Dedicated to championing the sustainable use of timber in design and architecture, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has a track record not only of collaborating with the leading lights of the creative sector, but also of working with the emerging generation to explore the possibilities of underused woods. For Clerkenwell Design Week on 21–23 May, AHEC has done both.
The first is a major collaboration with one of the UK’s most prestigious design studios – Foster + Partners Industrial Design – and one of its leading craft furniture makers – Benchmark – on the new ILE modular workspace system. The second is a showcase of creative experimentation from the country’s design talent of tomorrow – the students of Kingston University’s Product and Furniture Design course.
Although very different in outcome, both projects demonstrate the potential role that often-overlooked materials might play in ensuring a sustainable future for the industry, and make the case for looking beyond conventional timber varieties when it comes to making beautiful, functional and high-quality design.
Previewing as part of the British Collection at St James’ Crypt, ILE by Foster + Partners Industrial Design and Benchmark is a flexible family of timber furniture comprising a range of interlocking elements. The collection was conceived as a way to maximise the use of underutilised spaces in the workplace – the ‘in-between areas’ that can often be wasted or inefficient. ILE comprises benches, tables, lockers, shelves and planters, which can be connected via an innovative timber fixing strip both back to back and side to side, optimising office space and facilitating different modes of working
The system is designed to accommodate lighting rails and power displays – as well as accessories such as shelves and book ends – at any position on the worktop. With most offices undergoing 10 fit-outs in an average 60-year lifespan, this level of adaptability – coupled with the inherent durability of the hardwood – helps maximise the lifespan of the furniture.
“Our ambition was to create a highly flexible, solid timber system that can be easily reconfigured – while simultaneously embodying the high level of craft and quality that Benchmark is known for.’”– Mike Holland, Head of Industrial Design, Foster + Partners
ILE makes use of two solid timbers – American red oak and British ash – both of which are practical, affordable, attractive and sustainable. The red oak, sourced from forests in the Northern Appalachians, is ILE makes use of two solid timbers – American red oak and British ash – both of which are practical, affordable, attractive and sustainable.
