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LOCAL MANUFACTURING: VOLKER HAUG
Above left: Mini Mega Wow and Wow Shade group shot. Photo by Paul Allister Above right: U.L.O. group shot. Photo by Paul Nicholson Right: The Volker Haug team in the workshop (Paul, Fletcher, Kristin and Volker)
and delight that has become synonymous with the Volker Haug name. “We find that when people visit our studio they are often inspired and leave with more than what they originally came for,” Haug says. Though ‘unique’ is a word used all too liberally in the world of design, its use is undeniably fitting in describing Haug’s work. The scavenger in Haug has seen him craft bespoke pieces from the most unexpected of materials, like Japanese calligraphy brushes and vintage French oyster cages. Despite a love of the outdoors, Haug says his work takes inspiration from urban life rather than nature. “Materials that I have access to inspire me,” he explains. “Especially multiples of the same object, [which] challenge me to do something different. “[It’s the] simple but beautiful objects or shapes that do it for me. They inspire me to make something new, interesting and perhaps unexpected.
Spring 2015
“Although I don’t hide their originality, it often happens that when people look at one of my designs they firstly don’t see what it’s made out of.” Though diverse and ever-changing, Haug says the Australian design and manufacturing landscape is particularly taken with brass and copper of late. “We’ve just launched a new lighting design range made of brass,” he says. “This is our new favourite material. We also like to work with copper and other metals. Although we’ve been using these materials for years, we love experimenting with different metal finishes to create a unique product.” Testament to the ability of a Volker Haug piece to transform the space it inhabits, Haug’s bespoke work is in high demand. “It seems that we often get new custom projects from people whom we’ve worked with in the past,” he says. “I guess this is a good sign.”
As well as commissioned projects, Haug’s vision is also realised through his diverse collection of accessible pendant, wall, table and floor designs. “One of my favourite designs is the ‘OMG’ shade,” says Haug. “The name says it all. It is made of 19 crushed shades, which are then anodized and bolted together into one great big 1.7m shade – not for the faint hearted!” Though none could say any product in the range lacks in originality, Volker Haug customers benefit from the ability to further distinguish their piece with their own design input. “Many of our designs have multiple customisable options, [which] is not so common,” Haug says. “This enables the customer to have input in the design by selecting the components, colours and finishes. People really love to contribute to the design.” Haug’s designs can be found in commercial and residential spaces alike, transforming