Jared Horsfield, Opulent Study Desk (Student Awards 2019)

Imitating a wave's natural motion, the wave-like, steambent timber complements the reclaimed timber top as the curves stretch from the ground, seamlessly flowing to become subtle drawer handles on the soft close drawers. Thorough planning and testing allowed for highest quality of construction, displaying bountiful methods of joinery while engaging both elegant aesthetics and practical function. Inspired by UK furniture maker Thomas Whittington's Whinlatter desk the concept was simple; to build a practical, aesthetically pleasing study desk that would be the hero feature in any room. Through extensive research and considerable planning, testing and construction, the opulent study desk displays pristine hand cut dovetails alongside angled mortise and tenon joints, steambent, laminated legs and numerous housing joints. I am incredibly delighted with the final outcome and thrilled with the new skills and techniques that I was able to demonstrate during the process. The difficulties in designing and constructing the opulent study desk were incomparable to the joy of the hard work that payed off to produce a high quality, statement piece of furniture that will always turn heads. The final dimensions of the study desk are: 1400L x 600W x 820H. Species of timber used: Recycled Australian hardwoods (top face), karri hardwood (sides, drawers, bottom of carcase), spotted gum (legs and base). Date of marking: 28th of August, 2019. Year 12, Kotara High School. Teacher: Anthony Ryan. Photos: Fallon Crowe, Andrew Horsfield.

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