Luke Pedersen, co-founder of the local furniture brand Pedersen + Lennard, walks us through the design journey of the Veld Fire Pit.
WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied
Rooted in a love for outdoor gathering, the Veld Fire Pit by Pedersen + Lennard reimagines the traditional fire pit with a fresh, contemporary approach. Co-founder Luke Pedersen walks us through the design process – one that draws inspiration from nature and balances aesthetics with engineering ingenuity. The result? A playful yet functional piece that invites warmth, both in design and in experience.
What was the initial spark of inspiration behind the Veld Fire Pit? How did it evolve from its inception to the final product we see today?
The idea for the Veld Firepit came from a desire to encourage outdoor togetherness. We have outdoor furniture, but we became aware that the social aspect of being around a fire is quite powerful.
Once we’d hit that note, it was clear the missing element in that product category, at least locally, was something fun, contemporary, colourful. Something that was more interesting and vibrant than the hard, dark, carbon steel look that often characterises fire pits or braai areas.
Could you walk us through the creative process for developing this piece?
As we considered how to create something light, colourful, and, if possible softer than traditional fire pits, we began to play with the elements found in our local flora. Namely – the petals of the protea and other gently-geometric fynbos. Soon, we discovered the petal-like effect of bending the stainless steel panels to create a more subtle, rounded edge. Once we got here, the application of colour to the undulating frame was an easy and gratifying next step.
Engineering plays a crucial role in crafting each piece that not only looks beautiful, but functions seamlessly. How do you navigate the delicate balance between form and function?
This was definitely the main challenge. Because we wanted this fire pit to easily live on a deck or small balcony, we had to engineer for airflow and heat protection, so that the fire pit wouldn’t become a fire. With a few tricks and lots of prototyping, we created something that will not burn through itself nor get so hot that it burns the deck beneath it.
Can you tell us about the materials you used to create the Veld Fire Pit?
The main material is stainless steel, which ensures longevity and durability. Beneath the fire pit is an aluminium tray that catches extra ash.
After launching the fire pit, we also added two more stainless steel accessories: the Veld Braai Grid and Handle, and the Veld Braai Lid. The handle helps to safely remove the heated braai grid, while the stainless steel lid transforms the fire pit into a nifty table when it’s not being used to create a fire. They’ve been very valuable additions, and being able to braai on the Veld Fire Pit takes our initial desire for outdoor socialising and togetherness to the next level! | pedersenlennard.co.za
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