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The O Six Hundred kayak is the brainchild of Ben Cooper and Vert Design. The kayak is true to its original concept; based on a tried and tested 4,000 year old design, but fabricated using precision CNC cut marine grade hoop pine plywood, full length red-cedar strengthening strips and a heat-welded carbon fabric skin. The smart skeleton frame optimises the structural properties of its materials resulting in a super-lightweight kayak which is both tough and beautiful.
The kayak is available to order from the O Six Hundred website and comes as a 'ready to assemble' flatpack kit. Constructed from just 30 pieces you can enjoy building you own at home.
The O Six Hundred Kayak won 'Best In Category' at the 2015 Good Design Award® under Product Design - Sport and Lifestyle.
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A start-up company with years of invaluable experience in the coffee industry, Huskee approached Vert to design & develop a range of coffee cups made from waste coffee husk mixed with eco-polymers. Visually iconic and ideologically driven, HuskeeCup is known as the world's very 'first coffee cup'!
Vert Design combined a user-centric approach with limitless possibilities of forms driven by manufacturing processes. Compression moulding as the main method of manufacturing enabled incorporation of highly delicate details into the design, which may not possible in traditional vessel production methods such as Glass blowing or Ceramics production.
Considering every aspect of HuskeeCup, we studied production processes, heat retention rate in several materials, designed & tested complex 3D printed tooling and eventually created a unique series of cups with a human-centric and environmental approach.
Inspired by the traditional Japanese craft culture, all the design features serve a specific function. Taking cues from principles of thermal engineering the fins perform as a 'heatsink' for the cup containing hot liquid. Whilst reducing the complexity of manufacturing by taking away the handle, the fins became an iconic design feature, providing a unique experience for the user.
The shared passion and effort of both teams in creating environmentally-aware and uniquely designed drinking vessels was recognised at '2017 Design Lab Vessels Award'; an internationally recognised event held yearly by Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) in USA.
Check out Huskee's Instagram page here.
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SideKick is the second generation of emergency phone chargers designed by Vert Design in collaboration with startup tech company Flintu.
Building on the "emergency charge" philosophy of the original product Plan V, Sidekick expanded on this and was designed to pack as many useful features into a very small and mobile package, making it an essential everyday carry device.
Off-the-grid charging is at the heart of the device. The team at Flintu devised a way to use powerful rare earth magnets to convert power from readily available alkaline & lithium cell batteries to charge mobile phones. In addition to dry cell battery charging, Sidekick also has a built-in, Japanese made 300mAh battery for quick boosts of power on-the-go, as well as the ability to connect through USB to charge from laptops and PCs.
Vert Design was tasked with housing the components into a small, rugged footprint. The design features a steel internal chassis to provide magnetic shielding, TPR over-moulding to encapsulate the technical package and a CNC machined cover plate that protects the device from wear-and-tear that comes active use.
Through the design process, Vert Design conducted prototype testing for proof-of-concept with the use of 3d printed tooling to over-mould preliminary circuitry, in addition to high-resolution 3d printed components to validate component layout and assembly methods.
Sidekick is now live on Kickstarter , Follow the campaign here.
Launched in 2018 the KNNOX lighter originated from a brief to design a lighter made using traditional methods of manufacture, from raw materials that visually mature over time and allow the environment to influence individual characteristics and surface finish.
The project started as a classic exercise in object design with concepts exploring form & proportion, visual language and user interaction. This lead to a deeper exploration into choreographic sequence; studying familiar and unexpected motions which eventually evolved into a key philosophy for the project, the idea of being functionally abstract, to create a new ritual for making a flame that people can enjoy discovering, learning and eventually mastering.
The fundamental principles of fire making are represented in the concept by three deliberate block elements;
Fuel - Flammable liquid and a cotton wick held in the central rectangular body.
Heat - Flint is pressed against a flint wheel by a spring inside the L-shaped body.
Oxygen - The two precision machined Brass bodies slide against one another to open a gap in which a flame can ignite.
The non-prescriptive configuration of the design promotes varying positions and orientations in use, the flame creates mesmeric shapes as it pours through the gap and attempts to establish new flow paths.
The lighter is made up of 13 individual components all secured together with a single socket head screw, the individual components of the lighter are designed to disassemble and reassemble like an old rifle, a nod to the masculine and utilitarian language of the concept with practical benefits of servicing and cleaning that help extend the lifespan of the product.
A custom flat spring hidden in the slider ensures the parts locate in the open & closed positions and also provides the mechanical feedback to create a gratifying snap shut.
The packaging for the lighter takes cue from the (de)constructible system it was designed around, individual parts of the lighter are nested in felt cutouts and require assembly before use, encouraging people to interact and become familiar with the workings of the design at day one. The slip-sleeve pack includes a bespoke knurled finger tool with a stamped brandmark at the butt end.
In 2017 the owners of KNNOX moved to London. Cutting no corners they pursued a vision of 100% British manufacturing. They engaged UK based specialists in all fields; precision engineers and machinists, wick makers, flint manufacturers, spring makers, wool factories, metal finishers and printing companies to produce the final piece; deliberate in form, timeless in materiality and meticulous in detail.
To see the finished product and for orders visit the KNNOX website.
Developed packaging and branding by SocioDesign
Main photography by Ash James
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World Packaging Design Society
Building on learnings from the first pilot built developed by Vert Design in 2016 along with NRMA Insurance & M&C Saatchi's innovation partner Tricky Jigsaw, the project resumes to development of a second generation of prototypes for the Fire Blanket - an early bushfire detection & monitoring network designed to sense, locate & track bushfire smoke while spreading a virtual safety blanket over at-risk communities.
Rather than line-of-sight, the system relies on mounted sensors that can measure gas levels in the air to pin point where a bushfire has started & where it is spreading to. The live information is relayed to local fire services to help them prevent the fire from spreading.
The first generation prototype housings were produced in aluminium to provide a rugged housing that protect the internal sensors and withstand the heat of the fire long enough to provide vital sensor data.
The second generation system is able to integrate live data collected by aerial drones to allow for more comprehensive mapping of terrain, fire, smoke, wind and tree coverage. The second generation housing design was updated and tested against much tougher criteria to can withstand more intense burning conditions, testing core functionality in live trials, measuring gas detection, data transmission, risk classification and fire spread modelling.
External expert collaborators on the project include: NSW RFS, CSIRO DATA61 and Scout Aerial.
Follow the path to launch here.
Beginning life as a blank canvas start-up, Vert worked closely with the founders of Dresden Optics to design & develop a new, innovative glasses system with a single universal frame style & user-friendly customisability.
Setting out with the aim to make glasses more simple & less expensive without compromising quality, the flexible, lightweight & interchangeable frames & arms come in four sizes, joining with a unique hinge-pin system.
As well as all elements for the glasses, Vert designed the original tooling for the first run parts & develop the system for the Dresden team to injection mould their own frames in the Newtown shop, using waste plastic and allowing consumers to bring their old plastic products in and experience the process involved in making a new pair of glasses.
Vert were engaged to design a bespoke glass fragrance bottle for Bondi based, natural fragrance company Recreation Beauty.
The conceptual phase of the project explored visual languages and themes around the brands provenance, focusing on its surrounding natural environment.
The concept started as a modern expression of a clean and classic bottle profile with subtly repeating vertical chimes on an otherwise cylindrical bottle. The early stages of the project blended muted tones and tactical finishes to create a calming visual resonance.
The bottle features an Aluminium pump-spray atomiser which crimps over the neck of the glass bottle, the custom over-cap has internal clipping features that secure the over-cap to the bottle without need for visible clipping features on the bottle itself.
Recreation launched in 2018. For the final bottle design, Depot Creative's clean and minimal label artwork is printed directly onto the clear glass allowing the varying tones of the liquid fragrance range to show through and create a natural colour pallet.
Graphic design, brand artwork and secondary packaging by Depot Creative.
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A child born today without access to technology in their formative years risks missing out on social and economic opportunities later in life.
Vert Design are working with One Education to realise the vision of company founder Rangan Srikhanta. The Infinity is a revolutionary tablet/laptop, which aims to close the digital divide by creating a simple, affordable & universal platform for any child to use.
