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.
Details of the 2027 competition will be posted later.
Entrants must be at least 18.
First prize $3,000
Runner up $500
Chairs from Beer Chair Competition 2026 now on show in the window of
Lee Woodman Studios, 259 Hardy Street, Nelson, until 13 May.
2026 champion
Pint-Sized Chesterfield
Ben Rutherford
Inspired by the high standard of previous years' entries, I decided to make a Chesterfield Chair, because I've always liked the look they have and the look fitted with my first thoughts to make something that has a thickness/volume to it.
Following the properties of the can, which lends itself to bending and folding, I wanted to move away from that to more shaping of the metal. Because I didn't have traditional metal-shaping tools, I used my 3D printer to design custom molds.
After a lot of trial and error (and learning CAD on the fly), I developed a process to press-fit the aluminium sheets into the molds, using a small vice. For this to work, the metal had to be annealed on a stovetop with the vent on—trust me, it needs to be on. During this, I discovered that holding the metal over the flame in a certain way created a unique bronzed patina, that mimics aged leather.
The biggest hurdles were the button tufting and getting the backrest to fit the arms. I hand-drew a stencil to get the cuts right. I had to make a custom punch for the tiny buttons. I loved the limitation of the single 440ml Garage Project Tūtaki Haze can; it forced me to stop over-analysing and just get stuck in.
School is in Session Beer Chair
2026 Runner up
Torie Jarocki
HIGHLY COMMENDED 2026
moh portuondo alvarez
My Favorite Rockin’ Chair
david carson
A Hot Tin Box
Tyne hawkes croft
The Cand
William samuels
Lazy Hazy
Rick screen
Button Back Dining Chair
Erin Smaill
Behold the Mighty Aluminium Throne
Enter
rules
Material
Must be made from one aluminium beer can either 330ml or 440ml. Only glue and solder can be used as 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 31 March 2026 at an event at The Free House, Nelson. The chairs will be exhibited in Nelson at Lee Woodman Studios, 259 Hardy Street, Nelson from 31 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.
Thanks to Nelson Airport for showing the top 12 chairs from 2025 at the terminal during February.
