MAD STUDIOS
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MARNIE ALLAN DESIGN STUDIOS
DESIGNER STATEMENT
The Monstera Stool is a high end furniture piece that integrates function with artistry. It combines a high quality automotive finish with the richness of American black walnut to create an intriguing and grounding visual identity. Detail lies in the transition join between these two materials, requiring a substantial amount of hand finishing, carving and sanding so that the form appears as one. Its ability to stack not only satisfies the convenience for transport and storage, but also transforms it into a sculptural art form for display. The metallic parametric base complements the Spindrift Table in its form and finish. However, the Monstera Stool plays with the idea of symmetry to foster harmony and stability. This aspect was particularly inspired by the structure of leaves.
This furniture piece is marketed towards those who have an appreciation for art, sculpture and unique furniture. Sold in a batch of 6 to 8, the stool is a rare commodity. The construction process has been greatly optimised through tighter joins and efficient fiberglassing techniques. This has reduced the production time, allowing for two stools to be made in the time it took to construct one Spindrift Table.
Spindrift Table
Spindrift Lamp
DESIGN
In Rhino, a 3D modeling software, anchor points were located within a frame that dictates the size and proportion of the stool. These points were then strategically linked to create linear support. A grasshopper script was then developed to form a multi-pipe around these links and merge them seamlessly.
Fologram is an app that creates a live link between Rhino and your phone, allowing you to view and make changes to your Rhino model in real-time. I used this program to project my design into my surroundings at a 1:1 scale. This allowed me to assess its scale and proportions and make adjustments accordingly.
CONSTRUCTION
To make the wooden seats, two planks for walnut were joined together with domino joins. The dominos were carefully located using a stencil so that they wouldn’t be seen in the finished product. Using the CNC machine, the underside of was cut out first, then it was flipped so that the top could be cut. I then sanded it to remove the seams.
CONSTRUCTION
The 3D printed parts were glued together using super glue. All of the bumps needed to be sanded out before the resin and fiberglass was applied. The wooden seat and base were sanded together to make a seamless join. The base had to be a quarter of a millimeter smaller to allow for the fiberglass and paint.
M A D S T U D I O S
M a r n e A l a n D e s i g n S t u d o s
M A D S T U D
M a r n i e A l a n D e s g n
M A D S T U D I O S
M a r n i e A a n D e s g n S t u d i o s
M A D S T U D I O S
M a r n e A l a n D e s i g n S u d i o s
CONSTRUCTION
I used a satin weave fiberglass cloth as this has the ability to stretch and move around the organic form. This product was also used in the Spindrift Table. I used epoxy resin and hardener to apply and set the fiberglass as this is particularly strong and will prevent the plastic from going brittle.
CONSTRUCTION
The resin and fiberglass took about 8 hours to dry. Once it was finished, I began the sanding process. This was the longest part of the construction process because fiberglass and resin distorts the form slightly due to its thickness. Next, a polymer spray filler was applied to fill in small imperfections.
CONSTRUCTION
The primer was then sanded down to 400 grit sandpaper. Any small holes, imperfections and air bubbles were filled in with an automotive body filler. To make the transition joins even smoother, I taped off the wood and filled in the small openings with filler which was carefully sanded and shaped to form the perfect angle.
American black walnut is a dark wood with a beautiful grain. To bring out its natural colour I tested a natural wax finish and a Danish oil finish. I decided to go with the Danish oil because it hydrated the wood and enhanced its natural colour the best. I took this sample test to the paint shop so I could choose a colour that complemented the wood.
The packaging for the Monstera Stool aims to protect the product and create a satisfying user experience when they unbox their new MAD Studio piece.
The stool is protected with soft memory foam, enclosed in cardboard for stability. A felt slip case encloses the packaging. The upper protective foam and cardboard is fixed to the felt slip, so as you pull the top off the protective packaging goes with it. Essentially, the packaging is removed in one motion to display and reveal the Monstera Stool.