The child-friendly design incorporates a key innovation that makes technological obsolescence a thing of the past. The Infinity reshapes the way in which we interact with technology, it is a 'system architecture' rather than a single device.
During the lifetime of the product, it will have different screens, batteries, and even core modules installed. Owners will have the freedom to switch outdated modules as effortlessly as replacing the batteries in your TV remote.
Follow One Education for the latest updates on the laptop and visit indiegogo to back the project.
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Vert design have collaborated with WEARABLE X, Designing the haptic platform for the new NADI X, the new technology infused yoga clothes, directly responding to wearers poses and guiding them through correct yoga movements.
The haptic platform is an attach-on module, housing the sensors and the technology needed to read user's body posture while performing yoga movements, providing gentle vibrations to guide their attention through correct poses.
The organic low profile form is designed in a way that fits onto the body unobtrusively, both in physical and visual aspects, whilst echoing the yoga ethos of balance and harmony. Design Innovation and comprehensive engineering around the snap connections created a fastener that not only performs as the mechanical interface between the garment and module, it also transmits power, data and used as a means for securing and sealing the PCB to the housing during production assembly. Utilizing the ultrasonic welding process to connect parts, the housing is manufactured to be fully water and dust sealed.
NADI X is available for purchase , you can buy the product here.
Read more about NADI X here:
- Vogue
- Dezeen
Vert Design were engaged by Lion and Lady to design a new baby bottle for travel-friendly feeding, a safe and versatile alternative to the common glass and plastic bottles already on the market.
Following an initial phase of research and exploration, food-grade stainless steel was selected to become the main material for the bottle for its specific benefits; superior lightweight durability (compared to glass), anti-bacterial properties which help reduce toxic load and endocrine disruption for the baby (compared to plastic), and its high thermal conductivity allowing the contents of the bottle to warm up quickly in hot water.
The baby-friendly, soft and minimal form offers a visual indication of the key functional attributes of the design. When assembled, the PP lid sleeves over the body to read as one unified form. The lid is designed to protect the teat, and also perform as a hot water bath for warming the bottle contents on-the-go.
Measurement lines on the inside of the lid allow for it to be used as a measuring cup and puree pot when needed. The wide neck of the bottle allows for easy filling and cleaning, as well as accommodating standard teats from most other brands.
Watch this space for new projects in the pipeline for Lion and Lady that look to further extend the versatility of the product through compatible accessories that give the bottle a longer life by adapting to the needs of parent and baby. Vert are currently working on a number of products including a sippy head and an air tight lid which transforms the bottle into a small travel canister.
Launched in 2019, the Lion and Lady baby bottle is available for purchase online, as well as through a number of outlets across Australia.
The Balmain Boat Company was launched in the spring of 2011. Since then, they have shipped boat kits to every state and territory in Australia and as far away as France and the United Kingdom. The boats are a testament to Simpson's design acumen. They're sold as flat sheets of timber that any pair of hands can transform into a watertight vessel. Still's hands were two of the first to show how achievable it is – you can watch her progress on their website. They're also cheap, functional and as elegant as anything you'll see on the harbour or bay.
The boat kits are laser cut from certified sustainable-source marine ply and, when constructed, are just over two metres long (big enough to seat three adults). They can be fitted with sails, oars and outboard motors and there is a miniature version for kids that can be towed behind the 'Classic' model.
The design of the wooden clinker-built boats is a romanticised blend of '40s-style rowboat with the contemporary clean lines and neat edges of computer-led wood-cutting. At 2.3 metres, they are big enough to fit three adults but small enough to pop on the roofracks of a small car. Cheaper and better-looking than your average tinny, the boats bring a stylish water lifestyle well within reach.
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In 2016 Vert were approached by an independent client and avid road cyclist Dan Bessant, finally fed up with keeping his personal belongings in a zip-seal sandwich bag to keep them clean & dry on long rides the 'Active-Proof' wallet was conceived.
At the early stages of the project Vert opened up the scope to include other activity categories as well as cycling and mapped a series of opportunities that helped determine the direction of the concept work before pinning down a final concept that lead into the development phase.
The design was an exercise in restraint, with the aim to create a lightweight product with a single & clear benefit of weather-proofing, holding back on unnecessary features, in turn this helped to retain an elegant & sophisticated visual language for the wallet.
Development took shape as a sequence of sampling rounds, starting with rough mockups made in the studio to flesh out basic functionality & to produce initial patterns for the next stages of sampling which included material sourcing, heat welded seams and print trials, continuously tweaking the design and focusing in on details to improve strength for longevity & practicality.
Zilfer launched their brand with the phone wallet in June 2017, available in selected stores & online at www.zilfer.com.
In 2014 Vert Design were approached by a new client requiring a bespoke glass bottle for a range of all natural facial serums formulated to harness the unique cosmetic properties from selected Australian botanical extracts.
The initial concepts took on classic forms used in traditional & historical medicine, using alchemy, mastery & natural elixirs as directional cues. The lead concept made reference to the traditional scientific florence-flask & even featured a completely spherical base & timber ring for the bottle to rest on.
As the concept developed it evolved into the organic form you see today; a glass bottle with delicate & feminine profile curves. Mismatched, flowing inner vs. outer surfaces encapsulate the serum as if it were suspended in the frosted glass bottle, a visual reference to the organic diffusion that often occurs in biological cellular imagery.
The leaf inspired applicator was developed to bring a new experience for product delivery within the serum category, the co-moulded applicator acts as a stopper to seal the bottle, and when removed captures serum in its reservoir, a series of fine fins slow the serum into a steady flow of droplets allowing controlled measurement & application.
Depot Creative generated a stunning brand identity for Baré with a comprehensive set of 2D assets which build on the initial brand positioning and bring the structural work to life. The range artwork exhibits a beautiful representation of natures hidden workings with fascinating hi-res radiographic artwork by Steven N Meyers.
The shared passion & discipline on visual language that went into this collaborative project was recognised at the 2016 A' Design Awards claiming Gold. "The Golden A' Design Award is a prestigious award given to top 3% percentile, designs that exhibit an exemplary level of excellence in design". - A' Design Award
Check out the full Baré range here.
Baré pick up second place in The Dieline Awards 2016.
Vert was commissioned by the creative studio Mundane Matters, to facilitate the realisation of a 24 meter long suspended installation made from waste plastic as part of Art & About 2018.
2255 man-made oranges were injection moulded from over 100 kg of Marine debris plastic gathered by EcoBarge from the Great Barrier Reef. The material was carefully cleaned, sorted in colours and shredded and moulded into balls which resemble oranges.
Due to the exposure of Marine debris to elements and seawater, the material becomes quite unpredictable. Going through extensive amount of experimentation and refinement, Vert was able to push the boundaries of the process and utilise the material in an industrial scale injection moulding machine.
Wasteland was successfully launched on 6 October 2016 at Sydney Customs House as part of Art & About Sydney, which is a month long festival that celebrates local and international artists and allows them to bring their ideas and unique spirit to the spaces we all share.
Read the story here:
Alaskan Rock is a small-batch artisanal vodka made in Australia with packaging and branding by Vert Design. The brief was to create a design that would have a masculine edge and reflect the brand's strong and distinctive spirit.
The bottle design is made from black hand-finished Mexican glass with white-raised lettering and a distinctive sculptural punt.
Punts are a legacy of the glassblowing process that were made redundant by industrial glassmaking techniques. They now exist purely as an aesthetic detail. Vert's team decided to exaggerate the punt's formal qualities, creating a bottle with a sculptural form denoting an Alaskan mountain range.
The prototype was blown by a team of glassblowers at Canberra Glassworks and the finished design produced in Mexico.
Alaskan Rock was the winner of a D&AD packaging design award.
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Vert Design sand cast new aluminium badges for Deus Ex Machina's latest custom bike, The BMW x Deus R-Nine T. Melting down spare parts from the original bike in our furnace and re-incarnating them as one-of-a-kind badges for the sides of the hand shaped tank & front engine cover.
Photo Credit: Thomas Walk
Following the success of previous work with Sydney-based artist Maria Fernanda Cardoso, Vert were commissioned to facilitate the realisation of Maria's new vision; a series of enormous Native Pollen sculptures. Transformed from their naturally microscopic scale into giant carved stone objects with fascinating organic forms & surface details.
