Josh Anstee, Timber Bathroom Vanity (Student Awards 2018)

I set out in this project to create a product which could be compared with that of a highly experienced furniture designer and maker. From the outlay of my project intentions I have sought to use creative design elements and unique materials which could both provide a functional purpose at the same time as adding aesthetic value to the piece of furniture. It is this intent to incorporate innovation and creativity into my design which has both pushed my ability as a designer and furniture maker, at the same time as pushing the limits of what I thought was possible with the limitations in mind. I am confident that this design is original within the industry. I believe that the intricate timber joinery processes in conjunction with the unique design elements such as my veneered back panel, cane weaving shelf and coopered bowl provide the technical features which make this project and extremely high quality product. The combination of all these elements is what makes this project truly stand out and I am extremely proud of the piece that I have been lucky enough to create. My project demonstrates an extremely high standard in the skills and techniques used in its production. The cabinet joinery involved in this project consists of half blind dovetails and sliding dovetail rebates, along with the frame joinery which consists of shaped knuckle joints and the bottom cane shelf has been joined with the bead and cove method. To attach the frame and cabinet I have used timber buttons which have been handcrafted. The doors of my cabinet have been made through frame and solid wood panel joinery which is joined to the carcass using solid brass hinges. The drawer construction consists of a solid timber front with the carcase consisting of finger joints, and the drawer base made of timber veneered marquetry glued to birch ply. The cabinet back was made in a similar way, with a tessellating pattern being created through alternating light and dark timber veneer pieces glued to a birch ply board. The timber basin is made through coopering with the base being made from a starburst timber laminate pattern pressed to a plywood board. The combination of these many skills in the production of my project is what makes it so unique and without each element I would consider the project a fail. Year 12, Freshwater Senior Campus, NSW. Teacher: Ben Percy

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