Philip developed the KinStools during an artist placement with the KinShip project in Tramore Valley Park, in collaboration with the Douglas Fairfield Men’s Shed. Made from locally grown Cork ash and drawing on traditional Irish furniture joinery, the KinStools are a series of two-legged stools designed to interlock with one another.
Together, they form adaptable seating arrangements for the Den Talamh KinShip EcoLab pavilion, designed by Fuinneamh Architects. The system can be reconfigured in response to different events and gatherings, reinforcing an approach to infrastructure that is light, communal and responsive. As both functional objects and conceptual devices, the KinStools use vernacular craft to reflect forms of interdependence across people, materials and the wider ecological context of the park and Cork city.
The KinStools are currently being fabricated by the Douglas Fairfield Men’s Shed and are expected to be completed in late Spring 2026.
Thanks to Richard Forrest of Redbarn Residency, Brian McMahon of McMahon Chairs, and Mícheál Potterton of Fiach Rua Timbercraft for their help sourcing the Cork-grown ash. Special thanks to woodturner Tony Farrell, who not only supplied the raw material but also assisted the Douglas Fairfield Men’s Shed in processing and machining the ash for the KinStools.
The artist placement with the KinShip project was supported by Nature Network Ireland and Cork City Council through Creative Ireland programme. KinShip partners also include Cork Healthy Cities, Green Spaces for Health, Clean Technology Centre, and MTU. Special thanks to Stephen Scully of Cork City Council's Parks & Recreation Department for connecting Philip with Douglas Fairfield Men's Shed and his assistance throughout the project and to LennonTaylor for their support.