Over the course of a two year period, the pollen forms were developed, prototyped & finally produced. The art works are dotted around the newly redeveloped Darling Harbour precinct, installed at ground level for the public to touch, study & admire.
Starting with electron-microscope scans, a series of 2D images were interpreted into complex 3D objects using free-form sculpting software. A massive 7-axis robotic milling arm was used as the method of manufacture. Various materials were tested through a prototyping phase, eventually sandstone was selected for its natural aesthetic & physical properties.
Vert design collaborated with Chivas Regal Australia, to design and produce a series of hand crafted whiskey tumblers to enhance the experience of drinking Chivas 18.
The project was commissioned by The Projects and featured a run of 120 glass and coaster sets, produced by one of Australia's most renowned glass artist, Ben Edols.
The glasses feature a clear pineapple textured base, which is joined to the upper Chivas blue ring, using an ancient Venetian technique which emphasizes the importance of hand-forming and the inclusion of colour. Each glass is accompanied by a textured blue dish that functions as a lid when whiskey is served and as a coaster during the drinking experience.
Find out more about these bespoke glasses here;
In 2016 Vert Design worked together with 2D branding agency Depot Creative to comprehensively redesign Sisidyll's range of unique hydrating Blueberry extract skincare formulas.
Starting out with a re-design of the brand's most popular product; a jar for Moisture Cream & Facial Gel. The concept went from sketch, through development & into production with very little change from it's original design intent. A soft form taking abstract visual references from the Blueberry with a coloured PP insert diffusing through the frosted acrylic jar.
The project continued with two bespoke bottles for a Cleanser (100ml) & Luminous Liquid Base (30ml) both with liquid pump dispensers & integrated over-caps, translating the organic design equity defined by the Jar into the bottles.
The exhibition "Out of Hand" explores the ever increasing role of digital manufacturing in contemporary art, science, fashion, design and architecture. The Museum of Applied Arts & Science (MAAS) commissioned the creation of 3d printed objects, which will be used as part of the 2016 exhibition.
Vert Design was asked to interpret designs of French-Australian artist Lucien Henry (1850-96), pieces were taken from his major work "Australian Decorative Arts: One Hundred Studies and Designs", which contained watercolours that revealed his vision for public art and architecture based on Australian flora and fauna. The pieces included a cup, decanter, soup terrine and ladle. Each object featuring heavily textured surfaces that take inspiration from the iconic Australian Waratah flower.
With only 2D elevations used as guidance along with some creative licence, highly detailed CAD models were reproduced in digital form which were then fabricated using a 3D printing method called Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) which defines the intricate surface detailing included in the 3D data in nylon plastic.
Steps will now be taken to interpret the designs in other mediums such as metal and glass.
Technical assistance on the project was provided by Danil Gorskikh.
Seeing ocean plastic as a resource....
supercyclers' Sarah K & Andrew Simpson have developed a new material created from 100% recycled plastic collected from Australian beaches after it has been dumped out of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
We are all familiar with images of these swirling masses of plastic waste, delivered via ocean currents into two major concentrations between Japan and California. There is also microplastic so tiny that it is ingested by marine life and is devastating marine ecosystems.
Plastic waste from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is washing up in our tides onto our beaches – we've have chosen to see this waste as a resource, collect it and use it to create something beautiful and useful.
supercyclers follow the premise that simply making recycled products from waste, can be improved by a bit of design thinking, the focus is on creating something so beautiful and useful that you forget that it was once a plastic mess in our oceans.
Marine Debris Bakelite is characterised by a marbled quality that references early Bakelite in look, weight and density. It is made from 100% recycled ocean plastic by using small scale industrial and hand manufacturing processes developed entirely by us.
Our first product, the Marine Debris Bento Box was launched at Tokyo Design Week in 2015. It has been successfully sold and used by customers since.
In 2016 Vert Design were engaged to design a new product system to deliver a single serve meal replacement or meal supplement in a convenient, mess-free format. The custom shaker was designed as an integrated form with removable press cap, width at the base provides stability as well as increasing volume to improve mixing.
The cap and pod were designed to fit perfectly together, the cap features three rings over-moulded in silicone which allow it to effectively seal the liquid inside without leakage, while the pod itself is formed from a paper pulp / bagasse fibre and lined with a fine PLA film making the consumable product 100% recyclable and even home compostable.
The neck of the flask features an internal piercing cone which punctures the seal lid of the pod when pressed down, the contents of the pod falls through the open structure of the cone and drops into the flask where it can mix with the liquid.
Follow the path to launch here.
Vert was contracted by BrandCulture; a branding, environmental graphics & wayfinding specialist to design & produce a tactile map of the new Forbes Hospital development.
With a brief to produce a one-off scale model installation for the new hospital. A modular 3D layout of polished aluminium structures show off the structural details of the new development around the sites topographical markings.
Vert focused an extreme level of care & attention on translating the original architectural Building Information Models (BIM) into an accurate scale model suitable for CNC machining. Creating CAD data to aid the design of what is in essence; a large 3D puzzle, requiring snug, secure assembly and fixture to a prefabricated concrete plinth on site.
A combination of lateral thinking, artistic interpretation and technical knowledge culminated in producing this striking piece.
Vert designed & developed a modular, interlocking floor panel system for ground reinforcement in industrial environments such as mining & farming, the design offers an efficient & robust water permeable solution to ground stabilisation & erosion control.
The calculated technical detail that went into the design of the paneling system makes it superior to any comparable product on the market.
Focusing on key drivers important for industrial applications for ground reinforcement including; weight & palatability / stackability, unit size & ease of installation, strength & load bearing capacity - all factors that were carefully analysed and optimised during the development of the paneling system.
Manufactured here in Australia from 100% recycled & recyclable UV-stabilised high-impact polypropylene, the lightweight honey-comb structure & unique connection system allow it to be installed quickly & efficiently in custom configurations for longterm or temporary applications.
See full details on the GEOHEX Erosion Control System website.
Vert Design along with digital artist Jonathan Zawada, were commissioned by The Woolmark Company to realize an artist vision,a series of award trophies made almost entirely from recycled marine debris plastic.
Building on years of experience in low-pressure injection moulding and up-cycled single use plastics, Vert created a new gravity-fed plastic casting technique for larger scale objects, which allows for a unique marbling effect in the moulded product. After rounds of trialing and experimentation Vert produced a one-off vertical injection moulding machine, made from bespoke CNC machined tooling connected to a hopper with electronically controlled heating element.
The Brass face plates were no less of a challenge, a complex curved surface following the geometry of the moulded plastic body. To produce this part, Vert Design engaged with Australian designer Oliver Smith and the jewellery team at Sydney College of the Arts (SCA). Using in-house machinery, Vert CNC machined a forming tool for SCA's hydraulic press used to form the Brass sheet.
Finally, the awards were individually assembled, hand sanded and finished at Vert's studio, each salvaging around 250 grams of ocean waste plastic. Read more about the International Woolmark Prize here.
After of years of experimentation with low-pressure injection moulding to create new products from salvaged waste plastic, Vert finally cross paths with Emma Swann; Founder & Jewellery Designer at personalised jewellery company Recreational Studio, an entrepreneur with the talent & drive to carry the idea from concept through to a tangible product & commercial success. The result was joint venture; Ocean Collection.
Vert & Emma worked together to create the meaningful & timeless mens cuff design made from marine debris, salvaged from our ocean shores.
The low-pressure injection moulding process makes it possible to over-mould CNC cut brass with the collected plastic, which is inherently an assortment of different polymer types.
With environmental awareness & responsibility at the forefront of the project, Vert worked hard to bring to life an ultra minimal & environmentally silent packaging solution to keep the cuffs safe during shipping, check it out here.
Vert designed & produced a series of hand-made whiskey cocktail tumblers specially for the Maker's Mark Old Fashioned Week event that runs from 12th - 20th May 2016.
The project was commissioned by The Works and featured a run of 200 glasses based on a single design but with different characteristic attributes giving each glass a sense of individually; fitting for the notion the Maker's Mark Old Fashioned Week where each bar participating create their own twist on the classic cocktail... so no two cocktails end up the same.
Find out more about Maker's Mark Old Fashioned Week;
Vert were approached by THERE to assist with the design of a large scale sculptural wall. Based on philosophical theme Constant Innovation, the wall was designed to be the centrepiece in Knight Frank's new Sydney HQ.
