Innovative and Sustainable Furniture Solutions for Modern Workspaces

Kett, an Australian brand dedicated to creating innovative, locally-made furniture without compromising on materials, showcases its commitment through two new releases: the Frame Office and Aire Desk.

These designs, crafted by Kett’s head designer Justin Hutchinson, reflect the brand’s dedication to providing functional and customisable joinery solutions in response to the increasing trend of remote work.

The Frame Office and Aire Desk address the evolving world around us and cater to the growing demand from Australian consumers who prioritise sustainable and long-lasting products. In the years 2020-2021, our ability to adapt swiftly during times of crisis became evident, and technology underscored our seamless connection and collaboration in the workplace. Consequently, many individuals recognised the advantages of remote work and embraced a shift in the traditional workday structure.

Justin Hutchinson, the designer, acknowledged the need for our living spaces to adapt to these changing attitudes towards work locations. He observed that “As we spend more time at home, our traditional rooms dissolve, and we require new solutions that offer more flexibility.” While Justin acknowledges the enduring value of traditional custom joinery, he also recognised the challenges of cost, time, and compatibility faced by those living in rental homes. The Frame Office emerged as a versatile and durable solution suitable for every household, whether it be a rental apartment in the city or a permanent residence by the coast.

The Frame Office offers the flexibility to establish a personalised office space within any part of your home, requiring only three of its 60cm panels. These panels provide ample space to incorporate powder-coated aluminium shelving, a linen pinboard, and an optional Aire Desk. For larger areas, the Frame system allows for the addition of extra shelving, cupboards, drawers, and even a secondary desk, depending on your preferences.

To explore the diverse options available, the Frame Office lookbook presents 14 sample configurations that showcase a wide range of possibilities in terms of materiality, colour schemes, size, and layouts. This collection of examples serves as inspiration, highlighting the versatility and adaptability of the Frame Office, enabling you to create a workspace that aligns with your unique style and functional requirements.

The design of the Frame Office was deeply influenced by Kett’s dedication to longevity, an essential aspect of the brand’s ethos. Similar to our cherished possessions, the Frame Office is designed to seamlessly accompany us as we navigate through different stages of life. With its innovative connection systems, Frame ensures not only precise and robust installation on various interior walls but also the convenience of disassembly and transportability when needed, especially during a move.

This thoughtful approach to design reflects Kett’s commitment to creating furniture that transcends mere functionality. The ability of the Frame Office to adapt and travel with us reinforces its value as a long-lasting investment, aligning with Kett’s ethos of sustainability and durability.

The meticulous attention to detail invested in the finishes of the Frame Office and Aire Desk encompasses sustainability, luxury, creativity, and seamless integration of everyday technology. The timber backing component exemplifies this commitment to sustainability, as it is crafted from wood fibre sourced from well-managed forests. Moreover, it is free from polluting agents such as phenols, PVC, melamine, and added formaldehyde. Unlike regular laminate and vinyl, this innovative Australian-made wood panelling does not contain any plastics. Remarkably, it closely replicates the look and texture of timber while being significantly lighter, making it an ideal choice for mounted wall units.

Another luxurious and durable material found in Kett’s collections is porcelain. This material, employed on the surfaces of the cupboards, offers a smooth and luxurious touch, allowing you to place your coffee cup directly on the surface without concerns about staining. With its marble-like appearance, porcelain provides both aesthetic appeal and practicality at a more accessible price point.

The use of these thoughtfully chosen materials exemplifies Kett’s commitment to combining sustainable practices, high-quality finishes, and innovative design. By considering both environmental impact and user experience, the Frame Office and Aire Desk embody the brand’s dedication to creating furniture that seamlessly integrates into modern lifestyles while maintaining a focus on longevity and aesthetic excellence.

Justin Hutchinson’s vision for the Frame Office went beyond creating a visually stunning home office. He envisioned Frame as a “functional work of art that constantly evolves through our daily interactions.” The robust structure of Frame is designed to accommodate this vision. Its slimline powder-coated shelves are capable of supporting up to 20kg each, while the cupboard can bear up to 80kg. This remarkable weight-bearing capacity ensures the stability required for organising and displaying various items such as office supplies, technology devices, collectibles, and even artwork that may find a place within the Frame Office.

By combining functionality and aesthetics, Frame not only provides a practical workspace but also becomes a canvas for personal expression and creativity. Hutchinson’s emphasis on the stability and strength of Frame’s structure assures that it can withstand the demands of a dynamic and evolving work environment. As a result, Frame offers a platform for users to curate their office space, allowing for the seamless integration of both practical and artistic elements that reflect their unique personality and style.

The powder coat colour options utilised in the aluminium components of the Frame Office are thoughtfully curated in-house, drawing inspiration from the diverse and captivating tones found in the Australian natural landscape. Justin describes this collection of finishes as “inside looking out,” capturing the essence of Kett’s design philosophy. These sophisticated, earthy, and modern colour options embody a timeless quality that enables them to seamlessly complement a wide range of interior aesthetics, offering flexibility in design choices.

The Aire Desk, crafted by hand from solid oak, serves as a perfect companion to the Frame Office. Whether utilised as a standalone piece or integrated into the office setup, the Aire Desk emanates elegance. Its design features slightly tapered legs, a curved tabletop, and a hydro-formed leather inlay. These refined details contribute to the desk’s aesthetic appeal, creating a sense of harmony with the overall design language of the Frame Office. The combination of solid oak and meticulous craftsmanship not only ensures durability but also adds a touch of luxury to the workspace, elevating the overall experience of working in the Frame Office.

The fixed model of the Aire Desk, specifically designed to be attached to the Frame Office, offers a clever solution for hiding cables and technology. It features a purpose-designed steel subsurface tray that discreetly conceals and organises cables, ensuring a clean and clutter-free workspace. This thoughtful design element enhances the overall aesthetics of the office setup while maintaining a practical and efficient environment for work.

Similar to the Frame Office, the Aire Desk can be customised to align with the desired aesthetic. Kett provides a range of curated timber stain finishes and leather options that are carefully selected to reflect the natural colours found in the Australian landscape. This attention to detail allows for a cohesive and harmonious design throughout the workspace, creating a seamless integration between the Frame Office and the Aire Desk. The customisation options not only contribute to the visual appeal but also provide an opportunity for personalisation, enabling users to tailor the desk to their individual preferences and style.

Both the Frame Office and Aire Desk are proudly manufactured in Australia, in collaboration with long-standing partners who have been producing Kett furniture since the brand’s inception in 2015. This commitment to local manufacturing offers several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and logistics. Additionally, it allows for a fast turnaround time of approximately 7-10 weeks, ensuring efficient delivery to customers.

Moreover, the decision to manufacture locally ensures the longevity and quality of the pieces. The furniture is crafted by highly skilled individuals who pay meticulous attention to detail, guaranteeing superior craftsmanship. By supporting local manufacturing, Kett fosters a sense of pride in the community and strengthens the bond between the brand and its customers.

Considerable effort has been dedicated to the design process of the Frame Office and Aire Desk, resulting in two exceptional pieces that seamlessly integrate into both home offices and professional workplaces. These designs exemplify a thoughtful approach to material selection, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. The meticulous attention to detail and careful consideration of materials result in furniture that not only serves a functional purpose but also offers a captivating experience. As Justin describes it, the Frame Office and Aire Desk become havens of respite, creativity, and productivity, reflecting their ability to enhance the overall well-being and work environment of the users.