Designing for Longevity – ForestOne Announces Round Nine A&D Trade Competition Winners

Answering the demand for more accessible sustainable design, The Jolly Miller Cafe by Wayne Boothman from Toothpicks Creative and the Fhiaba Showroom by Andy Collins from Brand Dimensions have both won ForestOne’s Specified Responsibly A&D Trade Competition for December. Having shown exemplary use of EGGER’s wood-based products, both designers have been entered into the draw for the 2023 Grand Prize to win a trip to Interzum in Cologne.

Embodying focused design choices, the December winners worked closely with ForestOne representatives to confidently choose EGGER wood-based décor products for their designs. Aiming to deliver permanent public spaces, Wayne from Toothpicks Creative and Andy from Brand Dimensions showcased how sustainable materials can help produce projects grounded in longevity. Through their specification and use of EGGER products, Wayne and Andy will join the array of talented entrants who are in the draw for a once in a lifetime trip to Interzum.

Embodying focused design choices, the December winners worked closely with ForestOne representatives to confidently choose EGGER wood-based décor products for their designs.

Following a brief that requested an enticing space that remained within budget, Wayne combined the Jolly Miller Cafe’s navy colouring with moments of green. Located in a Vicinity Centre – a leading retail property group – Toothpicks Creative followed a strict design process and employment of products. “Vicinity has strict design guidelines,” Wayne explains, “and their sustainability strategy focuses on creating low-carbon, sustainable destinations that are resilient to climate change and support the local community.” As a result, Wayne needed to consider using products and materials that had sustainable and ethical supply chains, as well as reduced waste, low VOC, E1 or E0 materials, specified FSC or PEFC timbers, and selected finishes from GECA or Global GreenTag. Ultimately, the required elements pertaining to Wayne’s design led him to EGGER, as the company’s products easily fit the criteria, as well as being a cost-effective solution for the client.

Confidently specifying EGGER’s Natural Anthor Oak woodgrains and Diamond Grey throughout the interior, Wayne was able to cater to the strict guidelines of Vicinity whilst also prioritising his own sustainable ambitions. “Our methodology when designing products is focused on education for ourselves and our customers,” Wayne says. “We have become more aware of the importance to look after the environment for future generations.” Wayne explains that they were drawn to EGGER because “it takes its responsibilities seriously – for products, production, as well as employees and society,” adding that it was ForestOne’s showroom that helped him to choose the right products.

With nearly two decades of building a strong working relationship with Eurolinx, Andy from Brand Dimensions was tasked with developing the showroom for Fhiaba – a manufacturer of fridges, freezers and wine storage for high-end kitchens. Being relatively new to the Australian market, it was “important to make the right impression from the start,” Andy says. “Our task was to create an in-store design concept, which conveyed all these attributes.” For the showroom displays, Brand Dimensions chose to work with EGGER. “The texture and finish of the laminates chosen is very much in line with the type of kitchen joinery one would expect to see in an appliance of this calibre,” Andy explains.

Committed to the notion of longevity, Andy has always believed that design should be like “wearing a pair of jeans or shoes until they are worn out,” adding, “I feel the same way about permanent and temporary architecture.” By choosing lasting products, colours and textures Andy explains that “we are all responsible to making better choices for the planet by ensuring we wear out what we make before we replace it.” This belief has led Andy to develop a strong working relationship with EGGER and his ForestOne representative, Annette Fanna. “EGGER always keeps us up-to-date with what is new and emerging new trends,” Andy notes.

Aiming to deliver permanent public spaces, Wayne from Toothpicks Creative and Andy from Brand Dimensions showcased how sustainable materials can help produce projects grounded in longevity.

Delivering projects that offer a sense of longevity to their clients, both Wayne and Andy have showcased how confidence in products and suppliers is key to implementing sustainable design. Recognised by ForestOne for their unique explorations of EGGER wood-based décor products, Wayne and Andy will join the preceding winners for the grand prize of ForestOne’s Specified Responsibly A&D Trade Program.