Through a collaborative effort, multiple iterations were generated each with varying 3D profiles, a process of evaluation & selection converged to one final form which best conveyed the concept.
The essence of the concept was a heavily abstract swept interpretation of the company logo. To achieve this the swept surface was intersected by patterned fins and the profile at each intersection was extracted. The result is a 3D geometric form that comes to life with the shifting ambient light conditions throughout the day.
The feature wall picked up DISTINCTION at the 2016 AGDA awards for Spatial; Permanent Installations.
Photography by Steve Brown.
Interior Design Magazine: 2016 Best of Year Winner for Office Branding/Graphics
No glue, plastic or nasty stuff… the super minimal & environmentally silent packaging for Ocean Collection protects the elegant cuff inside & embodies the revolutionary ideology of the brand.
Whilst exploring solutions for the cuff packaging, paper-pulp moulding quickly stood out as a natural fit, but in order to create packaging that follows the waste-reversal philosophy of the product itself we went back & started at the very beginning.
Considering every aspect of the life-cycle, we studied production processes, designed & tested complex 3D printed tooling and engaged a local paper-mill to help develop the system and eventually batch produce the pulp-formings using salvaged junk paper.
Each pulp-forming is processed & pressed by hand then sewn shut with a recycled card backing, and the organic cotton thread is colour-matched with the cuff inside. Even the ink used is vegetable based.
Vert Design also worked on the Cuff itself, check it out here.
Ayva Packaging is a leading plastic packaging solutions provider in Australia. Vert Design were engaged to develop a new range of 30L drums to complement their existing Elite Pail range.
In a market driven by cost & efficiency, Vert explored opportunities around injection moulding the 30L drum instead of the common process for this category; blow moulding. Injection moulding allowed for more complex detailing & features on the drum, and for the design to nest more efficiently.
A unique tear away tamper-evidence band was developed in conjunction with a new threaded closure with a large integrated handle that provides a comfort & security in handling & transport.
ADVANCE™ utilised these drums for its new 12-15kg range of dog food, now available at all major pet stores.
Alaskan Rock is a small-batch artisanal vodka made in Australia with packaging and branding by Vert Design. The brief was to create a design that would have a masculine edge and reflect the brand's strong and distinctive spirit.
The cocktail skewers are laser sintered with a ceramic coating for food safety.
Vert worked with Bunsters Fresh to design a champagne inspired 250ml glass bottle for a new range of chilli sauces.
The no-nonsense Perth based sauce brand successfully crowdfunded its way to market, launching the range in late 2015 with its eye-wateringly hot flagship product; shit the bed, which contains the formidable Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Chilli.
The Bunsters Fresh range proved itself hot product, selling out its entire stock by Christmas '15.
The vertical gardens for One Central Park was a large project that required the whole team. The project was to interpret architectural plans for each and every level of the building to create the necessary design reference drawings required to fabricate support frames and structural brackets to hold the vertical gardens in place.
Central Park's vertical gardens are designed on the concept of fluidity – to create the impression of a fluid, soft and inviting garden with gentle curves in colour, shape and texture of plants.
The vertical gardens are designed to withstand seasonal conditions; plants which thrive with large exposure to sun and sunlight are selected for the top of the wall, such as Acacias (wattles) and Poa (grasses) while more delicate plants such as Goodenia (hop bush) and Viola (native Violet), which require more hydration, are chosen for the bottom.
The vertical gardens at One Central Park vary in size, however the tallest vertical garden which is Blanc's tallest vertical garden in the world, measuring 42 metres high and 4 metres wide. The gardens included 21 panels covering 1,120 sqm with over 35200 plants in total.
In 2014, The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) awarded One Central Park, Sydney, Australia, the title of Best Tall Building Worldwide at the 13th Annual CTBUH Awards Ceremony.
One Central Park was awarded Overall Winner at 2014 LEAF Awards, announced by the Leading European Architects Forum, and also took the title of Best Sustainable Development of the year. The judges said, "… the vertical gardens and green terraces providing a curtain of foliage turning the pristine floor to ceiling glazing into a high tech 'tree house' delight in equal measure."
In 2015, One Central Park won Best Innovative Green Building at the MIPIM Awards (global) and has continued to receive a positive reaction from an international Architectural and Design community as well as visitors and residents of Sydney.
Check out the other awards this progressive building has claimed here.
The flat-packed kit boats were originally designed by Vert Design for Balmain Boat Company in 2011. Vert were approached by Fine Wine Partners with the brief of re-purposing a Classic Rowboat into a large scale ice bucket for Bollinger's: Life Can Be Perfect 2016 event at Shelly Beach Boat House.
Precisely CNC machined timber panels were meticulously assembled by hand and then finished in signature Bollinger Red with complementing gold foil decals. Sets of matching timber oars were also given the same treatment.
Feature by Yellow Button with more event photos.
Vert worked with Ovvio Organics to create the new packaging for their magnificent range of premium organic teas, a clean gloss white tin with an offset lid frames the company tagline in a striking colour-break.
Two sizes of tin and a single size carton were developed to become the essential & recognisable 3D assets for the iconic Australian tea company.
Luftgekühlt is an experiential car culture event centered around a tightly curated list of historically significant or interesting cars. Carby Tuckwell from Deus Ex Machina approached VERT to produce a scale model version of their interpretation of a rally-style 911, otherwise know as LUFTAUTO. The model would be used as part of the launch of a book documenting the festival.
The brief was to take the classic 911 form and transform this into a pine-box derby style timber model. Using our in-house design and machining capability, the car model was reproduced to scale then programmed for CNC machining. Adjusting variables in the roughing and finishing pass provided a unique result where the chassis appears to rise out of it's timber base. The model was then passed onto capable fabricator Brad Black to provide the finishing touches with hand formed wire bumpers and a roof cage.
The Vert design team took a field-trip to Canberra to spend 2.5 days with Australia's leading Bladesmiths at Tharwa Valley Forge, brushing up their knowledge on metalwork and excising some good old fashioned craftsmanship.
Over the time at the forge they made a series of custom shaped folding knives, starting out with Steel & Brass in a raw sheet state, meticulously hand crafting the spring & pin mechanism, heat treating & tempering the Steel to achieve the required properties for each part, blade sharpening and eventually timber handle making, assembly and peening.
"Most of our studio work is digitally produced and even prototypes are 3D printed or CNC'ed so hand-making is no longer a core design skill for day-to-day work, but knowing about how materials behave and their limitations is still core to what we do, as is designing for process. That's why we get our hands dirty as often as possible, it makes us better designers". - Andrew Simpson.
Action Stations for Australian National Maritime Museum
Produced in collaboration with digital agency Ensemble, these virtual reality headsets are currently in use at the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Utilising the plug & play Samsung Gear VR hardware, we developed a housing that incorporated headphones to fully immerse museum patrons into the virtual reality experience. The final enclosures were created using a combination of 3D printing and sheet metal to produce a sculpted yet rugged assembly.
Explore the danger and drama of Navy life in this hi-tech and immersive exhibition
Vert Design was commissioned by BrandCulture to design & produce a set of glass trophies to be presented as part of the Telstra Licensee & Partners Conference 2016. The team at Vert utilised their experience in mould making, craft glass production & strong supplier relationships to produce these unique awards within a reasonably tight project timeframe.
During production, Vert experimented with different applications for specialty Dichroic Glass; a visually fascinating glass that uses a vaporised metallic oxide within its crystalline structure, giving the awards a dynamic reflective colour.
Refining the process in the glass blowing studio, two versions of the awards were developed.
One (earmarked for further development) displayed an impressive refractive colour but required a greater level of technical skill with a cast, over-moulded segment of dichroic glass. The second version saw a cleaner final form and includes a dichroic adhesive base film to achieve the clear iridescent shimmer.
Finally the awards were laser engraved with their respective titles & presented at the conference. The end result; a stunning display of design, craft & colour.
Following the success of the Knight Frank feature wall, Vert were commissioned by THERE to help realise their concept for an imaginative object wall for the BBC Worldwide, Sydney headquarters.
The feature wall serves as a focal point for the broader spacial concept that THERE elegantly curated. The piece was in effect a snapshot to reflect the vast array of media content created & distributed by the BBC.
