Friday 7 July 2017

Rose Street Market

Rose Street market is one of Melbourne's best art and design markets. We will be sharing a market stall showcasing and selling our handmade home wares. All of our products are designed and hand made in Melbourne. We are very excited to be among other designers/artists and makers and if you are interested please come down and say hi.

So what do we do?

Tatiana Gaviria (Canderlaria) has been exploring patterns and textures since a young age. Over the years she has refined her technique via her beautiful illustrations, paintings and sketches which she has translated into textiles through her screen printing process to make cushions. 








Matt Harding and myself have done collaborative work together before and will be selling poli resin planters, up-cycled glass cups, timber chopping boards and crates.






 










There will be photos of the chopping boards and crates closer to the market date. We look forward to seeing you there, the details are:


Just a few of us hanging out at Rose Street, See you there!



When: Opens at 11am - 5pm (Saturday 22nd of July)
Where: 60 Rose St, Fitzroy 


Monday 27 February 2017

Yarralink - Clean Up Australia Day 2017

 
I love this picture, it shows the river off in all its glory



Once again this yearly event is here. Spare a few hours out of your weekend and come help clean up the litter that is scattered along the banks of our Yarra River. 

At Yarralink we are committed to conserving and improving the local indigenous flora and fauna. Participating in clean up Australia day is one of many ways we can help improve the quality and health of our surrounding waterways.

If you are eager to join our cleanup please register through this page and don't hesitate to contact me.

Let's clean up our environment!


Clean Up Australia Day's 2017 Campaign - Image Source: www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au 



Instead of litter and pollution lets give nature something back, register below:

http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/Yarralink

 


Site Address
70 Heyington Pl
Toorak
VIC 3142 


Meeting Point: St Kevins Junior School rear carpark. Corner of Lansell road and Heyington Pl.
Date: March 5th 2017
Start time: 11:00 AM
End time: 1:00 PM 

Site Coordinator Details
Rowan Turnham
email: rturnhamdesign@gmail.com



Tuesday 3 May 2016

Dog Kennel for Guinness

I was asked to make a dog kennel by my girlfriends mum. As soon as I said yes to the project, I thought now what can I do to improve on existing designs. After a quick trip to some hardware stores like Bunnings and Masters. It seemed even a kennel for Guinness (Portuguese Water Dog) straight off the shelf would be harder to find than once thought. He is quite a large dog....

Most kennels were construction from Radiata Pine (Stained) and then cladded with weatherboard style planks and enclosed with a slanted roof and cladded with asphalt tiles.

After checking out these kennels it was clear that I could improve on the construction techniques and quality of materials. Air flow was quite an important aspect too, a lot of kennels I have seen previously are so enclosed that it doesn't take long before they start to smell quite bad. Another key improvement was to make the kennel mobile - caster wheels. 

Because Guinness already had a Aluminium framed bed, the kennel would act as a mobile shelter that can be moved anywhere the bed goes, simply slide the bed out and place in the desired spot and then unlock the caster wheels, roll over the bed and lock the wheels in place. Brilliant!



Below is the chosen kennel concept -


We picked Concept 2 to further develop, plywood roof won over shingles or corrugated iron.





A few design changes were made during the construction of the kennel. The most notable was the plywood roof. Originally it was inset between the front and rear framework. I changed the position of the roof so it covered all framework and so it had overhang. By doing this it provides protection from the elements for Guinness and the timber frame. Structurally it made the overall kennel stronger too.


Cutting the shoulder widths for the through slot - ready for chiselling!


Hand Chiselling each one keep the hand coordination right on check......


My sash clamps came in handy for this glue-up




Below is the assembly stage of the kennel
 


Here I have the solid Victorian Ash pitched frames with through slots

 
Steph fixing the battens onto the frame

Steph and Guinness enjoying a coffee break!

