Lend Lease approached ApMurra Furniture (Centre for Appropriate Technology) for the unique potential of working with Indigenous makers to assist in the production and fabrication of a custom furniture collection. 

The drive was to create sustainable business opportunities for local communities. A two-year partnership then commenced between designers Elliat Rich and Outside Assembly, to prototype and deliver a suite of public furniture; The Wren Collection.

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It was great having Outside Assembly on the team and knowing that all the details and production complexities were in their capable hands.

‍‍Elliat Rich, Designer

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Lend Lease and Aspect Studios, together with key collaborators, have created a unique Australian story through commissioning the Wren Collection of furniture for Sydney’s new city neighbourhood; Darling Square. 

Outside Assembly formed an integral part of the overall project by being able to deliver a range of bespoke furniture, which was conceived by Elliat Rich and produced by ApMurra Furniture (Centre for Appropriate Technology) out of Alice Springs. There were many benefits and opportunities of the project, but the most worthy element to the story was the chance to work directly with Indigenous makers and create sustainable business opportunities for some of our most needy population.

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Outside Assembly was a fantastic collaborator together with the whole team; ApMurra Furniture (Centre for Appropriate Technology), Elliat Rich, Bespoke Metal and Lendlease. The products are a testament to OA’s ability for design and structural resolution in a challenging interstate design development process. Their industry experience in external public furniture was fundamental in the ground up creation and testing process whilst showing considerable cultural understanding.

Jordan Eaten, Lend Lease

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Photos by by Jordan Eaton and CfAT