Working through a check-list of objects, Vert had fun gathering & generating the 3D data for each of the featured items. Scale prototypes were produced to check the composition of the piece, to craft a balance between blending in & standing out in the space.
The final construction consisted of a CNC machined EPS foam objects mounted to an MDF base. Once assembled a polymer based coating provided protection, visitors & guests are encouraged to interact with the object wall.
The feature wall picked up DISTINCTION at the 2016 AGDA awards for Spatial; Permanent Installations.
Photography by Steve Brown.
Plan V is an emergency phone charger designed by Vert Design for startup tech company Flintu, the simple, small & lightweight device hangs off your keyring so its with you when you need it.
The folding body of the Plan V device is made from TPR Rubber which encapsulates the tech inside. It allows you to link a standard 9-volt battery to your Android or iPhone to give it a boost of power when it runs out or gets too low.
Flintu ran a Kickstarter campaign which saw a sensational response raising over $100k in funding to get the project off the ground.
Working with the mastermind herself, Tina Clark, we have been developing the Sagitine range of storage/furniture solutions that yearn to be a feature item not hidden out of sight.
The boutique high end storage system consists of 3 sizes of storage cases, made of a premium, lined card with custom leather handles that marry function and aesthetics. These cases are customised to fit into specially designed stands with a range of sizes and finishes available to suit all needs.
The chic storage system should be available later this year.
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In 2013, the Balmain Boat Company released, "The Pilot," it's third boat kit.
The Balmain Boat Company was launched in the spring of 2011. Since then, they have shipped boat kits to every state and territory in Australia and as far away as France and the United Kingdom. The boats are a testament to Simpson's design acumen. They're sold as flat sheets of timber that any pair of hands can transform into a watertight vessel. Still's hands were two of the first to show how achievable it is – you can watch her progress on their website. They're also cheap, functional and as elegant as anything you'll see on the harbour or bay.
The boat kits are laser cut from certified sustainable-source marine ply and, when constructed, are just over two metres long (big enough to seat three adults). They can be fitted with sails, oars and outboard motors and there is a miniature version for kids that can be towed behind the 'Classic' model.
The design of the wooden clinker-built boats is a romanticised blend of '40s-style rowboat with the contemporary clean lines and neat edges of computer-led wood-cutting. At 2.3 metres, they are big enough to fit three adults but small enough to pop on the roofracks of a small car. Cheaper and better-looking than your average tinny, the boats bring a stylish water lifestyle well within reach.
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Situated beneath the iconic concrete ribcage of the Opera House's exposed internal structure is Bennelong Restaurant; Sydney's most breathtaking fine dining experience. Bennelong is a space embellished with theatre & spectacle and serves as a stage for internationally acclaimed chef Peter Gilmore to showcase his touch on modern Australian cuisine.
Vert were commissioned to design & supply a series of bespoke products for the restaurant in time for its opening in 2015. This is one of the resulting products, a set of x15 cutlery trays carefully designed & handmade to fit within this spectacular temple for both classic & modern design.
The main units are built from solid American Oak, stained black to accent the beautiful natural grain of the timber. The Brass ends add a warm contrast to the black main body, while black Leather lining softens the inside & protects the cutlery within.
After the success of last years awards (a previous Vert project) Vert were asked to design the new awards for the 2016 CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program, a national non-profit organisation that creates internship opportunities for Indigenous university students.
The awards are a 3D cast-concrete interpretation of the CareerTrackers abstract kangaroo motif, with individual candidate details laser engraved on black anodised Aluminium plates.
Vert Design also made the silicone moulds used to cast the concrete, then assembled & finished the batch of x30 awards in-house.
Bloodmeal is one of the biggest co-products of the meat industry. Blood collected during animal processing is collected, transported to a rendering facility, heat treated to destroy pathogens and dried to <5% moisture. This results in bloodmeal powder, a renewable feedstock predominantly composed of denatured, aggregated and cross-linked protein. Blood-meal is combined with a combination of additives which disrupts the aggregates and cross-linking that would otherwise prevent this protein from behaving as a thermoplastic.
In collaboration with Bestaxx Innovations, a young company that is leading the way in producing innovative technology and raising the bar in the meat industry, we have designed these carcass rectum plugs. Being one of the most used products in the red meat industry, Vert took a unique approach to select the materiality. Aiming to utilize one of the largest co-products of this ecosystem, The plugs are designed to be injection moulded from Novotein, a blood meal based biopolymer developed by Aduro Biopolymers.
Located in an old pie factory from the early 1900s, The Grounds of Alexandria is a flagship venue for specialty coffee. Vert Design worked with interior designer Caroline Choker to realise the custom design elements within the rustic café space and coffee roasting facility.
The studio designed and manufactured the brass and copper coffee silos used by café staff to store and dispense coffee beans; a beautiful hanging plant system; the barista's bronze milk taps and also the light fittings. It is one of many project's in which Vert Design has worked to realise the bespoke elements of an interior designer's vision.
Vert Design was given a brief to produce premium packaging and accessories for an Australian based honey distributor company.
Researching and exploring the history of ritual utensils, Vert produced design of a honey wand, setting new forms of interaction and new ways of delivering honey. The cage form allows for capturing an increased amount of honey, when dipped in a jar.
The wand prototypes are 3d printed metal and finished with a ceramic coating to meet food safety standards.
There is a long tradition of scientists who are artists. Often by default, their artistic talents are acquired through a necessity to express their findings in a visual form. The latest PhD project from Colombian born Maria Fernando Cardoso, entitled The Museum of Copulatory Organs, is part of this tradition. Cardoso has embraced both traditional hands-on art processes and evolving technologies, like rapid 3D prototyping, to illustrate the microscopic world of insect penises.
Vert Design worked with Maria to CAD model the shapes and to work out an affordable and accurate method to recreate the organs using rapid prototyping processes. Animators were brought into create complex surface models that were then recreated as digital prints and 3D objects.
The project was a great challenge for our entire team but the complex research and development taught us a huge amount about SLS rapid prototyping processes. Our learnings have since been brought to other projects, where we have produced micro-drawings and micro-sculptures for exhibitions and projects, including the The Museum of Copulatory Organs (MoCO) which premiered at the Biennale of Sydney 2012, in a dilapidated building in Cockatoo Island, in the middle of the Sydney Harbour. It attracted more than a quarter of a million visitors, of all ages. MoCO's collection consists of dozens of anatomically accurate models of what is dubbed by scientists as 'genitalic extravagance' among invertebrates. MoCO Museum is part an ongoing research project by artist Dr. Maria Fernanda Cardoso.
The museum also had a featured night at MCA Artbar where we attended and 3D printed more models at the event.
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Art, wine and food make the perfect combination. This event for Art Gallery NSW members guided attendees through matching food and wine from the galleries head chef, and were provided a greater understanding of the regions the wines come from.
Members were served Taylor's wine from the wine bar we custom designed for the event, whilst enjoying a viewing of Renaissance to Goya: prints and drawings from Spain.
Vert were engaged by BioPak with a brief to redesign the previously vacuum-formed PET plastic tray for Mad Mex's takeaway taco kit.
This project explored options around volume and portion sizes for compartments, shape and layout focusing on space optimisation and user experience, whilst answering to some of the logistical requirements such as sealing and preventing contamination of ingredients between compartments.
The containers are produced by BioPak using their lightweight and compostable sugarcane fibre, the container and locking lid allow for efficient nesting and also a secure location for stacking.
The Elsema PentaFOB® series is an extremely versatile remote control that can be customized through a range of configurations and colours to suit your needs. With over 17 billion encrypted codes available and an operating range of up to 70 metres depending on building structure and receiver antenna, PentaFOB is adaptable for many situations.
The objective of this project was to transform the garage door opener from a clumsy object to a true pocket key chain device. Vert Design created a robust contemporary design that incorporates just three elements, making it simple to manufacture.
PentaFOB uses frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS), meaning when a button is pressed, it simultaneously transmits the encrypted code on five different frequencies. This makes it impossible for your remote control to be interfered or jammed.