No Kennel is complete without a roof

I'd say hes pretty content with his new crib



Shout out to Stephanie Tan my girlfriend for helping with the construction of the kennel!

Tuesday 1 March 2016

The New Joneses - Melbourne City Square

I was in the city the other week on my way to a Yarra Link meeting and I came across this demonstration of sustainable living. I thought it was great to see companies showing off their products and systems to assist ordinary people to leave a smaller footprint on earth. 

I ended up spending quite a considerable amount of time reading all the interesting facts that were placed everywhere from the bedroom to the kitchen stating statistics and info-graphics about consumerism and what we can do to make our lives more efficient and green. Also the  worm farm set up and the hanging plants caught my attention as something everyone should try to incorporate into their lives.

The initiative stated 10 steps to use less and live more (company and brand names are dropped extensively, all for good reason): 


1. MAKE YOUR MONEY COUNT
One of our biggest environmental and social impacts is our choice of bank. Part of the global movement refusing to finance fossil fuels, Bank Australia values our people & planet. Get a free home loan health check to see how you can save money & support a healthier planet.

2. BETTER ENERGY
Choose a greener energy company & support our clean energy future. Currently ranked 'greenest' by Greenpeace, Powershop is Australia's only 100% carbon-neutral power company. Consistently one of the cheapest, Powershop loves our planet & is easy on your wallet.

3. LOVE FOOD, HATE WASTE
Victorians throw $4 billion of edible food a year to landfill. This creates methane & wastes the money, resources & energy used to grow, process, package & transport our food. Shop to a list, buy what you need, eat your leftovers! Download theyumeapp.com for half-price, surplus food from Melbourne's top cafes and restaurants.
4. THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC
When The New Joneses aren't walking or cycling, they're cruising their way to our fume-free future in their electric BMW i3. Their emission-free drive makes trips to the petrol station a thing of the past.

5. HEALTHY HOMES
Ecoliv Buildings' affordable, sustainable homes save space, energy, resources & money. The 8.2 star, off-the-grid, prefab home shows how easily we can embrace small spaces, maximize functionality, minimize material objects and unplug from urban life.


6. GAME CHANGING SOLAR STORAGE
Every hour, the sun provides enough power for our global annual energy demands. Battery storage now means we can harness clean power, AND store it for later. As fossil-fuel costs rise & solar prices plunge, join the rooftop revolution and be part of our clean energy future.

7. CHEMICAL DETOX
Keep chemicals from our skin, air, waterways & food supply with natural cleaning products, like lemons & vinegar. Choose grey-water-safe, plant-based products, like Earth Choice & Organic Care, who use recycled & recyclable packaging.

8. SOIL - WHERE FOOD BEGINS
Like us, soil needs food. Keep kitchen scraps out of the bin. Feed them to chooks, put them in worm farms or make compost to send nutrients back into our soil. Council-supplied green-waste bins take garden waste to make compost for farms and gardens. Use today's food & garden waste to grow tomorrow's lunch.

9. SHOP LOCAL
About 50% of money spent with local independent shops goes back into our local economy, compared to less than 14% from chain stores. Support local independents, like Barry the butcher, for healthier, happier, connected communities. Get online for home delivery from locals you love. 
10. LIGHTEN UP
LED lights not only save up to 89% off energy bills, now they can change how we live. Sengled revolutionary LEDs light bulbs, with built-in speakers, cameras & WiFi, reduce clutter, energy & waste. Lighten up with Sengled for smart, safe, super-sounding homes.

 Here are some photos from the set-up :

Hanging plants inside a cocoon of coconut fibre

Worm farm set-up

Growing your own vegetables is a highly rewarding activity


Very impressive set-up at City Square, Melbourne


The initiative was on from the 9th - 27th of February.

