’s Scape collection (designed by Adam Goodrum) immediately evokes a lush garden ambience. It’s all too fitting, given the collection’s focus on connection with the natural world through its organic, rock-like forms.
#futurework by FUTURESPACE
DENFAIR’s new workspace precinct includes an installation called #futurework by Angela Ferguson and Gavin Harris of Futurespace. The sleek, neon-lit space is divided into three activities: SOCIAL, FOCUS and COLLABORATE and features products from Kvadrat Maharam, Godfrey Hirst, Ampelite, Koda, Febrik, Spicers, Mitchell Group, nau and Harlequin Floors.
The Wood Room
A linen ceiling floods The Wood Room’s exhibit space with a tantalisingly warm glow that does well to showcase the handcrafted, Australian-made furniture within – including pieces by Patryk Koca and Richards Stanisich.
Design Institute of New Zealand
Follow curvaceous walls and be lead through work from designers Nathan Goldsworthy, Think + Shift and Tim Webber.
Other standouts include:
Junglefy Breathing Wall – This collaborative project by Junglefy x Adam Cornish Design focuses on air quality in the modern workplace by presenting a live demonstration of a self-contained microclimate with a living bio-filter.
James Howe – Howe’s mastery of minimalism shines through his simple, elegant furniture.
Cubic Products – Decorative masonry products (aka breeze blocks) are employed here to full stylish effect in a vibrant display.
anaca studio – We love anaca studio’s sustainability-minded approach to creating beautifully-crafted furniture.
Forbo Flooring Systems – An exhibit including native plants is the perfect symbol of the brand’s commitment to environmental protection.
Coco Flip – This space serves up character and colour in spades – not to mention an impressive, locally-manufactured furniture and lighting collection.
Mina Mina – These Melbourne-based architects also turn their hand to product design. “Paper Table” by Nancy Ji is displayed with a refinement that recalls its simple construction from a single sheet with a series of minimal cuts and bends.
The Wallpaper* Chalet Restaurant – Be welcomed to a snowy alpine lodge created in partnership with WoodSolutions and Kennedy’s Timbers. Furniture by Ross Didier and James Richardson is accompanied by timber shingle walls and themed accessories including vintage skis.
Denfair is held from 20 – 22 June at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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