The Playbox
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In collaboration with Shape London, Fraher created a bespoke compact installation for the 2017 Clerkenwell Design Week.
The Playbox stores items that support the user’s experience, facilitating a place to entertain, socialise, learn and play.
The Playbox was initially presented as a 1200mm x 600mm unit, based on a standard double cupboard. The concept manipulates and activates each elevation in every detail. It was conceived as a mobile unit that would transform any space occupied. Two Play boxes were created, ‘A Big Sister’ 1200mm x 1200mm unit and a ‘ Little Brother’ 1200mm x 600mm unit.
The 'Big Brother' was influenced by antique tea caddies and carpentry that has supported the tea industry over the centuries. The unit was used by Newby Tea to serve hot drinks at the festival. This Playbox adopts the character of an ornate modern day tea caddy which is beautifully, yet discreetly decorated. It was made from black Multi-wall, a versatile and sleek material along with birch plywood. It opens to serve the tea, when closed it continues to sit as a bespoke piece of furniture to be admired from every angle.
The Little Brother acted as a unique mobile showroom for Peronda. This Playbox was clad in cork, which was very tactile to handle and encouraged users to interact with the Playbox.
Data
- Begun: Apr 2017
- Completed: May 2017
- Floor area: 1m2
- Sector: Arts and culture
- Total cost: £9,000
- Funding: Fraher & Shape London - Sponsored materials
- Tender date: Feb 2017
- Procurement: Unknwon
- Address: Spa Fields, Clerkenwell , London , EC1R, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Fraher Architects Ltd
- Client: Newby Teas, Peronda Tiles
- Collaborative designer: Shape London
Suppliers
- Timber and building materials: James Latham Ltd
- vinyl graphics and signs : Sabre Graphics
- Spray Lacquering: Siteworx
- Electrical: Current Phase
- Lighting : LED Lighthouse
- Fittings: LDL
- Kemper: Liquid Waterproofing