The aim of this project was to design a contemporary piece of furniture that reflects the values and attitudes of New Zealand and its people. The brief was to utilize a sustainably produced and undervalued local resource, and use design to add value, character and promote New Zealand design.

As a nation we pride ourselves on our active lifestyles and can do attitude. We enjoy sports, fitness, and many outdoor activities. New Zealanders have free and immediate access to many beautiful beaches, parks and recreational activities and facilities. These provide an active easygoing but healthy lifestyle for those who want it. It is these positive attitudes and active lifestyles that inspired the design aesthetic of the wall shelves “FlicK”.

The idea of “FlicK” was an expression of vitality and simplicity. The flat piece of pine has been given a “quirky” corner fold, to symbolize the unique dynamic attitude associated with the Kiwi attitude and lifestyle. The lively yet minimal use of colour enhances the energetic impression, and helps enhance the visual lightness of the objects structure. These shelves can be used in a wide range of ways; as storage for ceramics and books, to hanging shirts or other clothing objects. Made using minimal design elements, “FlicK” turns a very ordinary and low-value piece of timber into an interesting and timeless shelf design that brings energetic and playful life to interior spaces.

The shelves are made from local grown New Zealand radiata pine. As Pine is New Zealand’s primary predominant plantation species of the country’s industrial wood, pine is most often exported in its raw form with value being added resulting from overseas manufacturing processes. “FlicK” demonstrates how design can add value to this natural material, by transforming it into desirable objects that promote our country and celebrate an abundant sustainable resource, while supporting local industry and communities.