After studying and practicing architecture for a number of years, most notably for Fearon Hay architects, Sam Lennon went on to establish his own studio, aptly named THE LENNON PROJECT. As a small multidisciplinary practice, it focuses on juxtaposing materials and blurring the lines between architecture and interiors.Currently Sam resides in Hong Kong working on a range of projects from large scale events, interior fit-outs and installations for some well know clients including Lane Crawford, Phillip Lim 3.1, Hennessy and National Geographic.

The first of the three pieces that Sam has entered into the competition is the Trig coffee table. Consisting of a network of interlocking and intersecting triangular templates, the steel table creates a skeletal structure and a "functional piece of micro architecture".

Inspired by origami and folded forms, the Obtuse stool and Acute chair are geometric structures, with the aim of making the most efficient use of a sheet of steel. The stool is made from two pieces of folded sheet steel, the chair from three and both achieve the maximum amount of folds possible and the minimum amount of welded joints.

Sam's third piece, The Inverted Cube, was conceived from the idea of using standard 30mm steel angles in reverse to create simple forms. The cube is part of an 'Inverted' series, consisting of a small side table, coffee table and tall side table.

 To view more of Sam's work, go here.

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Incubator entrant Scott Facer completed a Bachelor of Design at Unitec in 2007 , focusing on 3D objects. Upon graduation he was accepted into the now defunct Roger Bateman 'Creative Industries Incubator Project'. Currently Facer works at Katalog, a designer furniture and architectural hardware retailer in Auckland, giving him an opportunity to gain exposure to the commercial side of the design industry.

In terms of influences, his choices vary, however he always returns to modernist values, and favours pieces that are made to last lifetimes. The simplicity of material and construction are fundamental in the design and production process, as well as the intention to minimise waste and the use of sustainable materials.

Facer's entry, a lamp titled  '­­­10˚', leans forward, as the name suggests, at a degree of 10. The angle allows the lamp to be positioned behind a chair and lean over the sitter providing them with sufficient lighting. Constructed from American ash, and finished with a simple non toxic wax, not only does the light look great, but it is also made from sustainable materials. The 3 components of the lamp - the crossed base, lampshade, and main stand are joined by an alan key bolt allowing for easy deconstruction for shipping.

See more of Scott's design here.

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Currently a designer and production manager for Simon James Design, David Moreland is a familiar face in the design scene in New Zealand. He began his career by studying 3-dimensional design at university, then going on to work with stalwart David Trubridge before settling here in Auckland. As well as producing limited edition pieces and one-off commissions, his furniture has also wound up in commercial projects nationwide like Air New Zealand, BNZ and Government House.

Moreland's entry, can be either a shelf or a sideboard by changing the set of perspex shelves used. Due to the material being a light gauge timber, a nice open space has been achieved within the piece and it can still be moved easily. The half lap joints create an attractive detailing effect as well as giving strength. The components are painted prior to assembly, allowing for unlimited colourway options. There is also the option of choosing a different coloured perspex, meaning that the pieces can be re invented for specific locations or clients needs. A smaller side table version constructed from 25mm x 25mm machined oak is also available. 

 You can see more of David's work here.

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Currently a student at Victoria University in Wellington, studying design innovation, Lee Woodman's design ideology is heavily weighted toward a sustainable new way of living that does not need to imply restriction or compromise. He began his career in the construction industry at age 17, and since then he has completed both carpentry and joinery apprenticeships.

His Crane lamp embraces materiality and tactility, luring the user to touch, adjust and experience the light. The lamp can be extended for use about a chair or retracted for a more ambient light. As transport for products is an increasing concern, Woodman has designed a case specifically catered to the Crane lamp, allowing it to be transported safely. The Crane lamp is not intended for mass production, but rather, is intended to be celebrated as a fine piece of furniture, a limited edition object to be cherished for generations to come.

To view more Lee's work go here.

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A graduate of UCOL, Geoffrey Young's ambition is to make a living designing and making fine custom made furniture. This piece, titled 'Converge bench' is inspired by a Polynesian kite. Its converging lines all help to form the entire structure of the bench, with the saying 'a sum of all parts' ringing true. The seat of the bench is compiled of various pieces of Austrian black wood that all piece together like a carefully constructed jigsaw puzzle. Because the pieces can be removed, it can be packed relatively flat for ease of transport. Its curved base lends a soft aesthetic to the overall silhouette.

To view more of Geoffrey's work go here.

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Timothy John's first passion for design was ignited as a young boy: when he remembers waking up in the middle of the night and trying to figure out how to make a fishing lure out of a teaspoon. Many many years later, after completing a building apprenticeship and meeting his interior designer wife, he realised his true passion lay in the act of design itself. Driven by a fascination with a particular material, form or process, his pieces are unique with a playful bent. Locally he is represented at Design 55 and Essenze.

The Boss chair is made from powder coated steel and industrial shock cord. The steel frame draws its influence from the pioneers of modern furniture design. Over 300 metres of shock card is woven around the structure, to give it its tightly bound aesthetic. It can be used for indoor or outdoor use.

The Patriarch clock has a powerful presence and often features elaboratively carved ornamentation. Extremely minimal in its approach, it has been designed to be enjoyed from a 360 degree perspective, with every inch of it created for view. Available in a number of colours, this version was inspired by the 'colour blocking' trend in fashion.

You can visit Tim's website here.

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Bidum from Laetitia on Vimeo.

Laetitia Florin’s ‘Bidum’ containers are made from strips of spring steel covered in cotton which allow them to bounce. Moving with even the slightest of breezes or shakes without tumbling, they create beautiful kinetic art. They were produced for Laetitia’s graduate thesis at École Cantonale D’Art de Lausanne last year, and now the baskets are being produced by Ligne Roset.  

Ligne Roset is available locally from Domo

Narciso is the latest project by Giorgia Zellenato, a product designer from Venice. Focusing on understanding the functionality of the vase as an object, and drawing attention to the role that they play in displaying flowers, Zellenato has created a beautiful series with mirrors. Showcasing the flowers from various points of view - from the simpler reflection to the incredibly detailed, the result is visually arresting. Borosilicate glass, powder-coated aluminium and mirrored stainless steel.

View more of the collection, and Zanellato's other work here.

  

a) The Guest by Jaime Hayon for Lladro [dezeen]
b) Skog lamps by Caroline Olsen [Contemporist]
c) Watch a drum solo recorded with motion-tracked senses [Fast Co]
d) A study on sculptured chairs [Style Park]
e) Damien Hirst: On the spot [Nowness]

Introduce some scenic surroundings to your fishy friends with this beautiful fish bowl designed by Aruliden for Gaia & Gino. Made from hand-blown glass, we like to think it's the minimalist's take on the various fish paraphernalia that one normally expects to see in this environment.