Competition
in a can
Competition to design & construct a miniature chair
Deconstruct ONE aluminium beer can to make a miniature chair, which must fit within the can from which it was constructed. Only glue and solder may be used as fixing agents.
Digital entries to be submitted by 1 March 2026 for selection.
Selected chairs to be received during 3rd week of March 2026.
Awards event at The Free House in Nelson March 2026.
First prize $3,000
Runner up $500
2025 champion
The Buckminster
William
Samuels
William explains his inspiration for the Buckminster chair.
“My first thought was an egg or spherical shape to reflect the shape of the can. I’m a fan of 1960s modernism and the idea came out of the art of that period. I tried several prototypes and it was challenging as it needed to be absolutely precise as if it was a fraction out a circle couldn’t be formed. I overcame the difficulty by using an architectural computer modelling tool to produce an unfolded template. I printed a paper pattern out and transferred it on to a can using acetone then scored it onto the can.
I created two layers from the same can – an outer and an inner shell. One side of each shell has glue tabs sticking out, so by making two layers I could hide the tabs in the space between the shells. As the body had to be done twice, I had to experiment with using a number of cans in order to find one that gave me enough plain space for both the outer green shell and the inner silver one.
It was time consuming with many prototypes being produced, but I find it enjoyable solving technical challenges. The first prototype was a failure and going through the whole process was very iterative. By the time I got to the final version, it was a relatively quick process.
I was surprised how accessible and surprisingly easy the aluminium can was to work with. It was like working with paper or card. I just used scissors, tweezers and superglue.”
Untitled
2025 Runner up
Russell
Menary
HIGHLY COMMENDED 2025
Kay van dyke
Brutal Chair
david carson
Piwakawaka
austen mcgowan
Something for the weekend, Sir?
alice knight
Mother’s Milk
torie jarocki
Cosy Recliner Beer Chair
benjamin grant
The Woven Swivel Chair
michael hastie
The Great Southern Chair
brian england
Untitled
sam heaphy
Wheerchair
joseph amos
Rocking Chair
Enter
rules
Material
Must be made from one aluminium beer can either 330ml or 440ml. Only glue and solder can be used at fixing agents. No other materials may be used in the construction.
Size
Chair MUST be able to fit inside the beer can it was constructed from, diameter 66mm, height 115/150mm (330ml/440ml). The entry submitted must be the same chair as in the digital image sent.
Submissions
3 digital entries to be submitted by 1 March 2026, one of which must include the can used. Finalists will be advised by 7 March and selected chairs must be received in Nelson by 21 March 2026.
Makers are responsible for any costs relating to freighting and from Nelson.
Date
Award winners will be announced on 26 March 2026 at an event at The Free House, Nelson. The chairs will be exhibited in Nelson from 28 March.
Misc
All selected chairs will be held by Beer Chair Competition until the end of June for display purposes. The maker of the chair retains ownership. Beer Chair Competition has the right to use digital images of all selected entries.
Entrants must be at least 18 years of age and must reside in New Zealand.
Any questions should be directed to:
info@beerchaircompetition.co.nz
About
Nelson/Tasman is known for many good things—stunning natural landscapes, sunshine, cycle trails…..and beer, with the claim of being New Zealand’s craft brewing capital. Fresh hops have been a feature of the landscape since the 1840s. Due to the perfect mix of sunshine, temperature and rain, the region has some of the most sought-after hops in the world, with a reputation for environmental sustainability and unique flavours.
This nurturing environment has also inspired a dynamic culture that fosters creativity and celebrates the arts, attracting visionaries and innovators for generations.
Fleur Stewart returned to her home-town after a career spent in Hawaii. Due to her long-term fascination with miniatures and love of the creative process, the concept of making a chair out of a beer can had been swirling around in her mind for some time. A talk with fellow artist, Lee Woodman, sparked the idea of a beer chair competition, challenging entrants to design and construct a miniature chair out of the materials found in one beer can, with the entry to fit within the diameter and height of the can.
The competition is judged by Lee Woodman, Fleur Stewart and Eelco Boswijk of The Free House, who was brought in as a third judge. Julia Warren came on board to help organise the competition.
Thanks to Tim Cuff of Nelson Creative for taking the photographs.
Over 50 entries were received from around the country for the inaugural beer chair competition and 43 were selected for exhibition.
First prize receives $3,000 and the runner up $500.
