Issue 002

Tom Raffield

Tom Raffield Ltd was founded by an eager, ambitious graduate in 2008. Since discovering the traditional, age-old technique of steam bending wood whilst studying his degree in 3D Sustainability & Design, Tom has been on an incredible self-taught journey of developing and understanding the process to become one of the world leaders in his craft.

One Eighty Light

Little Sun

In 2012, artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen started the Little Sun project and since then, their global team has been working day by day, solar lamp by solar lamp, to bring the sustainable energy and the awesome power of the sun to everyone. Little Sun light is bringing solar energy in more than 10 African countries and as of December 2020, they have distributed a total of 1,261,441 Little Suns worldwide. Of those, over 762,223 lamps went to areas without electricity.

Little Sun

Church of the Light, Osaka, Japan

Completed in 1989 by Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, the most iconic interior feature of the Church of Light is the cross. This illuminating cross is created by carving out a void from the thick concrete, introducing sunlight to the dark interior of the church. As the only natural light source of the monotonic grey room, the aesthetic of simplicity and minimalist creates a solemn atmosphere for people to worship God.

ArchDaily

Breck Heather Light

Based in East Sussex, basket maker Annemarie O'Sullivan has created the Breck Heather Light which was inspired by time spent on a residency on the Orkney Islands, organised by The New Craftsmen. This lamp was crafted using small bundles of heather straw, gathered and assembled over a metal frame. Heather has traditionally been used in Orkney to make rope and baskets, and known as as a reliable material for thatching roofs. Annemarie creates both small-scale domestic objects and larger woven sculptures and is invested in organic, sustainable practice, engaging with every step from harvesting to weaving. Her work draws on the curves of the landscape, demonstrating a connection with nature that results in beautiful pieces, steeped in history which have been featured in The New York Times, The Irish Times, House and Garden and Country Living.

The New Craftsmen

Love2 House

Designed by Tokyo based architects Takeshi Hosaka, Love2 House sits in the center of Tokyo with a total floor area of just 18 square meters. Land prices are so expensive that it is difficult to buy an undeveloped plot and build a new home. Love2 has two different height roofs with slightly curved top edges, each with in-built skylights. When the site cannot obtain direct sunlight during the winter, indirect soft sunlight filters into the house. In the summer, direct sunshine floods in, drenching the building in natural light.

Takeshi Hosaka