 For more information about the event go to:

http://www.thenewjoneses.com/






















Friday 19 February 2016

Yarra Link Project + Clean up Australia Day

 
Yarra River at its best



Once again the yearly event to clean up our act is here. Its only one day and only a few hours you can dedicate out of your weekend to keep our environment clean. This day doesn't solve all the litter and rubbish pollution that enters our ecosystems but can spread awareness to all that every bit of packaging, wrapping and materials that does enter these areas does effect every living organism whether now or in 100 million years time. Lets act together because we made this mess together.



The Yarra looks good from a far, but you don't have to look too closely to find litter.


The Yarra Link Project is a non-profit group dedicated to renewal of indigenous vegetation in a riverside parcel of land near Heyington Station, Melbourne. 

By removing litter from the Yarra Rivers banks and surrounding vegetation we will improve the rivers health and provide a cleaner ecosystem for all walks of life to enjoy. Please join us on the 6th of March to help improve the health of the river. We will be conducting a litter clean up along the banks of the Yarra River. And also other areas surrounding the river.
 
If you have any questions about this event, please don't hesitate to contact myself. 

My email is : rowan@yarra.link
 
Site Address
70 Heyington Pl
Toorak
VIC 3142 


Meeting Point: Meet at the corner of Lansell Rd and Heyington Pl. This spot is just outside the rear carpark of St Kevins Junior School. 

Date: March 6th 2016 

Start time: 10:00 AM 

End time: 11:30 AM 

Friday 22 January 2016

DIA - Graduate of the Year Award Nomination (GOTYA)

Firstly happy new year to everyone!

I'm officially a graduate now. Never thought I would say that. But hey I'm going with it. I was notified not long ago that I have been nominated for graduate of the year in my category Industrial Design for Victoria/Tasmania. The judging process is quite lengthy and myself and the other nominees won't find out until mid to late March. But I'll keep you posted until then. 

Follow the below link to see last years winners and runners up graduates.

http://www.dia.org.au/index.cfm?id=320

Here's some pictures of Project Galada from the MADA Grad show. (Photos credit - Zan Wimberley)



Project Galada Full Barrier - MADA Grad Show 2015




Link close up - Accoya timber rings and recycled HDPE components




Endemic aquatic plants grow inside the barrier providing biofiltration for the Yarra River


Friday 20 November 2015

MADA Graduation Show / Project Galada - A litter capture barrier for waterways

Last night was the graduation show opening night. What a night to remember, So many emerging designers, artists and architects about to step into the real world. It makes for an electric atmosphere full of fresh ideas, energy and determination to create and shape the future. 

I must say that being apart of the Industrial design crew to graduate this year is such an amazing feeling. And I wouldn't have done it any other way. My fellow designers have done such a great job considering the tough year we all had to punch out so much work but at such a high quality level. And I think that comes down to the way we worked in studio and outside it to provide feedback and help to each other. Bouncing ideas of each other and really deconstructing the design intent, objectives and direction was something we all did. I think everyone has had some contribution or influence on each and everyone's project.

 So here's my project -


Insitu Barrier set-up
Project Galada is an adaptable litter capture barrier designed to trap and contain floating litter.
The increasing pollution in Melbourne’s water environments is drastically effecting the health and quality of its water.
 

Inspired by bike chains the modular pods link together and incorporate cylindrical planter pots that provide a buoyant eco-system for endemic aquatic plants to provide bio-filtration for the Yarra River. Capturing and collecting litter accumulating on water surfaces will help preserve and improve the health, biodiversity and quality of Melbourne’s waterways for the future.

Connector Link Versatility


The square toothed Connector link allows an angle to be chosen providing the direction for the next link. The barrier can be constructed to suit its surroundings.


Bio-filtration

Root stocks from the endemic aquatic sedges and rushes keep temperatures low, increase oxygen levels, reduce risk of algal blooms and soak up excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen which are then converted to growth. 


 
Litter Gate - Closed

 
Litter Gate - Open




The Yarra River is an estuary therefore downstream and upstream flows need to be accounted for. The flap is opened by downstream flow letting in litter. Upstream flow pushes the flap closed keeping litter inside the barrier.


