The Brief

A private client wanted to create a unique design statement in their outdoor living space. They have sketches and some rough ideas on materials and finishes, but want professional help realising their vision.
Investing adequately in the design stage is crucial for aesthetic projects.
Our client who is a FIFO worker, provided a general description of the outcome he was shooting for. The outside space was well used throughout the warmer months and the fire pit feature was intended to extend its appeal into winter. After extensive research into the fire pits available for sale, he was disappointed in their aesthetics and build quality. We were then consulted to design and fabricate the fire pit and seating area.
Collaborative Design
Our design approach was to design several viable styles, making 3D models that we could then workshop with our client as he was off-roster from his FIFO commitments. Once we had a direction the design was moved into CAD and we went through multiple rounds of edits and review with our client.
Next we sourced materials. In this case because the client wanted a rusted aesthetic, we opted for COR-TEN steel. This product is specially designed to rust visibly but retain it's structural integrity.
Our client had a collection of timber slats earmarked for the project.
When marrying precision steel to organic forms its important to have a clear read of the nuances of the natural material. We ensured that each unique wooden slat was supported in the best place and laser-cut fixing points in the steel structure accordingly.
The Right Tool For The Right Job
Using our expert welders, CAD and the right machinery strategy we were able to create a perfect solution for our client. Custom design doesn’t come cheap, but we were able to come in significantly under our estimate of $10k, instead landing closer to $8k. Considering the design time, specialised materials, and over 30 hours of labour, we were very pleased with that result (and so was our client).