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Daniel Boddam’s Surf Collection
A sleek new furniture collection from architect and designer Daniel Boddam references the smooth, sculptural curves of the iconic Malibu surfboard.
Creating a sense of calm and wellbeing sits at the heart of architect and designer Daniel Boddam’s practice. It’s an approach that finds fresh form in his new Surf Collection, a tight range of furniture that riffs on the sculptural shape of a Malibu surfboard in a series of tables crafted from natural materials. “To me, a surfboard evokes a sense of freedom and adventure in nature, so I thought, ‘Why not extend that feeling to furniture design?’” says Boddam – who isn’t a surfer himself – of the new collection. “I spend a lot of time on the Australian coast … and our beautiful coastline inevitably finds its way into my designs.”
The collection consists of a low table, a side table and a dining table. The tops of the low table and dining table echo the iconic rounded shape of a Malibu surfboard, while the side table – which has a more traditional round top – is propped on arched legs that mimic the shape of surfboard fins. Each is available in a choice of eco-certified and FSC-rated natural, limed, smoked, black-stained oak or American walnut. Clients can also customise their tables; for instance, the dining table can be made round, long or oval and crafted in a variety of sizes.
Boddam works with local craftspeople to make every piece to order, helping reduce waste and further buttressing the studio’s sustainability credentials. “I find it really rewarding working collaboratively with the community around me,” says the designer, who highlights that partnering with local makers cuts down carbon kilometres for delivery post-manufacture.
Nature remains a constant in his work. “My pieces are often inspired by nature. At times it’s an abstract interpretation, at others, it’s about the natural material itself. I love that the wood grain varies from piece to piece, imparting material depth and warmth to a space. These highly crafted, sculptural tables are articulated in a single material – a study of form and material.”
Material choice also plays an important role in Boddam’s design process. He selects each material for its durability and designs with longevity in mind – a refreshing antidote to the creep of a trend-driven, fast-fashion ethos into the design space. “My design philosophy is to find the most simple and refined form. I design in this way so my pieces can exist in a variety of contexts and stand the test of time, outside of trends.”