It was also a great experience to have the project supported by Yarra Link - The Yarra Link Project is a non-profit group dedicated to renewal of indigenous vegetation. For more information about this initiative go to - https://www.yarra.link/

Massive thanks to especially Frank and Meg for their continual support throughout the year.


You can also find my project at :

http://artdes.monash.edu/gradshow2015/#!/design/industrial-design/rowan-turnham.html



Thursday 5 November 2015

Project Galada - Update








So not long to go now. One week and a half to go until everything is due. 

I've been busy preparing for the exhibition along with all the standard folio requirements, presentation content and general organisation of everything else. Actually I don't think I can call it a folio anymore. This time round its called a Critical Justification and entails everything that has been done to date. I'm immensely proud of it, it was sent off to printing last week and I should get it it by the end of this week. Its a large book, actually the largest I've ever done - 320 pages. 

The weekend of the 14th - 15th Novemeber is the Bump-In for the exhibition and also Monday. So I'm aiming to have everything done before then.  


 The opening night for the MADA Grad show is:

When: 19th November
Time: Open from 6pm
Where: Building G, Caulfield Campus - Monash University 

I'll post proper details in the coming week or so for the exhibition.


Until then here are some progress shots of exhibition prep and construction. Also imagery from the Yarra River installation will be put up soon!


Barrier Props getting their first coat of paint

Machining slot in circular base for the litter gate

Litter gate water flow paddle arm

Just put the chrome dome nuts onto the links!


 

Alberto Alessi in Melbourne


 
Alberto Alessi - New York Times (Photo - Steve Legato)




Today I'll be heading into the city to listen to CEO and President Alberto Alessi. He will be sharing his experiences about the design world and everything else that comes with being apart of such an iconic brand.

Alessi was founded in 1921 and started as a workshop for processing brass and nickel sheet metal. Such humble beginnings where the artisan had full control and an eye for detail. The transformation and evolution of Alessi in nearly a century has been huge. They now manage and facilitate design from all over the world but still have close ties with their traditions and cultural values. I look forward to hearing from Alberto about his perception on design and everything else that surrounds it. 

"A true design work must move people, convey emotions, bring back memories, surprise, and go against ..."  - Alberto Alessi



Public Lecture Details (Sold Out)
 

Alberto Alessi - Public Lecture 
12.30-2.00pm
Thursday November 5th 2015
Deakin Edge - Federation Square
Melbourne, Australia
 

Monday 28 September 2015

Project Galada - A litter capture barrier for waterways

Over the past year I have been doing my Honours year for my Bachelor of Industrial Design at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. I'm excited to reveal my project after keeping it concealed for quite some time until it was well refined and tested.

This project brings together my love for making, nature and design. 

Over the next 6 weeks my project will come alive with the barrier in construction right now. I'll be busy making, making and more making. Since finishing high school in 2008 I have gained a Diploma in Furniture Design and Technology at RMIT. Also for quite some time I worked along side my belated father (Kevin Turnham) a builder by trade as a casual job, learning so many hands on skills that have made me such a better designer and maker to this day. For the past 2 years I have been doing Horticulture work, my love for being outdoors is endless and I have directed my new knowledge of plants into this project. Its been a big year, here is Project Galada. Stay tuned for more information about the project in the coming weeks.







Project Galada is an adaptable litter capture barrier designed to trap and contain floating litter. The increasing pollution in Melbourne’s water environments is drastically effecting the health and quality of its water. 

Inspired by bike chains the modular pods link together and incorporate cylindrical planter pots that provide a buoyant eco-system for endemic aquatic plants to provide bio-filtration for the Yarra River. Capturing and collecting litter accumulating on water surfaces will help preserve and improve the health, biodiversity and quality of Melbourne’s waterways for the future.


http://amassdesign.com/project-galada/