Method of Construction of Articles Involving Upholstery for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 11
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Upholstery
Previous Lesson: Elements of Complex Upholstery Design
Topic: METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION OF ARTICLES INVOLVING UPHOLSTERY
Subject Matter: solid platforms solid materials surround unit construction knock down constructions; Constructions of special fittings; Collapsible construction

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define solid platforms and solid materials surround in upholstery construction.
• Describe the concept of unit construction in upholstered articles.
• Identify characteristics of knock-down constructions.
• List examples of special fittings used in upholstery.
• Explain the purpose of collapsible construction.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of different construction methods for various upholstered articles.
• Show interest in learning practical applications of upholstery construction.

Psychomotor Domain

• Sketch simple diagrams illustrating different construction methods.
• Differentiate between various construction methods based on their features.

Social Domain

• Participate actively in discussions about construction methods.
• Collaborate with peers in identifying examples of upholstered articles.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Upholstery textbook for SS 3
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Charts illustrating different furniture construction methods.
• Pictures or diagrams of upholstered articles with various constructions.
• Examples of furniture frames (if available) demonstrating solid platforms, unit construction, or knock-down parts.
• Samples of special fittings (e.g., hinges, catches, recliner mechanisms).

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is essential for students to understand the foundational structures of upholstered articles. Knowledge of different construction methods enables students to select appropriate techniques for various designs and functional requirements. It also provides a basis for quality assessment and repair of upholstered furniture.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of woodworking tools, types of wood, and fundamental upholstery materials.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION OF ARTICLES INVOLVING UPHOLSTERY

Solid Platforms

Solid platforms refer to a type of construction where the base or frame of an upholstered article is built as a rigid, continuous, and unyielding structure. This method provides maximum support and durability, often used for heavy-duty furniture or pieces requiring a very firm seating or sleeping surface.

Characteristics:

1. Uses strong, often thick, timber or engineered wood panels.
2. Joints are typically fixed and reinforced (e.g., mortise and tenon, dowel joints, screws with glue).
3. Provides a firm and stable foundation for springs, webbing, or foam.
4. Commonly found in traditional sofas, armchairs, and bed bases.

Solid Materials Surround

This construction method involves enclosing the upholstery components within a solid frame or casing made of durable materials. Unlike solid platforms which focus on the base, “solid materials surround” describes how the entire upholstered unit is encased or framed by solid elements, often visible as part of the furniture’s design.

Characteristics:

1. The upholstered sections (cushions, backrests) are fitted into or onto a robust, often exposed, frame.
2. The solid materials (wood, metal) form the outer structure, providing both support and aesthetic appeal.
3. Examples include chairs with exposed wooden arms and backs, or sofas where the upholstered parts are contained within a visible wooden or metallic frame.
4. Offers a blend of comfort and structural integrity, often with a contemporary or classic design.

Unit Construction

Unit construction involves building an upholstered article from several independent, self-contained units that are later assembled to form the complete piece. Each unit is fully upholstered or prepared before final assembly.

Characteristics:

1. Individual components like armrests, seat bases, backrests, or modular sections are constructed and upholstered separately.
2. These units are then joined together using various fastening methods (e.g., bolts, clips, interlocking mechanisms).
3. Allows for easier manufacturing, transport, and customisation (e.g., modular sofas that can be rearranged).
4. Facilitates repair or replacement of individual sections without dismantling the entire article.

Knock-Down Constructions

Knock-down (KD) constructions, also known as ready-to-assemble or flat-pack furniture, are designed to be easily disassembled for shipping and reassembled by the consumer. In upholstery, this applies to the frame structure that supports the upholstered components.

Characteristics:

1. Components are manufactured separately and packed flat for efficient transportation.
2. Assembly typically involves simple tools and fittings (e.g., cam locks, bolts, screws).
3. Reduces shipping costs and storage space.
4. Common in mass-produced furniture and items sold through retail chains.
5. The upholstered parts might be pre-attached to some frame sections or designed to be easily fitted during assembly.

Constructions of Special Fittings

Special fittings are mechanical components integrated into the furniture frame to provide specific functionalities beyond basic support. These fittings allow for movement, adjustment, or transformation of the upholstered article.

