Box 'D
creating lighting locally out of natural materials sustainably by reducing waste and utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques.
Advanced Manufacturing
Sustainable Design
Local Manufacturing
Internship
Project Description
Box'd was developed during my internship at Fluxwood Lighting, a local lighting manufacturer specialising in timber lighting products produced through CNC machining and other advanced manufacturing processes. As part of my internship, I supported both the design and production teams by assisting with client projects, CAD modelling, technical drafting, and preparing files for manufacture.
One of my key responsibilities was to design and manufacture an original lighting product, taking it through every stage of the design process from initial concept development to a fully functional prototype. The goal was to create a compact wall-mounted sconce that incorporated Fluxwood's quick-release mounting system, allowing the light to be easily removed while leaving the wall bracket fixed in place. This modular system enables multiple light designs to share the same mounting hardware, making installation and maintenance simpler.
The design focuses on celebrating the natural beauty of timber by allowing the light to illuminate the wood grain, creating a warm and inviting appearance. A simple square form was chosen to create a bold, architectural aesthetic while keeping the overall design compact and versatile.
Sustainability was a major consideration throughout the project. The light was designed to maximise the use of timber offcuts, reducing material waste without compromising the quality or appearance of the final product. Manufactured from Tasmanian oak with rosewood detailing, the components were primarily CNC machined before being cut, assembled, sanded, finished, and wired by hand. Completing every stage of the project gave me valuable experience in designing for manufacture while developing practical skills in woodworking, electrical assembly, and product finishing.
Sketching & Design Development
Developing and Prototyping
Final Protoype
The design process began by exploring a range of lighting concepts, including ceiling lights and downlights. While these ideas showed potential, I found they often exposed the light source too directly, creating a harsher lighting experience than I wanted to achieve.
I shifted my focus towards a wall-mounted sconce that concealed the light source and used indirect illumination to highlight the natural grain of the timber. This direction better aligned with my goal of creating a warm, inviting light while making the wood itself the focal point of the design.
The design process began by exploring a range of lighting concepts, including ceiling lights and downlights. While these ideas showed potential, I found they often exposed the light source too directly, creating a harsher lighting experience than I wanted to achieve.
I shifted my focus towards a wall-mounted sconce that concealed the light source and used indirect illumination to highlight the natural grain of the timber. This direction better aligned with my goal of creating a warm, inviting light while making the wood itself the focal point of the design.
