Furniture winner: Milton by Viable London

Winner Milton
Designed by Viable London for Habitat

Runner up Hush Lounge Chair
Designed by Kieron Bakewell at Naughtone

Viable London is a dynamic design trio whose founders, Charles Trevelyan, Magnus Long and Gala Wright, first met in Milan in 2005 while exhibiting with Hidden Art. The design studio is a formidable line-up of talent and training with international manufacturing and retail clients. Charles studied Materials Engineering at the University of Western Australia, followed by a postgraduate course in Fine Art at Curtin University in Australia. Magnus has a degree in Furniture and Product Design from Nottingham Trent University. Gala studied Physics and Philosophy at the University of Oxford followed by a distinction in Furniture Design and Realisation from London Metropolitan University.

The Milton furniture for Habitat is in MDF and solid oak. "We wanted to use basic furniture materials," say the designers. The judges particularly liked the seductive high-gloss finish achieved with ten coats of lacquer in white or an unusual petrol blue.

The furniture's splayed legs, tapered handles and angled underframe in solid oak have a "slimming" effect, an optical illusion intended to minimise bulk.

"Our aim was to create quality pieces with classic lines. Incorporating the handles keeps the furniture's face clean and elegant. It was actually simple to implement, thanks to an essentially production-friendly design," says Viable. In addition to (hopefully) continuing to work with Habitat, Viable London has plans for projects including interiors, exhibitions and installations.

Chosen by Homes & Gardens