Best Sculpture: 2011 Circle of Distinction Design Challenge

Newbold Stone

Retro Concrete Ellipse

Project Location: Austin, Texas
Total Retail Price: $250
Weight: 10 lbs.
Concrete Mix: Custom with recycled glass
Other Materials:Steel support
Turn-around time: 1 week
Design: John Newbold, Mark Lind
Fabrication:John Newbold, Justin Cook

FOR THE BIRDS

John Newbold’s Retro Concrete Ellipse was awarded Best Sculpture in the 2011 CHENG Concrete Circle of Distinction Design Challenge by judges Fu-Tung Cheng, designer (Cheng Design, Cheng Products, CHENG Concrete), Robert Brunner, industrial designer (Ammunition Group, Fuego), and Dan Gregory, editor and author (Houseplans.com).

Utilizing his years of experience with concrete, Newbold, owner of Newbold Stone in Austin, Texas, created a simple and modern object that showcases the beauty and versatility of the material. Enhanced with recycled glass, his concrete birdfeeder recalls a mid-20th Century aesthetic while declaring itself an object of contemporary sustainability.

Project Objective and Client Feedback
Newbold’s concrete birdfeeder was originally created for a gala and silent art auction featuring fifty sustainably-themed birdhouses benefitting UpLift Austin, an innovative educational program that introduces high school students to promising green careers as they design and implement projects to promote an environmentally sustainable campus. This is Newbold’s second year of participation in the charity event; his previous entry was also an award-winner, having won an Honorable Mention in Sculpture in the 2010 CHENG Concrete Circle of Distinction Design Challenge.

Design and Expertise
The elegant, modern bird perch is a thin concrete ellipse roughly 8” x 18” and 6” deep with exposed recycled glass aggregate. It sits at the end of a 3-foot steel pole that sways from a chain. What looks like a simple object required Newbold’s eight years of experience as a concrete artisan to successfully execute. “Marrying concrete to other materials is often a challenge, especially when it needs to be done in an attractive way. The end result was a through-bolt with decorative cap and large washers to spread the force,” says Newbold.

Asked why concrete was chosen for this project, Newbold responded, ”To show the extreme options available in the medium, proving that there really is nothing that you cannot do with it.”

The judges praised the simplicity and elegance of Newbold’s birdfeeder, describing the concrete piece as “light as air,” “elemental” and “a surprise.”

BEST SCULTPURE: NEWBOLD STONE

CHENG Concrete’s 7th Annual Members’ Circle of Distinction Design Challenge

Recognized in the industry as the pinnacle of exceptional design and craftsmanship, the CHENG Concrete Circle of Distinction Design Challenge showcases talent and technical skill of the very best in creative concrete. Nearly one hundred entries in twelve categories were judged on elements and principles of design, design planning, innovative concept/creativity, use of color, presentation, innovative forming techniques, problem solving, and creatively meeting the demands of the client. This year's competition introduced an entry category for New Members and the first Presidents' Award chosen outside of the regular judging by the co-presidents of CHENG Concrete.

ABOUT NEWBOLD STONE

Newbold Stone specializes in crafting unique, designer-grade, custom concrete creations including countertops, cast sinks, fireplaces and furniture. Powered by the creative energies of an experienced designer and engineer, Newbold Stone is dedicated to excellence in the design and installation of decorative concrete.

Originally founded in Southern California in 2001, Newbold Stone relocated to Austin, Texas in Fall 2006 to serve the greater central Texas area. The vibrant growth and creativity of the Austin area serves as the ideal backdrop for the creation and enjoyment of designer-grade concrete, where residents and designers alike seek unique media to express their design visions.

Newbold Stone consistently delivers premier concrete installations.

Contact:
John Newbold
Newbold Stone
139 E St. Elmo Rd #103
Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 646-7405
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ~ www.newboldstone.com