Cast by Tom Fereday: A seamless integration of art and technology
Tom Fereday’s Cast speaker is a remarkable union of design and technology, showcased in collaboration with Tasmanian audio innovators Pitt & Giblin. Debuted during Melbourne Design Week at the solo exhibition Aver with Gallery Oigall Projects, this sculptural speaker exemplifies Fereday’s commitment to merging form and function, making it an object of both auditory and aesthetic significance.
Crafted from four marine-grade aluminum castings, all produced in Tasmania, Cast houses an intricate audio system comprising multiple loudspeaker elements. Central to its design is a large circular waveguide, where a high-frequency driver delivers sound from 1kHz to 20kHz through a titanium diaphragm. This precise engineering ensures even sound distribution across a room, creating an immersive listening experience.
Complementing this is a concealed array of four 4-inch midrange drivers, enclosed within a sealed plywood structure. These drivers, managed by Hypex nCore amplifiers and advanced digital signal processing, produce a meticulously controlled output. Ventilation is achieved through a combination of absorptive materials and strategic physical alignment.
The main body, a seamless aluminum casting, provides the volume necessary for a rear-firing 10-inch subwoofer. Supported by a three-way digital amplifier and signal processing module integrated into the stand, the speaker offers versatile audio input options, adaptable to both single and paired configurations. This thoughtful integration underscores the piece’s adaptability across various environments, from personal homes to curated spaces, transforming it from mere hardware into a celebrated centerpiece.
What sets Cast apart is its mono-material approach, prioritizing quality and sophistication over the often fragmented aesthetics of traditional loudspeakers. Its circular waveguide serves as the acoustic and visual nucleus, extending lower frequencies than conventional tweeters. This innovation ensures smooth, consistent sound coverage, while its refined geometry shapes the overall design. Echoing this, the rear casting mirrors the waveguide’s form, blending the subwoofer and midrange ports into a seamless visual and functional whole.
Australian-born designer Tom Fereday spent his formative years in London, England, where he studied sculpture and graphic design at the Wimbledon School of Art. Later, he returned to Australia to complete an honors degree in Industrial Design at the University of Technology Sydney. With a career spanning both Europe and Australia, Fereday established his independent design practice in 2012.
His work, known for its thoughtful approach and craftsmanship, has been showcased and published globally. Collaborations with renowned brands such as Herman Miller, Alessi, and Stellarworks highlight his portfolio, alongside exhibitions in prestigious venues like the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Powerhouse Museum, and the Australian Design Centre. His designs have also been featured at leading international furniture fairs.
Photography by Pier Carthew, courtesy of Tom Fereday, shared with permission
