Emerging Australian Designers Think Green, Win Big

Design finalists at Australia’s The Edge 2013 awards were inspired by objects as varied as beach-swept seashells and a dollop of cream dripping from a spoon. The international design competition, which was held this month at the Australian International Furniture Fair in Sydney, featured more than 38 finalists. Winners in four categories—commercial, concept, student and green—were lauded for their ability to push the boundaries of furniture design while focusing on environmental sustainability. Comprised of students and emerging talents, the winners are:

Ash Allen, Dollop Light, a perfectly balanced yet asymmetrical earthenware LED light fixture (Commercial Award)

Ben Brayshaw, Clam Chair, a portable chair made of walnut for use at the beach or park (Student Award)

Stephanie Ng Hui Sien, Halo Light, a modular lighting system that can be configured into a variety of shapes and sizes (Concept Award)

Toby Nowland, Fold and Peg Stool, a cube-shaped seat made from sustainable materials, including recycled PET bottles (Green Award)

Ash Allen, who won the competitive Commercial award for his Dollop Light, says, “I wanted to create a sensual, organic pendant ‘mood’ light full of contrasts. Simplicity is the key, in my mind, to a well-designed piece of furniture,” he explains. “It opens up possibilities in terms of manufacturing it here in Australia and allows price-points to be met from a sales point of view.”

Each winner received a cash prize for his or her work. Allen has been invited to attend the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City in May.