Duncan Meerding Expands His Cracked Log Lamp Range
Cracked Log Lamp
There is a real passion for natural materials in our homes at the moment. I think we are all craving a connection with nature as a way to counteract our love affair with technology. Lots of people are creating beautiful homewares using a natural and organic approach, but none more than talented designer, Duncan Meerding.
I first came across Duncan, a young Australian Designer, early in 2013 with his beautiful and ingenious Cracked Log Lamp. I then met him at Decoration and Design and fell even more in love with his work. At DesignEx in 2014, he showed me his current range, which now includes a hanging log pendant lamp, which is just beautiful! These cracked log lamps have become so popular Duncan tells me they are now winging their way across the world. In particular people are fascinated by the original Cracked Log and Stump Lamps, which now takes pride of place in my own home. The way the light falls out of the cracks at night time is magical.
Duncan and his Stump Lights in the Pali
In April 2014 he launched a range of products at his first solo show since early 2010. The show entitled ‘From the Side’ was taken from the location, but also the influence light from the side can have on our mood when we walk into a room. It is far more subtle and even magical, compared to light which comes directly at you. Artificial lighting can be quite harsh, but the soft cracks of light seeping out of these lamps, is mesmerising. As well as these two reasons, the exhibition name was connected to Duncan’s visual fields, which are concentrated around the side. This vision of light emanating from the peripheries, and the highly tactile nature of Duncan’s work, highlights the alternative sensory world in which he designs as he is legally blind. This part of the story is even more remarkable as he predominately carves his work using his tactile senses and limited vision. I love that the way the light falls from the Stump and Cracked Log Lamps is in part a reflection of seeing the world through Duncan’s eyes.
Cracked Log Lamps by Duncan Meerding
The exhibition launched the range of new designs in the Cracked Log Light Range, including the new larger “Stump” with two new variations in the range. The Stump W, which is ready to wire indoor or outside to 12volt power, and the Stump B, which is battery powered. Developing on the original Cracked Log Lamp, Duncan has almost doubled the size of the Stump designs (making them 400 mm high and 300 mm wide approximately) and made them possible to weight bear as a table or stool.
Stump
The development of these designs in the Cracked Log Light series showcases the continued and growing interest that there is in these unique objects. When you see them in the flesh they are even more beautiful. The designs are influenced by what is often associated with waste wood, and embraces the cracks, making them a feature and bringing that sense of nature. You really feel like you have picked up a log from the forest and placed it in your home. The warm yellow light emanating from the cracks highlights the alternative fiery fate much of the salvaged wood would have met were they not rescued by Duncan.
Duncan was recognised for his continued interest in sustainability in 2014, receiving the Green Award for Best Sustainable Design at ‘The Edge’ 2014. A fabulous achievement, the prototype of the Stump Lamp won the Award not just for its re-use of salvaged materials, but also the low energy consuming LED light source. This source adds to the designs over all aesthetic, pushing multiple shards of light from each LED through the different fissures in the Stump. Sustainable and beautiful.
“This design showcases how design and sustainability can add to each other. The more energy efficient light source used in this design results in adding not taking away from the overall design. The process of design with consideration for the environment and longevity in design, I believe should happen at the beginning of the design process not get tacked on at the end as an afterthought” Duncan explains.
Along with the Cracked Log and Stump ranges, Duncan has created a range of unique furniture and homewares, such as this Leaning Leaf Coffee Table. This is a flat pack piece with a twist. The word flat pack often makes you think of unsustainable furniture made out of chipboard, with a box- like pattern. This table by Duncan has a form far from being box- like, and is made from solid Tasmanian Eucalypt, chosen both for its durability and its sustainability credentials.
The three leaf shaped legs have a rounded triangle surface sitting on top of them. The way in which they sit give the illusion that the top is sitting on floating supports. The modern lines used by Duncan demonstrate his passion for the overall form of objects, rather than in complex detailing, allowing the design to speak for itself. The curves, inspired by natural forms, are used to relax the user through sight, but also encourage you to run your hands over the table.
Each table is approximately 87cm by 87 cm by 45 cm high.
Some of Duncan’s other designs – Spirals angled up-lights
Another fabulous design, the Spirals 180 Angled Up-Light, is made from Hoop Pine Plywood, chosen for its sustainability credentials as well as beauty. This up-light is suitable for many applications. Spirals 180 will light the area you require, but will also create that relaxed atmosphere with the pattern of warm, yellow light being pushed through the horizontal slots. These horizontal slots give the piece its name, through the spiral- like pattern that they form. The light emanating through the slots continues to highlight Duncan’s interest in the dispersion of light, and reflects the alternative sensory world in which he designs. Each lamp measures 180mm cubed and comes readily wired with an Australian standard plug.
Duncan is currently prototyping more in his range, including a fabulous Propeller Pendant Light made from Tasmanian Blackwood, powder coated with aluminium. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!
