Kardo Chair

Designed by Patryk Koca, 2022
Made by Carl Broesen, 2022

Materials:

Black Bean (Flindersia bourjotiana)
Tasmanian Oak / Water based stain (Eucalyptus regnans) 
Silver Ash (Castanospermum australe)
American White Oak (Quercus alba)

Inspired by the Powerhouse’s recent exhibition, Eucalyptusdom, Patryk began investigating the habits of Australian consumers when buying timber furniture. Local makers and manufacturers often prefer using imported species such as American Oak, ash, walnut despite the abundance of locally grown species. This preference is largely driven by demand and ease of manufacture.

To challenge this, Patryk designed the Kardo chair within the constraints posed by Australian timbers. Collaborating with Sydney based designer maker, Carl Broesen, the pair developed suitable joinery methods and selected native timbers (Black Bean, Tasmanian Oak, Silver Ash) to create a chair that matches the beauty of the favoured northern hemisphere counterparts. Kardo takes its name from the Latin word for 'tenon' – the defining joining method of the chair – and acts as a subtle nod to the scientific names given to tree species.

Two chairs have been crafted by Broesen, one using American Oak, and the other using a combination of Australian timbers. The oak chair could blend into most contemporary interiors whereas the alternative chair poses a bold statement that celebrates colour, personality, and diversity. The three distinct east coast timbers emphasise joinery and demand attention with brightly stained seat and back.

The two Kardo chairs seek to question why Australians choose overseas timbers and finishes as opposed to the array of unique and interesting local species readily available here at home.

Top 100 in furniture for Maker of the Year 2022

Powerhouse Museum ‘Make Now’ Exhibition - Sep 2022 to May 2023