Project Overview

Mantis is elegant and unobtrusive, yet immensely strong - the way a good clothing rack should be.

Organisation

Rowen Wagner Design

Team

Rowen Wagner

Project Brief

Mantis is part of a new range of home furniture designed and produced in Australia. Slender and mobile in design, the clothing rack showcases its wares without attracting all the attention in a space. Users can forever banish cluttered built-ins, ‘floordrobes’, and the bending bar of a lesser considered design.

Unintentionally reflecting the raptorial forelegs of a Praying Mantis, the rack manoeuvres on a free axis wheel mount and locks into place as it rests on the opposing leg. Whether delicately displaying select items or supporting a full winter wardrobe the unit is strong; it has been load tested to withstand over 40kgs without bowing.

Project Innovation / Need

The design in engineered with integral weight-bearing sections permanently fabricated for strength. The verticals are user assembled using the loaded mass to securely support the circular steel sections without threaded fasteners which are prone to weakening. The solid base ensures even distribution of weight regardless of the arrangement, keeping the free-standing centre of gravity low.

Disassembling into only 4 parts the unit is packed 1/6th its standing height, ensuring it is manageable for shipping and retail. Locating spring-pins which are not weight bearing allow ease of assembly without any tools. Hanging items are contained on a supported bar elevated to balance comfortable reach but enough height to keep full length garments from the ground.

Design Challenge

Clothing racks are prone to bow, skew and fail. Furniture retailers report them as one of their most returned items. Repositioning results in loosening fasteners and racks can be difficult to transport during a relocation. Many are obtrusive in a bedroom, commonly the most limited of spaces.

The primary challenge was achieving a robust design which did not appear visually ‘heavy’. The design needed to be simple to disassemble yet sturdy during use. As a solo designer Rowen engineers, resolves production and distributes his designs himself, a challenge in itself.

Sustainability

The design is produced from both new and reclaimed materials. It is fabricated entirely from steel; this single material use assists ease of recyclability. No toxic chromates are used during production and the matte finish powder coat is free from harmful lead pigments. Efficient use of common sections and bends across the range allows minimum tooling, enabling local production.

A carefully engineered design innately gives Mantis its most sustainable characteristic – it is designed to last. Quality materials and design will ensure it outlives the many seasons and eras of fashion it will hold.