The keyring retainer is moulded as part of the chassis using reinforced nylon making for a super sturdy keyring mount. Available in 1, 2, 4 and 5 button configurations, with raised dots on the surface of the button pad make operating the PentaFOB in the dark intuitive and allows for correct button operation. You can customise your keypad with your own graphics or logos and choose the case colours to suit.
Following the success of the previous planetarium dome that Vert designed for Sydney Observatory a few years earlier, the new 2015 version includes a series of small design modifications to improve the way the lightweight structure performs.
Vert worked closely with a local sailmaker to accurately produce the new stretched screen-fabric dome. The main structure is made up from x30 composite battens in an umbrella arrangement, 3D printed end-brackets & an Aluminium top-plate hold the structure perfectly true.
The new design enables easy assembly & adjustment, but most importantly it delivers a semi-sephericle screen which is completely stitchless & featureless from the inside. Allowing observers to focus on the fascinating projected imagery without any visual interruption.
Vert Design worked on the new razor case for Australian startup shaving company RAZORMATE.
The outer surface of the case lid is made from a soft TPE which works as a sharpening device to help maintain your blades.
The simple yet effective case design significantly extends the longevity of an everyday 'disposable' razor head, meaning less waste, greater savings and a cleaner shave.
Vert Design were commissioned by Landor's innovation agency North & South to bring to life their concept for a bespoke Gin bottle.
To achieve accuracy in small batch production, a combination of moulds & forming tools were designed & fabricated in-house, including a timber mould for glass blowing, a graphite lipping tool to form the bottle necks, as well as an aluminium tool used to mould the custom rubber stoppers; also produced in-house using a low-pressure injection moulding machine.
After an initial trial run of the tool, some small adaptations were made to the bottle to optimise the design for the hand-blowing process. A total of 160 glass bottles were produced by a local glass blowing studio.
Check out North & South Projects to see the full process and finished product.
In 2013 Vert worked on a project designing the handles for the new Kleva Cut Master Series 5-piece knife set, with the aim to create a crafted 'mould to your hand' ergonomic grip.
The handles feature an index-finger rest on top near the blade and a notch underneath which add comfort and control when pressing & slicing. We thickened up the butt end of the handle to increase the area for the palm to press against, which also helps balance the blade of the knife.
In addition Vert were also engaged to develop a new surface suction blade sharpener designed to be mounted on your fridge or workbench with an easy use suction pad.
Sydney-based creative digital agency Holler engaged Vert Design to develop a portable Instagram Printing Machine that would be the centrepiece of Heineken's event photo-booth. Dubbed the "Heineken Instalab", these machines are deployed at special events where patrons can have polaroid style photos printed simply by using a Heineken event hashtag.
Vert Design worked with Holler, taking their initial concept and evolving their brief to create a design that would stay true to the Heineken brand. The result was a multi-faceted housing that featured embossed lettering and a minimal green band that introduces brand colour to the metallic case. Each case was machined from a solid billet of 6061 aluminium then anodized with a chemically brightened hard coat adding lustre to the metallic finish.
BioPak provides high quality and disposable eco-friendly packaging for the food service industry. The company initially engaged Vert Design to work with them on the design of a new series of biodegradable, pulp-based laksa bowls.
Rather than just duplicating existing disposable laksa bowl designs in more sustainable materials, Vert's designers took a different approach, redesigning the takeaway food delivery system to give food service providers more flexibility. The modular range of containers is stackable and supports a variety of serving sizes and product types. Bases and lids are interchangeable. The lids can even be flipped upside down to become foodservice vessels in their own right.
Improvements were also made to the seals. Conventional laksa containers tend to leak. Vert's clear lids incorporate a waterproof cellulose seal while the pulp lids feature a four-point click in tab system. Both were refined to be extra watertight so consumers can keep their laksa within its bowl rather than ending up with it all over their lap!
Vert Design developed and produced these high quality plastic pints for Stella Artois in cooperation with Best Practice Plastics.
The project coincided with an increase in the number of glassings in Australia with drinking glasses or bottles used as a weapon in an increasing number of assaults in hotels and other licensed premises.
The objective was to design high ball glasses for use in hospitality environments that had none of the safety issues attached to normal glass beer glasses.
Vert Design approached the brief with a focus on creating not just a safer design but one that was more environmentally sustainable. The plastic pint glasses are manufactured locally from extremely durable, high quality Polycarbonate plastic. The quality of the material makes the design more scratch resistance and lends the vessel the look and feel of glass.
The average hospitality drinking glass has a life-span of four months. These have a life-span of three years. They are almost unbreakable making them a lot safer than glass.
Creative agency Grumpy Sailor for Google, engaged Vert Design to bring their vision of Teddy X to life as part of an interactive installation for the 2015 TEDxSydney hosted at the Opera House.
Soft and cuddly on the outside, and part android on the inside. Teddy X was a designed to a be smarter than your average bear that would take conference attendees on an interactive journey around the Opera House. GPS and sensor data retrieved by an internally housed Nexus 5 smart phone with a custom app would prompt Teddy X to talk, sings or tell jokes to the participant.
All 30 bears had custom designed skulls that not only functioned to hold the speaker units but the specific shape acted as a resonance chamber that amplified the audio output, increasing clarity and tone. A Nexus 5 phone, amp and batteries where all housed in a unique and compact housing that made installing the phones as easy as possible at the same time maintaining Teddy X's plush nature.
Small scale production of all 30 teddies was carried out in house, from producing all 3D printed components to soldering & wiring electronics through to final installations & re-assembly.
Concussion diagnosis is complicated, shrouded in subjectivity and sometimes inaccurate.
Dr. Adrian Cohen from Headsafe approached Vert Design with the brief of simplifying the process. With his wealth of knowledge as a practitioner and first-hand experience, Dr. Cohen was able to develop a simplified assessment method using visual stimuli and a series of gel electrodes to measure electrical activity in the brain. The result is the Concussionometer, a wireless headset device that is used in assessment of concussion to measure a brain's normal electrical activity and detect abnormalities. The device is driven by a smartphone application allowing for pitchside diagnosis at the elite level, and in Return to Play decision-making.
Vert was engaged to lead the industrial design process to produce a prototype model for market testing. The prototype model was created using a combination of 3D printing and sewn webbing to produce the testing assembly.
Love Being Woman was created after a conversation in 2007. Lisa and Kris identified a lack of tasteful sensual products for women and men. Most of these products were designed and marketed in an unappealing way. When it came to vibrators, they decided they would take a bold step and design and manufacture one themselves.
They researched what was important for women and men when choosing a vibrator. After 2 years of research and development, the Be Be Vibrator was ready to give pleasure! In 2009 , they started exporting the to the UK, where it was voted one of the Top 5 Vibrators by Cosmopolitan Magazine. They must have hit the spot, because of the endless testimonials thanking them for creating the Be Be and how it had helped many couples become more satisfied.
Love Being Woman went on to win an award in 2010 at the annual Illawarra Women in Business Awards. In 2011, they looked to add more tasteful products to complement the Be Be and discovered the exciting Booty Parlor range from the USA.
Batch of clear glass prototypes for a bespoke beer carafe design, hand blown using a machined graphite mould.
Cococut is an easy to use device that makes it easy and safe to cut open coconuts. Simply place the tool on top of the coconut, hold the base with one hand and turn the tap with the other. The coconut opening tool works like a saw, cutting the coconut shell and opening the coconut so you can get to the coconut meat inside along with drinking the fresh coconut milk.
Open your fresh coconuts easily and quickly, where ever you are. Much safer than using knives, the cococut makes it easy to access fresh coconut water for drinking or to open up coconuts for serving curries, salads and even breakfast in!
Available for purchase through Thomas Dux grocers nationally or buy direct from cococut.
Devised by Nadia Ahmad, Handvas was inspired by how designers hold up their work. The design was developed for those who want to display their prints and posters in a more engaging and creative way. The hands mount onto a wall, and the artwork is held securely between the thumb and forefingers.
Vert Design collaborated with Nadia to create an anthropometrically accurate CAD model that became the Handvas. The final product is 3D printed and produced in a polished finish.
Handvas is holding artwork by Luca Ionescu.
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The Pigtail makes it possible to store a guitar within your closet safely and easily. The weight of the guitar pulls the offset looping hook upwards, securely wrapping around the whole of the hanging rod. This feature ensures the Pigtail and guitar, will never slide off.
