HISTORICAL INFLUENCES
08 Mar 2017
In a bid to improve public spaces in Kew, the City of Boroondara implemented an initiative that proposed key improvements to enhance the appearance of the area and add a dash of character.
To create a safe, functional and pedestrian-friendly environment for its citizens and visitors, the City of Boroondara commissioned Draffin Street Furniture to develop a consistent furniture suite to implement along High Street.
Wanting to create feature spaces for people to stop, rest and gather, Draffin produced a range of bespoke pieces that would reflect the diverse history of the area. In consultation with the community, Council developed concept designs for the furniture that Draffin then refined into working models that were later manufactured into a complete suite.
Kew has long been a town of multicultural influences. Its beginnings as a colonial settlement in 1845 saw the town grow in enterprise and diversity as it flourished. It is these influences that are represented in the new street furniture.
A stacked timber motif was implemented into the design of a series of stools and benches that grace High Street; referencing to the former Dunning & Sons fuel supply business, a renowned landmark of Harp Junction. The timber motif was cut into 5mm-thick stainless steel end panels using Draffin’s inhouse laser cutting facility. Corten steel backing plates were then used to highlight the ‘stacked’ shapes and underpin the historical influences. To ensure a minimum 20-year lifespan, the seat and stool items were manufactured from a recycled composite batten and a heavy-duty galvanised frame.
In addition to the seating options, Council also produced concepts for a number of totem poles that serve as functional public art. The images produced for the totem poles reflect the history of the Harp of Erin Hotel (a former centre for race meetings) and a staging post for Cobb & Co services to Lilydale, which occurred during the Victorian gold rush era of the 1850s.
To achieve the heritage styling required, Draffin sourced ironbark wood posts. Reclaimed from a demolished bridge, the 100-year-old timber posts add a layer of ‘rustic’ charm. Draffin produced a series of stainless steel caps with laser cut images to wrap around the posts, with Corten steel backing plates used to enhance the design. The poles were then installed at varying heights along the project area.
The complete suite by Draffin integrates beautifully into the finished development and is a testament to the vision of the council designers.
For more design inspiration from Draffin visit www.draffin.com.au