A couple of years since I last visited DENFAIR, Melbourne, I was honoured to be hosted by Cult this time around. Promising an exciting showcase that certainly didn't disappoint, Cult presented a range of novelties from its Australian design brand, NAU, across three locations. In addition to exhibiting the 2019 NAU collection, Cult also announced the exciting launch of the newly redesigned NAU website and online store.
The NAU stand feautured dark green walls and textural curtains, providing a beautiful backdrop for the new pieces. These included a showcase of extensions to best-selling collections by Adam Goodrum, Kate Stokes, Adam Cornish and Tom Fereday, as well as the recent Mercedes-Benz Design Award winner, Stack, by Zachary Hanna. Following its international launch at ORGATEC 2018, the Chameleon table by Adam Goodrum was also featured, for the first time in Australia.
Designed to present the novelties in a contemporary, private space, the NAU stand also featured an interactive augmented reality zone, inviting visitors to design their own interior with the entire NAU collection, including 2019 novelties, using the NAU AR app - a 3D Augmented Reality app for iOS launched last year at DENFAIR. An amazing tool for visualising how the product would look in a space, I had a play around with some favourite pieces, and loved having the ability to change finishes and configurations as I went along. You can download the NAU AR app here.
Partnering with a number of inspiring and like-minded brands at DENFAIR this year, all of the fabrics were supplied exclusively by Mokum, including upholstery, stand drapery and cushions. All styling elements, including vases, bowls, espresso cups and saucers were lovingly hand-made and provided by Mud Australia. Flooring on both stands was provided exclusively by Bolon and the NAU stand television screen was provided by Bang & Olufsen.
Here's a look at the NAU Novelties unveiled at DENFAIR...
Stack by Zachary Hanna
Winner of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Design Awards, Stack drew a lot of attention at the NAU stand, and it's easy to see why. The thoughtful and unique design cleverly combines the functionality of several living room objects into one simple yet refined product - a lamp, a bookshelf and a side table. Crafted from solid natural timber with seamlessly integrated wiring, the strong structure is gently illuminated by the soft, diffused light created by its sculptural plywood shade. Designed to simplify home-living, I can see this piece working well in either a living room setting or as bedside furniture.
SIA Upholstered by Tom Fereday
The 2017 winner of the Mercedes-Benz Design Award, SIA by Tom Fereday officially launched at DENFAIR last year. Featuring a unique adjustable backrest and known for its uncompromising comfort, this has been stepped up a notch with the new upholstered version. Featuring Medina Lacquer fabric by Mokum, the new textural element contrasts beautifully with the solid natural timber, and minimal steel frame.
Molloy Chair with Arms and Molly Bar Stool by Adam Goodrum
The elegantly sculptural Malloy collection, where two elements meet and seamlessly become one, comes from the unusual meeting of two rivers to form the Molloy River in Western Australia – a place where Adam Goodrum hand-built a holiday home with his family. Featuring beautifully fluid detailing, the collection of dining tables, chairs, shelving and coffee tables now have two newly designed extensions – the Molloy chair with arms and the Molloy bar stool. Presented at DENFAIR, I had the pleasure of sitting in the stool several times over the course of the two days (enjoying a Nespresso or two!) and I found the sculptural design to be both sturdy and extremely comfortable.
Strand Upholstered by Adam Cornish
Inspired by the vintage steel furniture from the 1950s, the Strand collection is made from simple, tactile materials, chosen for their honesty and ability to age with dignity. Taking cues from braided steel cables, three aluminium ‘strands’ work in unison to create the outline of the design. At DENFAIR 2019, NAU presented the new fully upholstered Strand chair in Mokum Medina Lacquer.
Jolly Single Rod Pendant by Kate Stokes
The Playful Jolly light collection was first presented at DENFAIR 2018, with the double rod pendant and wall light. This year, the previously unseen single rod version was showcased. An exploration of form and material featuring translucent, hand-blown glass juxtaposed against solid-coloured metal rods and shades, the single rod pendant features the same balance of material composition through a more simplistic form, and the result is stunning. Shown in brass, it also comes in black, burgundy and eucalypt powdercoat finishes.
Sofala by Adam Goodrum
Named after a small town in New South Wales with soft, rolling green hills, Sofala is a modular sofa characterised by smooth curves and versatile modules that allow for a range of comfortable configurations. First launched at DENFAIR 2018, this year the re-imagined Sofala returned with a new 150-degree corner module. With distinctive piping detail, the new version, upholstered in Mokum Topiary, features an inviting curved shape and allows for a wider range of formations.
Bower by Adam Goodrum
With Bower, Adam Goodrum sought to break away from the rigidity often associated with office and breakout furniture. Inspired by the rambling style nests created by the bowerbird, Bower is open, organic and gentle; bringing a natural and calm aesthetic to workplaces. The collection includes a workpod, armchair, meeting lounge, along with a range of adjustable acoustic screens and modular booth styles. Functionally, the architecture of this design controls acoustics as the undulating shapes catch and absorb noise, while aesthetically the vertical woven elements appear to be growing like vines. The Bower armchair with a previously unseen timber plywood weave, upholstered in a gorgeous Burnt Orange Mokum Alpaca Velvet, was showcased at this year's NAU stand.
Chameleon by Adam Goodrum (2018)
Named after its ability to cleverly adapt to its environment, the Chameleon is an agile structure that takes commercial configuration to new levels. Its range of articulated features are a product of extensive engineering, offering limitless dimensional, typological and aesthetic table solutions with a singular design language. With an overall aesthetic that reflects the seamlessness of its mechanics, the Chameleon is refined in its engineering, functional in design and versatile in form, ready to adapt to the dynamic world for which it was designed. Launched in Germany at ORGATEC 2018, the Chameleon was showcased across all three locations at DENFAIR 2019 and can be seen in further detail here.
The Chameleon by NAU stand presented an eye-catching conceptual installation. Imagined by Adam Goodrum, the stand invited DENFAIR visitors to explore the structural uniqueness of the Chameleon as a commercial table concept designed by Adam Goodrum for NAU.
The NAU Chameleon table made its third debut at FUTURESPACE, a new dedicated workspace precinct at DENFAIR comprising three immersive spaces that showcase commercial design. The precinct also included the popular Kubrick Stool by Jack Flanagan for NAU.
And in final news, the entire NAU collection is now shopable online, directly from the re-designed www.naudesign launched at DENFAIR!
If you missed my Instagram stories during DENFAIR, I've saved some highlights on my Instagram page. This includes some photos of the gorgeous Prince Hotel where I stayed, along with a beautiful post shared by the winner of our Cult x TDC DENFAIR Giveaway, design grad Lauren Gibbs. It was so wonderful to see her and her best friend experience a fun and inspiring few days in Melbourne!
Photography by Fiona Susanto
This post was created in collaboration with Cult. I only work with products I love and all opinions are my own. For more information please visit my About Page.