Furniture maker’s design a unique use of wood

A Hertfordshire furniture maker has found a clever way of using wood – and created a new income stream at the same time.

Benedict O’Boyle studied at Bucks New University in High Wycombe where he took a degree in Furniture Design and Craftsmanship. He set up his own workshop and launched Benedict’s Fine Furniture in 2005.

He has been creating bespoke and handcrafted fine furniture ever since, using renewable and sustainable British materials.

When the recession hit in 2010, Benedict needed to create a new affordable product as a secondary source of income.

He began by designing a wooden stand for iPads and other hand-held devices. He then noticed that sound from a tiny iPad speaker resonated through the wood. It increased like it had been electronically amplified.

Further refinement of the stand led to the creation of the iWood-AMP, a solid piece of wood which is portable and wireless, with a uniquely designed sound-box to project and increase the speaker’s output, increasing the volume and the sound quality. No batteries, wires, plastic or components are required.

Benedict says: “When I’m working with wood I feel like I’m transforming one of Mother Nature’s creations into something new. My designs must always be functional and they must be beautiful like the trees they came from. My products must also be practical, have form and be innovative.

“Creative carpentry isn’t an easy job – physically hard and mentally challenging on a daily basis – but it comes with a lot of satisfaction and for me I honestly can’t think of anything I’d rather do for a living.”

Visit the website to see more about the i-Wood AMP.