The timber we choose to work with and why
When we relocated to Tasmania in 2015 it was our intention to work with local timber – Huon Pine and Celery Top Pine. Obtaining a reliable supply and ensuring a chain of custody has proved difficult and as a result we are now only using a limited quantity of these speciality Tasmanian timbers.
Tasmanian Oak and American Oak are the main timbers for our furniture which we recommenced manufacturing in 2019. We have developed washes and stains to facilitate a seamless integration with our existing product. We are comfortable with using both timbers as we can be sure of provenance.
Our lighting products also utilise these timbers as well as small amounts of American Walnut and where possible, Huon Pine and Tasmanian Celery Top Pine. It is clear to us that timber is a luxury commodity and that it must be used respectfully. We endeavour to manufacture pieces that are worthy of this dwindling resource.
How we approach the use of the timber
When we first opened our studio in the early 90’s our furniture and lighting pieces were produced with little or no irregularities in the timbers; however, we now recognise that beautiful timber is a rare commodity and irregularities in the colour, grain or markings of the timber add to the overall look and feel of the piece, reminding us that it is a natural material. In the production process we often need to laminate timber as very wide pieces are often not available or the whole width is not usable for whatever reason. Using laminated timber is something we have always done and we endeavour to do so in a way that is sympathetic to the design and aesthetic of the piece.
Tasmania, the environment and our work
For the twenty years our studio workshop was in North Melbourne we spent most of our holidays on the east coast of Tasmania. It is a magnificent location with incredible scenery. We have purpose built a studio workshop and without the overheads of operating in a large city based studio we are able to be much more considered in the way we approach the design and manufacturing process from an environmental perspective.
We have worked with a variety of materials and processes over the twenty plus years of our business – utilising metals, alloys, stone, plaster, resins, fabrics, foams and timber – a material we have explored with steam bending, moulding, laminating and turning just to name a few processes. Over time we have stopped using materials with poor environmental credentials either in their production, processing, transportation or disposal. We still use a small amount of steel, predominantly in hardware and lighting frames – and some fabrics such as cotton and linen but our work is now 95% timber. Additionally, we are now finishing our pieces with an oil/wax product which, when fully cured, is strong and durable. It’s a natural product and produces a soft, light natural finish. As a result of the way we design and manufacture our pieces our waste is minimal. Any timber waste is used in heating our home and studio workshop. We only purchase biodegradable materials and we re-use any material which comes from our suppliers.
Our designs and where we fit in the market
We are a small studio producing both furniture and lighting. We continue to service our trade clientele in Australia (with the addition of a few select retail outlets for lighting only) and are still well positioned to collaborate on project based work. Our output will always be small – not only because of our size, but because of the way we go about designing and producing our work. We see our designs as evolving, forming a part of a big jigsaw which is ever changing and is ultimately – our body of work. We aim to design and produce pieces which will have a long life in terms of design relevance as well as durability. The designs are simple and classic. The products designed by Pierre and Charlotte are practical, beautifully crafted, original and environmentally responsible.