The centerpiece of the Common Room was a large fireplace featuring a striking parquetry paneling above the mantle. The other distinct feature was a set of bay windows framed by ornate plaster work with a layered upward arrowhead formation – referring to the late Gothic Revival ‘Trinity Chapel’ on site. Both of these elements came to be reflected as significant design features of the buffet. Furthermore, the doors of the buffet mirrored the diagonal paneling above the fireplace, while the plasterwork of the surrounding bay windows can be seen in the pillars, between the pairs of doors.
As the piece is a sizeable 4 meters long and 1.1 meters high, it is surprisingly light in its presence. Held aloft by slim-line legs, the symmetrical composition of the pillars and striking upward merging of the diagonal veneer pattern lends the piece a harmonious balance. Further still, the gentle curving top and doors along with the semi-gloss finish of the soft brown timber compels a need to run a hand over the buffet the delight is in its stately form, intricate character of the timber and its pure functionality.
Being a local furniture maker, environmental and social conditions are at the forefront of the design and making process. The two key emerging issues are: use of natural resources in a sustainable way, and the need to respond sensitively to cultural and heritage conditions.
The three varieties of timber materials used in the project are either reclaimed or re-cycled. The buffet top is Grey Box timber salvaged from a farm in Bateman’s Bay (NSW). The pillars are made from Grey Box salvaged from dead trees at Rushworth, central Victoria. The veneer is reclaimed Queensland Walnut from the Arthurton tablelands, west of Cairns and the drawers were made with Queensland Maple left over from a boat built by a retired boat builder in North Melbourne.
With the ever-changing nature of the built urban environment, the challenges to respond to cultural and heritage issues is complex. Hence, in this project, the design delicately balances a response to the established institution‘s distinct architectural character with a contemporary design and application of materials.
The key to the success of this project was the communication between the College and the furniture designer/maker. The representatives from the College were included in the decision making process, such as concept development, timber selection, lacquer finish, etc. This semi-collaborative approach allowed the client to trust and enjoy the whole project from design right through to construction and its installation.
The piece inspired further renovation of the Senior Common Room to accommodate a more refreshed aspect for the buffet. In fact, a special string quartet and harpsichord concert was preformed in the room to celebrate the renewed space.
By John D. Waters
ROSEADORA
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Premier’s design award press article (pdf)