The concept and initial design for this product was devise by The Cap Hanger Co. founder, Christopher Saunders. Christopher brought a prototype of his design to Vert. The design team helped him refine the design, decide on the best method of manufacture, source a local Australian manufacturer and create all the necessary documentation to produce the product.
In the final design, a solid steel core delivers structural integrity to the hanger while a soft polyethylene coating provides a gentle for the neck of the guitar to rest on while protecting the instrument's surface.
The Pigtail is a finalist in the 2013 Sydney Design Awards.
A project with Supercyclers, that considers waste as a resource that we have not worked out what to do with. The Junk Press challenges the perception of junk mail being rubbish, and instead utilises trash as a raw material that is delivered daily for free. The press is sand cast in aluminium and has interchangeable moulds to make a range of bowls, plates, lunchboxes light shades and cups.
Based on the scroll motif of Quay Restaurants iconic logo, these solid brass keys were designed to replace the traditional 'number token' given to customers in exchange for their coats at the cloak room. The brass keys are tumble finished and individually hand stamped, becoming an elegant touchpoint of the prestigious, award winning restaurant.
Working with the School of Medical Sciences of Sydney University in the Bio Physiology Dept. we designed and produced new testing equipment for use in their laboratories.
The Nerve Baths allow students and staff to accurately measure the response times of a stimulus along a nerve – in a case we were demonstrated it was typical University Laboratory style testing the nerve's in a cane toad's leg.
The devices were CNC machined and make use of platinum electrodes to minimize any possible signal interference.
Vert worked in intense collaboration with MK International to create this variable dose actuator. After several rounds of testing and redevelopment, a design was create that allows patients to adjust the volume of microdosis to deliver the exact amount of insulin they need.
Vert Design worked with Purina and Best Practice Plastics to design and manufacture this user friendly lead attachment. The design features a moulded coarse screw profile that is concealed within the handle grip. This allows for quick dis-assembly and rigid locking so that a dog can be tethered securely without needing to remove a lead from the collar/harness.
Through extensive trials and testing, the screw profile was optimized to provide minimal effort when tethering. Integrated metal shackles provided a strong connection between the webbing and handle.
Graphic design agency Maud engaged Vert Design to help them produce work for Alphabetica, a group exhibition held at He Made She Made. The project saw 28 local and internationally renowned artists, illustrators and typographers created their own unique interpretation of a single letter of the alphabet.
Maud had the idea to design an 'M' from the perspective of a child. Vert Design worked with Maud, taking their concept, CAD modelling it and 3D printing it. When the object is placed on a ledge at the height of a small child it appears as a mountain range. Seen from the perspective of an adult, or a very tall child, it appears as a letter M or an upside down W.
All the Alphabetica works were sold, raising over $20,000 for the Dandelion Support Network a charity that cleans and safety checks new and pre-loved children's clothes, nursery items and toys for distribution through social workers to the children of families in crisis.
PURINA PETLIFE is a range of quality and innovative pet accessories that enhance the bond between pet and owner. Vert Design has been working with PETLIFE and Best Practice Plastics to design and manufacture projects including a series of interactive dog toys and a range of dog bowls. The bowls have been designed with the dog's wellbeing in mind. Through extensive trials and testing, the new bowls feature more ergonomic feeding positions, non-slip bases and challenging forms to help prevent dogs from eating too quickly.
Collector and stylist, Monica Ford is founder of Sydney's Hamptons House, with a natural flair for creating beautiful spaces brimming with gorgeous and unique pieces. Armed with a passion for furniture and homewares and a desire to bring the unique and eclectic style of the Hamptons to Sydney, Monica opened the white French doors to Hamptons House in September 2013. At Hamptons House Monica curates a unique collection of furniture and homewares from around the world.
These were some brass keys that we made for Hamptons House. When $500 or more is spent, clients receive a key which gives exclusive access to the Club House, loyalty and experiences program. Club House membership entitles you to a host of benefits and privileges.
M&C Saatchi, Sydney copywriter Simone Brandse and Three Drunk Monkeys co-founder Justin Drape have teamed up to create a crowd-stopping sculpture for this year's Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi exhibition.
The piece, titled The Big Drink, is a large-scale 13-metre bendy straw rising from the ocean along the now famous 2km Bondi to Bronte walk. Australia is an island surrounded by water, yet we never have enough of it to drink. The sculpture highlights this irony, bringing to mind the desalination debate.
The sculpture was dislodged by rough seas during the recent thunderstorm after just days of being in the water, and finally, after three more attempts to re-install it with the help of divers and a barge, the straw was back in the water yesterday with the help of a helicopter and a supporting crowd of onlookers.
Sculpture by the Sea is the world's largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition. Now in its 15th year, it is a major public arts event for Sydney. 'The Big Drink' was the highlight of the first cove in the exhibition, and was awarded the Iceberg's Subsidy.
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Dark Swan, Book 3
I've been waiting for this book for what seems forever. Richelle Mead is actually most popular for her Vampire Academy series and I imagine that's why the Dark Swan books get pushed to the back burner. Nonetheless, I haven't actually read any of her Vampire Academy or Georgina Kinkaid books. I was turned onto the Dark Swan series because I found that it was IR. Anywho ...
The last book leaves off at Eugenie about to go into battle. This book picks up in the middle of the battle and the great thing about this book is that Eugenie keeps getting herself caught up in the Otherworld more and more. In this book, Eugenie is sent on a quest to find the Iron Crown. She was told that it would bring a more peaceful end to the war with Katrice, Queen of the Rowan Land, and mother of Lieth, the deceased prince who raped Eugenie in book 2. On this quest, she finds out how powerful she is and finds out exactly what that crown can do. Also in the book, she and Dorian are at odds, Jasmine is growing into more of a sister and now Eugenie is trying to keep from being killed by someone we know and love. Also, a ghost ... Yes a ghost, seeks her out for help with her murder in exchange to show her the place of the crown.
The ghost, Deanna, seems a little forced. I almost feel like there could have been a more relevant way to get Eugenie the information she needed, but then again, the same ghost warns her that someone wants her dead. I'm on the fence with it because the ghost was just SO out of place ... Meh ...
If I have to put this book up against her first two, I don't really feel like this book compares. It's good, but not as good. I'm not disappointed at all, but would have liked for it to be a bit more exciting. Still, this series is a favorite of mine and book 4 is going to be GREAT.
3.5 Stars
IR: Kiyo (NA/Mex)

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To some Ohio University students, the heart of Athens, Ohio, is Court Street. This brick road is located in Uptown Athens and is home to businesses that range from college bookstores to boutiques and pubs. In the video below, Heather Willard and Olivia Miltner, who are both graduating seniors studying journalism, mulled over what Court Street meant to them and to the city.
Author: Libby Chidlow
Start your morning right
Everyone knows the importance of breakfast: it reduces obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. But if you're anything like me, then you're more concerned about making your stomach happy than whether it's being fed the right serving size.
Sometimes you wake up, put on that pot of dark-roast coffee or green tea, and know exactly how to satisfy your taste buds. Odds are, though, that only happens once or twice per week.
I'm always craving something new to shake up my routine, and when I do, I check out the sites curated below. My search ranges from professional Bobby Flay to Instagram foodies.
Food Network: Brunch @ Bobby's
For food porn or an extravagant Sunday-morning brunch recipe, grill master Bobby Flay is the man for you. His website is a collection of different brunch concoctions from Bourbon Apple Hot Toddy to Biscuit French Toast with Cinnamon-Orange Cane Syrup. His slideshow of 53 different recipes will have you drooling and running to the nearest grocery store.
Food.com: breakfast tab
You might want to sit down for this . . . imagine if all of Pinterest was solely dedicated to posts about brunch. That's breakfast.food.com for you. This site is the curator of all curators. Click "find a recipe" and search for any ingredient you have or crave. Based on popularity and the star-rating system, the site will give you a filtered list of only the breakfast food with the word(s) you searched. After clicking on a recipe, you can either save it in your recipe box or save the ingredients in a grocery list for your next trip to Kroger. Be careful, though, without restraint you'll be scrolling for hours!
