We define ourselves through contrast, by what we are and what we are not. Unveiled internationally during this year’s 3daysofdesign, Armadillo proudly explores these narratives with its debut furniture collection Agra Forma. Designed by Sydney-based designer Tom Fereday, these furnishings find themselves through juxtaposition, presenting seven pieces that explore the intersection of carpentry and rug making, a place where wood and fiber combine to create something special.
The capsule collection appeals to an audience interested not only in the intimate connections between materials, but in the tactile feedback of both living in harmony. Refinement and simplicity are present in the series’ subtle curves, which showcase the iconic Agra rug in every iterative form: the armchair, stool, desk, chair, low stool, and two ottomans.
Each piece is made from abrash-dyed wool and sustainable American red oak in a testament to the craftsmanship, quality, and longevity of not only the product, but the processes that create them. Elevating tactility was clearly paramount in the design process.
Through rigorous collaboration, Armadillo extends their honest approach and respect for material into the world of furniture. Rich hues like Ginger and Thistle create lovely compositions with the oak, banks of texture floating on a sea of soft wood tones. Smartly wrought fillets adorn specific edges, creating delicate interactions between the materials. And striations of the natural grain are thrown into relief by the light finishing, preferring to let the wood speak for itself.
Sturdy, linear legs create a visually strong base for more complex curves like the seat of the chair and the back, which fit neatly onto simple, secure angles. The inset carpet sits slightly above the profile of the wood, offering a soft edge to rest upon – an angle expertly accounted for to not touch the intersection between materials, and pinch in between.
Each choice is ergonomically informed, and presents visual cues as well: horizontal edges are heavily filleted while the vertical ones stay a clean line, suggesting how to sit. This detail is carried throughout the collection, a subtle feature that adds an immediate level of cohesion and balance.
Tom Fereday
To learn more about the Agra Forma Collection by Tom Fereday for Armadillo, please visit armadillo-co.com.
Photography courtesy of Armadillo.
