This year Laminex New Zealand sought to spark New Zealand’s design creativity with Luminate, a challenge to reconsider how we interpret lighting hardware, fixtures and applications using Formica laminate. Laminex New Zealand General Manager, Richard Pollington, said he was delighted with the quality of entries received. "We received a number of creative and inspirational entries, from the whimsical to the bold and it was encouraging to see New Zealand designers considering innovative ways to use Formica laminate."

Formica Formations separates entrants into two categories: the professional category and the emerging category for those entrants who are within four years of graduation. Christchurch interior designer Wendy Tran was awarded first place in the professional category of the competition, while top spot in the emerging designer section went to another Christchurch-based designer, Kyla Davies. The winners each approached the way light and shape are combined in non-traditional ways, one as vertical wall art and the other as a larger-than-life floor standing sculpture. 

Professional Category Winner

Inspired by the Pohutukawa tree, Tran's creation 'Crimson Summer' was described as a sophisticated solution to a self supporting floor light. The design combines art and function in dramatic Formica red and Formica Plex gold metallic laminate covered sprays of light.

Emerging Category Winner

Davies' 'Modern Love' wall lamp captured the hearts of the judging panels with its originality. Created using Formica AR Plus solid colour laminates, the design stood out from other submissions with its quirky message and use of text.

"The inspiration for Modern Love came from the observation of misunderstood text messages and how this can be comical or disastrous," says Davies. "Formica AR Plus laminates provided perfect instant colour in a durable and workable format," she adds.

In summary Pollington adds, "It's really amazing to see such inventive applications of Formica laminate coming from New Zealand designers and we love supporting the design community through our market leading competition."