The new Hoshi range, including lounge, armchair and bench, is the latest work by emerging Canberra-based designer Tom Skeehan, working with furniture supplier Stylecraft. Loosely translating as “star” in Japanese, Hoshi is inspired by the designer’s travels in Japan: “I have personally experienced their deep attraction to materials and process, combined with a rich understanding of how an object is made and the purpose / life cycle of the work.”
“Aesthetically, I admire the restraint and often minimal approach to many aspects of Japanese culture, placing a strong emphasis on the overall process and individual daily ritual,” he adds.
The collection, designed for Australian furniture supplier and manufacturer Stylecraft, is distinctive for its cushioned seats that seem to float within a refined, tubular timber base, creating a low profile furniture range that also has real character. A leather strap detail completes the design, pictured here in deep blue leather by Instyle.
Collaborating with Australian manufacturers has been important to the genesis of Hoshi, which is made utilising a combination of traditional processes combined with modern CNC technology. The chair is designed around an external skeleton that cradles a dominant upholstered form.
“Getting the cushion to work was one of the most challenging elements when developing the chair,” says Tom. “The cushion had to maintain a certain amount of rigidity on its own while providing enough comfort for you to sit in it for long periods.”
Hoshi is manufactured in Ash with staining options in Japanese black and walnut with various options for the fabrics, leathers and strapping. The range is upholstered locally, with final assembly and leather strapping completed at Skeehan’s Canberra studio.
Available from Stylecraft
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