Wrinkle, Tangle and Cloud by Clark Bardsley

September 3, 2014

New Zealand designer Clark Bardsley has created a coffee table named Wrinkle, a bar stool named Tangle and a pendant lamp named Cloud.

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Product descriptions

‘Wrinkle’ – Wrinkle bent steel tube used for furniture range by Clark Bardsley.

Clark Bardsley Design (CBD) worked closely with a specialist tube bender to create the unique wrinkle bend detail that playfully emphasises the plasticity of steel. So far the detail has been used in the ‘Tangle’ range of stools and tables, and a zigzagging low circular coffee table.

“Modern tube bending technology means we are used to seeing perfect bends in tubular steel. But steel will naturally crease as it is compressed, so we worked out a way to celebrate this in the detailing of the object”, says Bardsley.

CBD’s design practise focusses on material quality and expression. The design process and making of the objects take place in parallel, ensuring the physical properties’ of the work are understood early and allowing serendipity and experimentation to influence design outcomes.


‘Tangle’ – Criss-crossing Wooden Legs Support this Limited Edition Bar Stool by CBD.

Mathematical models of ‘orderly tangles’ informed the twisting leg design of this bar stool by Auckland based studio Clark Bardsley Design (CBD).

CBD used a combination of digital and handmade fabrication techniques to build the bar stool, which is produced in individually numbered batches by the company in New Zealand.

The solid pine seat is CNC machined to create the angles for the powder coated steel legs. The legs double back on themselves using a specially developed wrinkle bending process.

The studio wanted to explore the decorative potential of the structure, using the minimum number of parts.

“We took inspiration from mathematical models that looked chaotic but in fact had order and harmony,” said designer Clark Bardsley.

As well as creating a surprisingly light and strong structure, the stools looped legs provide a comfortable resting place for feet without additional parts for footrests.

CBD worked closely with a specialist tube bender to create the unique wrinkle bend in the feet.

“Modern tube bending technology means we are used to seeing perfect bends in tubular steel. But steel will naturally crease as it is compressed, so we worked out a way to celebrate this in the detailing of the object”, says Bardsley.


‘Cloud’ – The pendant multiplies the presence of the iconic hemispherical pendant lamp, with two or three reflectors merged as one.

The lamp is hand spun in mild steel, cut and welded together, then passivated in a zinc bath. The stormy industrial finish contrasts with the white gloss interior revealed as you sit at the table.

All of these products are available through Essenze.

Design: CBD | Clark Bardsley Design
Distributor: Essenze
Photography by Cornelius Geraets and © Wesley Nel