Examples of special fittings and their applications:

1. Hinges: Used in sofa beds to allow the backrest to fold down and form a sleeping surface, or in storage ottomans for lid opening.
2. Catches/Latches: Secure movable parts in place, such as the backrest of a recliner or the lid of a storage unit.
3. Recliner Mechanisms: Complex systems of levers and springs that allow a chair or sofa to recline, often with footrest extension.
4. Swivel Bases: Enable chairs to rotate 360 degrees.
5. Adjustable Headrests/Armrests: Mechanisms that allow parts of the furniture to be repositioned for comfort.
6. Drawer Slides: For integrated storage drawers within upholstered furniture.

Collapsible Construction

Collapsible construction refers to articles designed to be easily folded, collapsed, or compacted for storage or transport. This method prioritises portability and space-saving, often using lightweight materials and innovative joint designs.

Characteristics:

1. Frames are designed with pivot points, hinges, or interlocking parts that allow them to fold flat or reduce in volume.
2. Often uses lighter materials like aluminium, thin steel tubing, or flexible plastics.
3. Upholstery components (fabric, foam) are typically thin, removable, or integrated in a way that allows folding.
4. Examples include folding chairs, portable beds, and some types of camping or outdoor furniture.
5. Emphasises ease of setup and takedown.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to identify different types of upholstered furniture they have seen or used, prompting them to think about how these items might be put together.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming various upholstered items like sofas, chairs, and beds, and briefly discuss their observations on their construction.

Learning Point: Furniture construction awareness

Step 2: Solid Platforms and Solid Materials Surround

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concepts of “solid platforms” and “solid materials surround” using diagrams or actual examples. The teacher highlights their differences and typical applications.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the illustrations, and ask questions for clarification on the two construction types.

Learning Point: Solid construction types

Step 3: Unit Construction

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher describes unit construction, explaining how articles are built from separate, pre-upholstered units. The teacher discusses the advantages of this method, such as modularity and ease of repair.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in a discussion, identifying examples of modular furniture and considering the benefits of unit construction.

Learning Point: Modular article assembly

Step 4: Knock-Down Constructions

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Comparison

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains knock-down constructions, emphasising their design for easy assembly and disassembly. The teacher compares it with unit construction in terms of transport and consumer involvement.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify common knock-down furniture items and discuss their experiences with assembling such items.

Learning Point: Flat-pack furniture design

Step 5: Constructions of Special Fittings

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Examples

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces special fittings, showing samples (if available) like hinges, catches, or pictures of recliner mechanisms. The teacher explains how these fittings add functionality to upholstered articles.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the fittings, discuss their functions, and identify upholstered articles that incorporate such mechanisms.

Learning Point: Functional furniture mechanisms

Step 6: Collapsible Construction

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains collapsible construction, focusing on its purpose for portability and space-saving. The teacher provides examples of upholstered articles designed to collapse.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss the practical uses of collapsible upholstered items and suggest scenarios where they would be beneficial.

Learning Point: Portable furniture design

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is the main characteristic of a solid platform construction?
2. How does “solid materials surround” differ from “solid platforms”?
3. Give two advantages of unit construction.
4. Name two types of special fittings used in upholstered articles.
5. Why is collapsible construction important?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Construction methods understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the different construction methods into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the various construction methods discussed, reinforcing their importance in upholstery design and manufacturing. The teacher encourages students to observe these methods in furniture around them.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Lesson consolidation

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Further Reading

Instruction: Research and describe an upholstered article that uses each of the following construction methods. For each, state one advantage and one disadvantage:

1. Solid Platform
2. Unit Construction
3. Knock-Down Construction
4. Collapsible Construction

Lesson Keywords

• Solid Platform – A rigid, continuous base for upholstered articles.
• Solid Materials Surround – Upholstery components encased within a robust, often exposed, frame.
• Unit Construction – Building upholstered articles from independent, self-contained units.
• Knock-Down Construction – Furniture designed for easy disassembly and reassembly.
• Special Fittings – Mechanical components providing specific functionalities like reclining or folding.
• Collapsible Construction – Articles designed to be folded or compacted for storage or transport.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher can provide simplified diagrams and focus on identifying key features of each construction method. Advanced learners can be challenged to design a simple upholstered article incorporating at least two different construction methods, justifying their choices.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, students can search YouTube for: upholstery furniture frame construction methods SS3