Timber iQ December 2018 - January 2019 // Issue: 41 | Page 26

PROJECTS
pieces aren't easy to lift but we were
fortunate enough to transport at night and we
reside in close proximity. We also produced a
9m long boardroom table which we
eventually had to break into 3m x 3m tables
and placed them on castors for delivery; most
importunately it gave the agency the freedom
to re-arrange the configuration depending on
meeting requirements.”
THE HUMAN TOUCH
Dicks says the client is overwhelmed by the
material, craftsmanship and the feel that the
pieces bring to the environment. All pieces
have to be functional but raw and with loads
of character and an aged look. Working with
this client was Coney Timbers’ first ‘punch the
air’ moment – their biggest corporate project
and the special one that they use in story-
telling during pitches.
“The success of the project was working
with an awesome client – namely Ben Wagner
and Katharine Price – their vision, input and
most importantly their empowerment of
Coney Timbers to have some artistic freedom
elevates the overall project.
“Based on what we achieved at VML, it has
allowed us to work with many blue-chip
companies as we tell the story over and over
about how we built this awesome and unique
environment. I also refer to my kids Joshua
and Hannah, aged 11 and 13 respectively,
for their input around design selection – don’t
tell my client!”
Wood was used due to its ability to soften the space and bring it alive.
WOOD YOU LIKE TO KNOW
• The Castle Brewery, VML’s home,
was designed in 1899 and completed
in 1901 by SA Breweries.
• Specific wood was sourced from
homes, buildings and old hotels,
centuries old, from Albert Road and the
Woodstock catchment.
• The project took six weeks from brief
to implementation.
• The team left the 100- to 150-year-old
dusty and splintered Oregon timber
unsanded.
• They used hot water to soften the
timber and a wire brush to maintain as
much character, preserving its history.
• Everything was transported in a
light truck.
Specific wood was sourced from the Woodstock area.
24 DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019 //
www.timberiq.co.za