A self-designed project for my Furniture Making BA, the brief was to create a piece enabling rest in an unconventional scenario. I developed a bench, inspired by how students gathered around the communal firepit to socialise. The curved hollow form references a fallen tree - an object traditionally used as a makeshift woodland perch. Sized for two, the bench subtly angles users toward each other to encourage interaction. The cast bronze end caps are intended to wear over time, developing a unique patina that tells the object’s story.
Iroko strips were steam-bent around a marine sapele plywood framework, interlocking via a bead and cove profile and secured with flexible marine epoxy. Temporary internal supports, akin to 3D printing scaffolds, were removed progressively during construction to allow further layering.
Sand-cast bronze end caps, formed from a 3D-printed master, were fitted over the iroko strips and pinned into the frame with brass rod to hold the curved form in place. The bench is finished with a marine-grade teak sealer, allowing easy maintenance without full sanding. All materials were selected for durability and resistance to outdoor conditions.
