re-code
Timber off cuts, broken carbon fiber parts, a table that is no longer wanted... I see the time and effort that brought the item to life where others see no value. In a throw away society, is there a place for products that are born from the old, broken and discarded? Can I 're-code' seemingly useless by-products & waste with new uses, meaning & value?
project objectives
investigate use of waste & by-product to avoid landfill
discover new manufacturing processes and develop materials lead design
as much is feasible, design and make from left overs, products & materials that are destined for land fill
create pieces that have obvious function yet are confronting, unique and require interpretation
expose the process and cost of custom design & building with predominantly existing product selections
begin a discussion about the differences between mass production Vs craftsmanship
updraft
2020 // high table
development breakdown
320 hours design, sourcing, build and assembly
re-used components & materials
excess teak fence posts
broken carbon fiber water sports equipment
table top made from an old oak door & skinned with excess carbon fiber
left over fiberglass flat panel
new components & materials
feet arrangements
316 S/steel screw & washers
epoxy & polyurethane glues
clear finishes
zephyr
2020 // coffee table
development breakdown
120 hours design, sourcing, build and assembly
re-used components & materials
broken carbon fiber water sports equipment
table top made from an old oak door & skinned in excess carbon fiber
fiberglass flat panel left overs
2 x knurled 316 S/steel adjustable self-leveling feet
2 x mild steel adjustable feet
new components & materials
316 S/steel screw & washers
epoxy & polyurethane glues
clear finishes
crosswind
2020 // outdoor coffee table
development breakdown
60 hours in design, sourcing, build and assembly
re-used components & materials
teak and merbau off-cuts
excess 9mm marine ply
broken outdoor table base
new components & materials
316 S/steel screw & washers
epoxy & polyurethane glues
clear finishes
turbulence
2020 // speaker stands
development breakdown
110 hours in design, sourcing, build and assembly
re-used components & materials
teak post off-cuts
excess carbon tubes
off-cuts of carbon fiber and structural foam
new components & materials
316 S/steel adjustable feet arrangements
epoxy glues
clear finishes
why
The by-product of being human is taking an ever worsening toll on the environment. Reading how we Australians were shipping our waste off-shore I thought we can do better, we have to do better. We are not giving enough thought to the growing problem of waste, we look at our smoke stacks, run-off pipes and piles of rubbish through the lens of convenience. As a society, we show a lack of responsibility for what we are leaving future generations.
So where do we go from here, where do I go and how do I start? Use the time 2020 has given me and look at my own situation and skills. Combine my passions of art, water sports & manufacturing to kick start a new commentary about the meaning of waste.
At the end of any given contract there are excess materials, off-cuts, surpluses etc... In water sports, there is general wear & tear, masts, paddles, booms all manner of composite tubes that reach a premature end of life. It would be convenient to throw this all in the bin, easy. At best this can be allocated to future work, work that may or may not eventuate. It is in this environment that the opportunity exists to investigate a different approach to the waste we create and with it, the possibility to discover new ways to design & manufacture, a new way of thinking and acting.