Foliole Shade

This handcrafted design is the first variation in a series of works that will create canopy sun shades. It combines Oak and repurposed Ash to form a structure to which a waterproof canvas is then attached providing the area below with shade. The overall form mirrors the fractal form of a tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ideas of utilizing and taking inspiration from nature through the medium of a sustainable product is an aspect that is used in this project, and will remain consistent through the development of Natural Form Designs.

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The project revolves around the union of two native trees. A dead Oak limb from the heart of the British countryside and repurposed Ash are combined to make a formation that reflects the countryside around it.

The Ash within the project is bent into a curve using the process of steam bending. Steam is blasted into the Ash allowing the wood to reach a temperature where the glue-like fibres within it become temporarily supple. This provides a window of opportunity for the contortion of the wood into a new form that's sets in place once cooling begins.

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The Oak used in this project is obtained from a dead limb within the tree shown in the images above. The dead limb is created through a process of Cladoptosis, the tree has stopped sending nutrients to the branch resulting in the branch dying off. It is a natural part of the tree's evolution and since the tree no longer requires the branch, to repurpose the limb within a project where it will hold function once again seems an apt solution.​

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