You can see more and find out more about Duncan via his website and follow him on Instagram at @duncanmeerding and Facebook
Helen
xx
Blaise Graham – how cool are these! U0001f601
Wow those log lamps are amazing! Have never seen anything like them before, thanks for sharing
Mick Wright
Adam Lumsden
Amazing!
Nicholas Riley Magda Paradowski Riley
Marto and jen should get these for ferns! Rod N Lindy Williams
CameronBishop make me these
Very cool
Serena Maloney
Jason Pett
Magical!
Dianne Bayley
That is really cool
Love these 🙂
Rachel Mineo omg
Michael Shaw
Nathan Krug
This is cool Barry Hoye.
Love.
Shaun Leishman
Sooooo…. How do I order? :0)
Head here! https://www.duncanmeerding.com.au/
Chris Searle
Amanda have these at your wedding!!
Lisa Scorse
Beautiful!!
Imagine lining the walkway!!
Paula Peeps Coops
yes!! i want to do this…i saw it somewhere..you can also get fluro paint
Hayley, Chris… perfect little huntsman houses!
Love it ! Deitter Faulkhead Daize Kaywel Dietter Chris
Gem Owen 🙂
I was going to tag you on this xx U0001f60a
Phillip Pirotta up the driveway
Chantelle Perkins
Vicki – I think Larry could help us out with this.. ☺️
Jessica Davis
Andrew Mouncey
Cool 🙂
Mark Fraser
Better for breeding Huntsmen’s than the wood pile.
Christine Lord Simmons
Dylan Meyer this would be amazing
Moana MacDonald love these
aren’t they amazing!
a favourite of ours Sheryl Sherie Mc Namee
even better in real life Tyson Kadel
Wow! U0001f60d
Need these Luke Hitchins
This would be perfect at my mountain home Katrina Peterson
Debi Looker these are amazing
Lel U0001f60d
Oh I like this
Already got this pic saved U0001f618
Sonya Bonney thought of you! These would look cool at your place!
Ooh I like that! 🙂
Mimi Simpson…these would look awesome…wonder how they’re made???
Liam McGuire- next project?
Sabrina Rogers-Anderson
Callum Nichol
Scott Adams
Thanks Helen all the support from Recycled Interiors is much appreciated.
Trent U0001f618
Liane Jarviss
Jo Don Bright
Kym Dennis very cool
Please Fraser Burton
Broden Hibbs
Cindy Kakoschke
Amanda L Prime
Farrrrrrrrkn mad 🙂
Craig Willmoth how cool! U0001f44c
you are more than welcome Duncan Meerding Design
Colesté Duck how awesome is this idea!!
Michael Smiley TregearU0001f49aU0001f44d
U0001f49a U0001f60d Would love one of these.
Michael Brownlee Sue White Glenco Farm
Kelly Casey
Josh Williams make these
Anne O’Connell made me think of your garden for some reason.
Beautiful!
Ben Zanker!
Amelia Gavenlock
Yes I love this guy!!! Cool huh?!
Yep! Looks awesome. Could be your next project hey…
I’m in love. These are so gorgeous ( Scotty Fulton)
I like the idea of these spread throughout the garden. Check out his insta account U0001f44dU0001f3fb
Love it!
Caroline Hope
Corey Rush I want these at our wedding
Aaron Miller
Bronwyn Poole how amazing !
Leah
So cool!
Janet Oakley luv these!
They look unreal well done to who ever come up with the idea U0001f44dU0001f3fcU0001f44dU0001f3fcU0001f44dU0001f3fcU0001f44dU0001f3fcU0001f44dU0001f3fc
Luke Grigoropoulos
Val Merchant how lovely are these? Christine Maxwell
James Harrington
Jake Mapstone wow
Olivia Cliftond
Heather Backhouse Olivia Tyler how amazing are these?!
Ehhhhhh amaztron I want one so beautiful
Mat Cartwright.
Paul Footer
Kate Hayward
They are fabulous!
Wow! Xx
Dave Vineburg can you do this for us?
Aaron Standing loveeee these
Giada Zerbelloni. Want want want for the wedding !!
Tarlia
David Sihavong
Peter Reynolds
Ben Hamilton
So cool 🙂
Chelsea Schutz how cool
Kelly Gardner
Sean Miller
Wow..they look amazing
Natalie Van Der Merwe U0001f60dU0001f60dU0001f60d
Darren Hocking
Karinda King See Anna Brayley’s comment
Adrian Hector this would have suited our property driveway well.
Bahahahaha
Taryn Turner you have to show Gail, these would look so good around the front 🙂
Jake Harris
These are awesome. And it looks like your blog post has gone a bit viral!
