Terrace Wall Shelves: Redefining Functionality and Aesthetics

A Contemporary Take on Wall Shelves

The Terrace wall shelves draw inspiration from terrace farming practices employed in mountainous regions of the Far East and South America. In much the same way that the hillsides are terraformed to produce flat, cultivatable sections of land, the terraces are carved into the wood to form platforms, at various heights, that are used to hold and display books, decorations, and keepsakes.

Another motivation for the project was to steer a paradigm shift in the way people perceive and interact with furniture. To this end, the use of terraces and layers breaks away from the traditional linear aesthetic of standard furniture and introduces height and depth (in the form of platforms) as an alternative to the monotony of flat surfaces. Not only does this add character to the design, but it also forces the user to rethink how each shelf is to be used by offering a functionality that is unconventional yet familiar.

Terrace was born from a desire to create a set of shelves that are functional art but also rethink the way people use and interact with each piece. Aesthetically, the shelves' sculptural forms introduce a new design language and topology that is eye-catching and original. Functionally, however, the use of terracing creates layers and platforms that break away from the flat, linear form-factor of standard shelves, offering a user experience that is novel and unconventional, yet familiar.

To make the Terrace wall shelves, planks of wood are first hollowed out to remove excess weight and form the bracket cavities. Next, the top and bottom halves of the shelves are joined together to form a single block. This is then placed in a CNC router, and the terraces and edge perimeter are carved from the wood. Finally, the part is finished by hand.

Available in Sapele, American Maple, European Oak, or American Black Walnut, the Terrace wall shelves offer a range of wood options to suit different preferences. All woods, except Sapele, are FSC certified, ensuring sustainability and responsible sourcing.

The true beauty of the Terrace wall shelves can only be experienced in their presence. In addition to the sculptural beauty of the sweeping contours, as you move around and interact with each piece, light and shadow advance and retreat along the winding lines, accentuating the beauty of the carvings and imparting a dynamism rarely seen in furniture. In addition, the terraces offer a lovely tactile quality, making the experience of running your fingers along them extremely satisfying.

The Terrace wall shelves were designed in London and are manufactured in Yorkshire, UK. The design process involved extensive research into terrace farming practices around the world and the use of contours in architectural scale models. Several prototype iterations were conducted to refine the design and address challenges such as weight reduction and potential warping issues.

Recognized for its exceptional design and functionality, the Terrace wall shelves were awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.

Elevate your living space with the Terrace wall shelves, a testament to the fusion of art, design, and functionality.