Introduced in 1967, Corian®, made from an acrylic polymer and alumina trihydate, gained popularity because of its incredible versatility. Who better to explore the possibilities than designer Harry Allen? In June of 2009, Allen completed work on the Corian® Design Studio in Philadelphia. Allen’s hope was “…that this showroom will demonstrate how much fun it is to work with Corian®.” True to his design intent, the studio demonstrates how far this material can be pushed.
Located in a 1920’s industrial space repurposed as a design center, the showroom was set up with gallery-like simplicity as a backdrop for the material. Allen then proposed a series of “events” around the 2500 square foot showroom: Cloud Wall, Sample Desk, Vertical Surfaces, Conference Table, Window Panels, Facade, Zodiac™ Wall and an Illuminated Ceiling. Each of the events employed a unique manipulation or process applied to Corian® to demonstrate the possibilities.
Cloud Wall utlized a dye sublimation process where the photographic image of clouds was thermally transferred and embedded into the surface of a 1/2″ piece of Corian®. The panels were hung and lit creating a point of interest visible from outside the showroom.
The illuminated ceiling encases bulges of light in an orderly grid. The Corian® Illumination Series is a translucent material designed for lighting applications. The panels were created by heating the material and then vacuum forming it in molds.
In a dynamic display of the seamless pliability for which Corian® has become best known, the sweeping conference table and meeting area spans two rooms. Allen: “The brief specified two meeting areas, not two tables, so as if it was chewing gum, the table was stretched into two lobes, right through the glass wall.” The table was thermoformed into molds created using CNC technology and built over a wood frame.
Window panels were created using Backlight Images, a process that converts an image into a 3D relief. In this case, the image chosen was the view directly outside the window. The relief was realized on a panel of translucent Corian®. When the light passes through the panel, the image comes to life, replicating the shading of the original image.
The sample desktop was fashioned from a piece of Corain® with a statement of Allen’s creative process inscribed on the top via a CNC process. The inscription was then filled with bartop epoxy and sanded smooth. The desktop is supported by a cube-console that not only houses, but is covered with a patchwork of Corian® samples.
Cabinet fronts were Corian® panels that were cut, embossed, etched, lasered, pressed and CNC’d. This was an experimentation in process and design. To maintain continuity, each pattern was run at a 45 degree angle. The hope was “…this sampling will inspire others to try their hand at new patterns and textures.”
The facade with its Corian® and glass bubble pattern is less a division between the studio and the hallway and more an active invitation to enter the space. The facade was accomplished with standard fabrication techniques but provides a reminder that Corian® is also well suited for exterior applications.
Harry Allen established his multidisciplinary design studio in 1993. His projects have included interior design, products and concept development. His design work is innovative and intelligent and is as varied as the Moss store in Soho to the Reality Series for Areaware.
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