Andrew Maddog Seebohm
Linda Mavis Nothdurft
Luke Manwaring
Craig Barrie- lets do this in the backyard for the kids
Reet something for dad
Ooooh we have some massive logs… Hmmm
Gye these are gorgeous
Megan Robinson
I know! New project 😉
Yeah but we dont have any stumps or trees for that matter lol. Nah we’ve got our garden lights etc. Besides his list ive got is bigger enough with jobbies lol
They look awesome 🙂 I wanna make a lamp out of petrified wood if I find some
Christina Mcnickle for the fairy garden
Oh yes Awh I love these
Justin Hanchard
Juz Wing-Smith
Alexander Jacob
Tim – will you make me some of these?
Jonathon Shade
Colette Laird how beautiful are these ?U0001f495
Howdy Hq
U0001f60d
Sarah Jane Lester
Peta Holland
Love these U0001f48b
Rhonda Davies
Do I need another project?
Colin Joseph for your private island?
yes! It already had a crazy run on Pinterest Kristine Franklinit is a fave 🙂
Stunning and so warming / cosy…
This would make an awesome side table! Want want want
yes Ruth Taylor he makes the larger Stump for a stool or side table lamp combo!
they are even better in real life
We’re a big fan of his too Helen.
<3 Like a Hobbit fantasy..<3
Awesome!
Jo Malone these are the stumps I was telling you about
They’re pretty!
Matthew Evans
They look cool!! 🙂
Carly McIntosh
Keirra Ashleigh check these out!
Oh my golly gosh!!!!!
one of my favourites Matthew Evans
indeed! Keirra Ashleigh
They are beautiful!
Can uncle Rodney make these Kylie Shoesmith
Duncan is a true inspiration, his works are simply stunning. I hope to one day own some of his unique pieces.
He creates beautiful pieces. I have a cracked log lamp U0001f600
Aren’t they gorgeous!
I’d love a few to light up a path…. One dayU0001f601
Pauly Viney How cool are these
They are very cool.
stunning. superbe!
I absolutely love them!!!
Adore these !
Awesome! Cambell Dew
Ooh I need some of these!!
me want! Me want!
Meee tooo! Don’t worry…I’m getting Cambell Dew to make us some
Lauren Hard – wedding idea!
Those are amazing!!
Excellent!
Martina ‘Nina’ Blaney how cool are these
Lynda Christie
Where can these be purchased
Janine Knight you might like these
Beautiful
Sally Kohler I think you need these along the driveway! Or in the garden!
Gorgeous!! Marcia Lopo look at these
Rebecca Whitton Smith show Ben you need this at your place!
Paul Ferrera what an amzing effect would love these in our backyard U0001f606
Vicky Cullen
Oh wow!
Aren’t they gorgeous
Aren’t they gorgeous
Absolutely stunning.
Paula Vella
Yep
Jess Edwards Bo Edwards
PeterGrada Robertson…next project pap
Alister: aren’t these gorgeous!!!
Kat Crumpler
:0
plug in Megan Morton but he is currently working on a battery/solar recharge version!
I am ready to order when battery!
Patricia. Oooh we love a light installation.
Fantastic work Helen – we were thrilled to sell one online to a client in Switzerland yesterday!
Yeah, amazing original design!!
Johan Johan Zetterlund these are awesome!
These are fabulous ♡♡♡
Yes we should get some for our patio U0001f60a
Going to get uncle shane to make me some of these Paula Johnson-Carter
Make me some to
it is so exciting to me as I see all the traffic from the pin that came from my site and it is great for traffic but to see Duncan soar is heartwarming Who’d Have Thought? he is such a beautiful human
🙂
🙂
definitely! Megan Morton goes well with pineapples 😉
Jason Molkenthien love! U0001f60d
Stunning
How did you make them please ?
Becky Reynolds Rose Barbarich
Stacey Pinique
Love them!
Aren’t they gorgeous
Steve they are made by Duncan Meerding Design
Awesome. What materials have been used besides the logs?
No pinching Duncan’s idea
definitely! Agreed wholeheartedly
How much are the cracked logs
Absolutely awesome work. Well written Helen Edwards. I remember when you first wrote your wonderful piece. I hope that your work has helped Duncan to become more well known. I saw his amazing lamps featured on another page as well just yesterday, or the day before.
Definitely a wonderful story
Nigel Kay click the link and have a look. X
Making my heart sing
Peter Minnì Lorraine Hurley how beautiful are these for driveway lights
Isn’t it wonderful
love these so much!
I followed the link from a DIY article on Pinterest to read this article because we have a house on 5 acres of wooded land, and I wanted to give it the “old college try” even though it won’t turn out as cool as his. But I don’t see where it explains how he made these. I guess I’ll google it & see what I can find. Very cool though !!
Hi Gretchen – welcome to our website. Yes this article has been pinned more than 180,000 times and the images have gone all over the place so they could be pinned anywhere! The idea is to share Duncan’s work – he is a young man who is blind and has been crafting these wonderful lamps for a few years now. It was mroe to share his work than encourage people to copy his designs. I think they would look amazing in such a home!