Adrian Duyn, Armoin (WORLD 2023)

Photos:

Eoghan Kavanagh & Nick Cavanagh

Country:

Ireland

Armóin was born in harmony with nature. A look that can communicate through the sense of touch and sight. Seeing and feeling the grain rise and fall with playful segmented curves and rounded edges all allow the pieces of furniture to talk in another language. A harmony and connection told by visual and sensual storytelling, interpreting the forest and its story by craft and design in balance and harmony. Harmony [Definition]: The harmony of something is the way in which its parts are combined into a pleasant arrangement. [Translation]: Gaelige: Armōin Timber was (European FSC) sustainably sourced in Italy where forests are replanted for future generations to enjoy. This is a main focus of ours with each project, as with the quantity of timber needed it would only be right and moral to use a sustainable source and thus keep within the overall ethos of harmony and balance. European white oak is native to Ireland but is also multi-cultural like our clients. Harmony and balance is in everything and especially in the laws of nature. Each segmented piece is shaped to precision to interlink and connect with its counterpart to form a balance to create the seamless flow of segments in harmony. Rounded corners and edges show off this interplay of segments representing flowing shapes found in the natural world while also adding a tactile element. An end grain double dovetail/ butterfly was added to each segment joint of end grain and long grain. To further interconnect and blend these elements. The drawer fronts are finished in a figure burr oak veneer giving subtle contrast to the solid timber construction. Burr veneer is cut in thin sheets from root stumps of the oak tree revealing a magical layout of swirly grain and knotty burrs. Almost representing a map topography reflecting the forest - which is translated through elements of design and thus bringing the story of the forest directly into the client’s home. Adding a shadow gap entirely around the drawers gives them a sense of individualism and space - a separate element - while also having a harmonious connection with the solid curved profiles. Each piece has ties to the next, in relation to its segmental design and seamlessly interconnecting elements, a true sense of balance and ultimate harmony. However overall they stand alone as individuals, each design varying differently – like each piece of timber or each tree standing in a forest. Each is a segment, and each is connected in harmony through the eyes of nature. Armōin.

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