WOOD AWARDS
The Beehave by Marlene Huissoud was recognised for its unusuality and the attention to detail that went into the making of it . The judges also praised that it is a fully functioning behive and not just a sculptural piece .
Designer : Studio Marlene Huissoud Maker : Benchmark Furniture Client : Science Museum London as part of ‘ Legacy ’ for LDF 2019 Wood supplier : Morgan Timber Species : American red oak
Sir Ian Blatchford commissioned Marlène Huissoud to create a beehive to feature in a new permanent gallery at the Science Museum focused on the future of agriculture . Whilst doing research , Ian came across a study focused on the habits of bees and the reason behind their decline in population . Marlène ’ s artistic outlook is rooted in the natural world . She also the daughter of a beekeeper . Rather than a traditional , house-like beehive , Marlène created something more organic . The log-like hive is a refuge for wild bees rather than place to make honey . The piece was hand carved and the red oak was then blackened using a scorching technique . It took 100 hours to add the tactile engraving details to the surface using a pyrograph . It was then covered with propolis , a dark resinous material produced by bees , to seal the gaps . This protects the timber and the bees from disease and also attracts bees with its scent .
PRODUCTION FURNITURE
Tenon Table is the Production winner . The judges admired the design and were particularly impressed by how well balanced the tables are .
Designer : Daniel Schofield Manufacturer : L . Ercolani Wood species : ash , oak ( Italy )
Designer Daniel Schofield has taken a pragmatic approach to the design of the Tenon Table . Material has been removed where it is not needed , leaving the base weighted and stable which naturally creates the joint for the top . The oversized wedged tenon has become a focal point which highlights the construction of the piece and the quality of craftsmanship . A combination of wood turning , CNC machinery and hand jointing have been used to create each piece . The table is available in two sizes .
JUDGES
The buildings judging panel is led by three-time Gold Award winner Stephen Corbett of Green Oak Carpentry . The panel includes Andrew Lawrence , Arup ; Kirsten Haggart , Waugh Thistleton Architects ; Nathan Wheatley , engenuiti ; David Morley , David Morley Architects ; Jim Greaves , Hopkins ; and architectural journalist Ruth Slavid . The furniture and product panel is led by design critic , curator and journalist Corinne Julius . The panel includes Oliver Stratford , editor of Disegno magazine ; Rod Wales of Wales & Wales ; and previous winners Yael Mer of Raw-Edges , Eleanor Lakelin and Sebastian Cox .
SPONSORS
As a not-for-profit competition , the Wood Awards can only happen with collaborative industry sponsorship . Major Sponsors are American Hardwood Export Council and Carpenters ’ Company . Other Sponsors include American Softwoods , Timber Trade Federation and TRADA .
www . woodawards . com
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