Creative carpentry wows the crowds

6 days ago

2 min read

The Atrium was buzzing with conversation this week as Technology Resistant Materials (incorporating carpentry and product design) students showcased their completed projects.

Each year level tackled a different design brief, requiring students to design and build a product with a specific person in mind.

Year 11 students were challenged to design and build a lamp for a member of their whānau.

Natalia Szypilo created an angular wooden lamp with coloured light panels for her dad, inspired by a trip to Japan, where she was captivated by an artwork in a gallery in Kanazawa that changed colour when viewed from different angles. She says the project helped her develop "time-management skills and solidified my plans to pursue mechanical engineering in the future".

Year 12 students developed side tables for a specific person and purpose, working closely with their client to create products that met both practical and aesthetic requirements.

Caleb Burrows designed and built a side table featuring contrasting design elements and multiple levels of use.

"I wanted a minimalist design with a few eye-catching details," Caleb explained. "I added depth through the curved elements, and the opposing vertical beams create a strong contrast. The two table heights also make it useful in multiple ways."

For Year 13 students, the brief was far more open-ended, giving them the freedom to pursue individual interests and ideas. The resulting projects included handcrafted full-length mirrors and even a foosball table.

Milana Lang made a long table with storage for her mum to replace an existing unit that didn't match the rest of her home. Featuring dark timber panelling on the side and individual shoe compartments, the desk was designed to be both practical and visually appealing.

Meanwhile, Azleen Pelekata made a guitar for her grandfather, incorporating Pasifika patterns around the sides. Azleen says she has loved the freedom of the open brief for Year 13s, and the opportunity to take an idea from concept through to completion.

Students should be proud of the quality and originality of the work on display!