The Textile Cafe was a temporary installation for Denfair 2017. LLDS was commissioned to design and fabricate the timber structure by Denfair group. The structure consists of over 2 kilometres of 32 x 32 charred timber battens; systematically pre-assembled in our Power to Make workshop to ensure we install the structure in under 10 hours at the exhibition.

The design is inspired by traditional charred timber housing in Naoshima, Japan. The chard timber produces a mute box frame with a linear row of Shibori dyed fabric to conceal the seating area much like the cosy and narrow street stalls in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The interior is a curved “pixelated” chandelier of hanging battens lit by black smoked glass pendents. The chandelier drapes down in the center of the seating area to subtly provide privacy between groups of dinners.

Thanks to Ecotimber for providing the charred battens, Mokum Studio for the fabric, Ross Gardam for the lights, Obodo Design for the stools and Denfair for the opportunity.