HUT Design Challenge: “The Shark Attack Table” by Priyanka Verma

INTERVIEWED BY Steve Smith PHOTOS Jan Ras

Outlining the creative journey behind her unique design, Priyanka Verma shares insights into her Shark Attack Table created for the HUT X Always Welcome Design Challenge.

Launched at Cape Town Furniture Week 2024, the HUT x Always Welcome Design Challenge invited seven innovative designers to create limited-edition pieces using material reclaimed from the iconic Muizenberg Huts, which were undergoing refurbishment.

We chatted with designer Priyanka Verma to dive deeper into the inspiration, design processes, and challenges she faced while working on this exciting project.

What was the inspiration for your piece? And were there any aspects of the beach huts that inspired your design? 

My inspiration was to design something that embodies neat functionality and reflects the vibrant essence of the Muizenberg beach huts. I drew inspiration from the triangular shapes of the Muizenberg beach huts’ triangular roofs, which you can see translated into the form of my stacking tables. The alternating bold colours of the huts also influenced the colour palette, creating a visual rhythm that reflects the spirit of the beachfront. 

How would you describe your personal design aesthetic … and how have you incorporated that with the bold colours and history of the Muizenberg beach huts into this piece of furniture? 

My design aesthetic is a fearless blend of contrasts—mixing bold colours, rich textures, and sculptural forms to create spaces that feel ageless. I draw inspiration from my culture, the environment, history, and art. For this piece, I embraced the primary colours to honour the boldness of the beach huts’ history. My designs are always people-centred, and for this table, I envisioned something that encourages connection and storytelling, inspired by the enthusiasm of the people who visit Muizenberg.

Do you feel you have preserved the story and character of the Muizenberg beach huts in your piece, while also ensuring the design remains sustainable and functional? If so, how? 

Absolutely, I aimed to preserve the story and character of the Muizenberg beach huts by retaining their signature aesthetic. Sustainability was at the forefront; I worked to ensure the design was resource-conscious by maximising the use of each piece of wood. I took a slightly different approach, and I purposely wanted to showcase how the table would look with the natural textures of the wood and the falling paint. There was something beautiful about seeing the imperfections add character and depth to the table. The stackable nature of the table also serves as a metaphor for the layered histories and stories the huts hold.

Walk us through your design process when working with reclaimed materials, particularly those as unique and iconic as the wood from the huts? 

Working with reclaimed materials is always a conversation with the material itself, so I let the material guide me. I start by examining each piece of wood, preserving as much of its natural character as possible. With the iconic wood from the huts, I let its wear and patterns guide my decisions, making sure that the design reflects its story’s past while being structurally sound and aesthetically cohesive.

What challenges did you anticipate when working with these specific materials, and how did you overcome them? 

The planks came with challenges of their own, such as uneven textures, nail holes, and weathered sections, to name a few things. Anticipating this, the amazing people at Leafy Tech, who helped make my vision come to life, showed me how I could reinforce weaker areas while highlighting the material’s natural beauty. Any imperfections became a part of the story, enhancing the authenticity of the table rather than hiding it.

What emotions or memories do you hope your piece will evoke in someone familiar with the huts? 

I hope my piece evokes a sense of nostalgia and joy for those familiar with the Muizenberg huts. The triangular shapes are meant to signify the roofs of the huts that once gave shelter to many. It’s meant to remind viewers of the sunny beach days filled with granadilla lollies, the sound of the waves, and the vibrant culture of Cape Town. It’s a celebration of memory and history.

Visit the Exhibition

All the pieces from the HUT x Always Welcome Design Challenge are currently on display at Cape Town’s St George’s Cathedral for several months and will be accessible to holiday goers, locals, press and creative communities alike.

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