Buzzfeed: breakfast news
Not only does Buzzfeed tell you how to make a recipe, it shows you, too. By going to Buzzfeed's news section, you're able to scroll through every post it ever made about breakfast. You can learn how to make a one-pan sweet potato breakfast hash or what waffle topping goes with your astrological sign.
Tastemade: Breakfast
Tastemade is the Buzzfeed of the foodie community. The site has over 300 breakfast recipes ready for the making and videos to show you just how it's done. Tastemade is very active on Facebook, gathering over 330,000 views per video. It also has an app so you can easily glance at your screen while you cook, just try not to unlock your screen with your sticky Cinnamon bun-covered fingers.
Breakfast Criminals
Ksenia, who runs the Breakfast Criminals Instagram account, will inspire you to eat healthy, think positively and travel with her unique recipes. She specializes in the millennial-favorite smoothie bowl and anything superfood. Ksenia can also be found all over social media. If videos and blog posts aren't enough for you, check out her new health-conscious e-book, "Breakfast Criminals: The Life-Changing Power of Superfood Breakfasts."
After waking up and losing interest in my repetitive breakfast habits, I started to look at different recipes online. "Start your morning right" is a newsletter meant to break the traditional breakfast routine. Whether you want to venture into the professional world of Bobby Flay or the social media world of Instagram foodies is at your discretion. The only thing that matters is whether your stomach is full and satisfied.
Five snowflakes react to President Trump's executive orders and memoranda
Winter is coming for President Donald Trump. As he signs executive orders and makes presidential memoranda, snowflakes gather closer and closer together, becoming colder and bigger by the second. Below is a compiled list of all the snowflakes refusing to melt.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Hours after President Trump took office, this snowflake broke out in shingles. Why? The new president began the process of reforming and, eventually, repealing "Obamacare." The order, small as it may seem, allows the new secretary of health and human services and other federal agencies to "interpret regulations as loosely as possible to minimize the financial 'burden' on individuals, insurers, health care providers and others." The president is urging his policy makers, and stressing out this snowflake, to work relentlessly to draft a piece of legislation to oppose "Obamacare" so that he can repeal the ACA as soon as possible.
2. Global Gag Rule
The pattern of undoing and redoing the "Mexico City" abortion policy began with President Ronald Reagan and continued with the 45th president. The policy bans federal funds from being used to support organizations that provide counseling to women on family planning when abortion is a medical option or even just mentioned in consults. After reading this on Twitter, the snowflake below rose up in an uproar, whipped off its purple blanket, and began calling all its elected officials. Wishing it could do more, the snowflake donated to the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
3. Dakota Access and Keystone XL Pipelines.
When Trump informed the public that he plans to personally renegotiate the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Keystone XL pipelines, this snowflake, an environmental activist, was livid. It had just spent months with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and had fought against the Keystone XL pipeline in 2015 . . . now the president wants to test this snowflake and its people again? Over its puddle body.
4. The Wall
This bristling snowflake below commented an angry face on its friend's Facebook post about President Trump's plan to actually construct a 1,900-mile long wall along the border with Mexico. It immediately went and retweeted former President of Mexico Vicente Fox's tweets against the border wall; all the while questioning why the Trump administration is working relentlessly to find money for a wall but cannot find a proper education secretary.
5. The Muslim Ban
President Donald Trump carelessly ordered an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees, a 120-day ban on all other refugees and a 90-day ban on visitors from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Snowflakes from all over quickly swarmed together and blew into airports. A few snowflakes representing the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) even sued, resulting in a New York federal court issuing an "emergency stay on President Trump's executive order banning immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries." This, however, was not enough for some law enforcement as people were still being detained. Hundreds of snowflakes flew to the rescue, defending those being detained pro bono and protesting within the airports for hours on end.
Sally Yates, a proud snowflake and U.S. attorney general, refused to defend the executive order and joined the blizzard rushing toward the White House instead; eminently resulting in the termination of her position.
If the three million snowflakes who wore pussy hats and marched across the world and the yet-to-be determined number of protesters and attorneys filling airports at this very moment are any idea of what's to come … well, President Trump better find a way to stay warm.
Seventh Heaven
Walking through Athens, Ohio, a tour guide will point out the grandeur of Schoonover Center or the intricate design of Baker University Center; but to some, it's the Vernon R. Alden Library that catches their eye and distracts them from the rest of College Green.
The library towers over Baker Center and College Green; its long, rectangular eyes watching over the thousands upon thousands of students who come and go from its contemporary structure. Many fear the responsibility that comes with entering the library, it's where people go to be stressed not become stress-free.
For me, on the contrary, it's just where I want to be while at college; well, maybe not so much on the weekends but you get my point. The windows, reflecting the blue sky or making patterns of rain on a wet day, are welcoming. As I walk toward the fourth floor entrance with its revolving doors, "The American Woman" – the statue in Wolfe Garden, – is always there to greet me.
In the spring, fresh flowers surround the bronze statue, but for me, when white snow falls around the statue, and her figure is a stark blue against the white snow, that is when the art and the library are the most beautiful.
Although I enter on the fourth or second floor, it's the seventh level that is my favorite place in Athens, Ohio. Rows and rows of books, red, blue, green, are all parallel to one another in bookcases that fill the entire square footage of the floor. Desks are situated next to the windows, where the studious become the watchers. At times, the ability to see out and watch the busy lives below can be distracting but the connection to the outside is also calming.
I hear people comment about the smell of the seventh floor, expressing distaste in the poignant musk of the old books. It's a smell I appreciate, who knows when those old books will be replaced by cold, thin technology that doesn't crack when you open it or flutter as you flip through it. I'm being dramatic, I know, but when it comes to the seventh floor of Alden I can't help but be swept up in it.
But just what makes the seventh floor better than all the others? It's not just the books or the view, but the silence that comes with being at the very top of the library. The floor enforces the no-talking rule; the only sounds heard tend to be the shuffling of feet, the faint beat of someone's study music or the ding of the elevator. I do my best to chew gum as quietly as possible or take my bagel out of a crinkly paper bag by moving as slowly as possible.
People respect your study space, they respect your need to work diligently without being interrupted by loud conversations about weekend antics or who won Sunday's playoff game (sadly, not the Steelers).
Alden Library is where I go to better myself, its seventh floor gives me a serene place to relax and focus on my workload. It's a sanctuary for those who want to get away from the world but still be able to look out and see the busy lives below. For these reasons and more, Alden Library is my favorite place in Athens, Ohio.


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...of uncertainty.
Yesterday I read this book. (I learned of it from this picture.) The entire thing. A good chunk of the time, I read out loud to my sister. It was wonderful.
It made me want to create my own book like this. A journal of things that I see. And the thoughts that go with them. So what did I do today? I took a walk, picked up my sister from work, and we took our Thursday walk to get coffee or lunch or something. We saw many interesting people and things, as usual. But did I pull out a notebook to remember the things that I saw? no. Grrr. But I will next time. really.
(I did, however, start carving some new stamps tonight, after getting another book on printmaking from the library. Pictures tomorrow.)
1 comment:
Hi Mollie :)ReplyDelete
Wanted to stop by before we leave on vacation tomorrow, to wish you & yours happy Easter celebrations !
Thanks for the inspiration of writing what we do, I also wish I remember everything I do all day. The places I go, the things I do or see.
Can't wait to see your stamps !!!!! oxoxoxox
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text:
Point Loma Seafood's
2805 Emerson St.
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 223-1109
Mon-Thu 9am - 7:00pm
Fri-Sat 9am - 7:00pm
Sunday 10am - 7:00pm
*Hot food served daily after 10:30 a.m.
For instance, Point Loma Seafood's chooses to use real Snow
Crab meat instead of the imitation Krab meat used in
almost every other Sushi bar in town. In addition to the menu,
our chefs can create your favorites. You just need to let
your clerk know when you order. Sushi is an excellent choice
for your next party. Served on 16-inch or 18-inch trays, they
taste wonderful and present well to your guests.


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i slept through most of it
But most of town burned down last night.
Bugs me the more because, a couple nights ago, I saw a white pickup pulled up onto the sidewalk in front of the building where it started, and a man loading the pickup bed with boxes from inside it. I told the sheriff.
pipe up any time....
love, nines ||| khoonkhwuttunne


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Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president of Chrome and Apps will take on the leadership of the Android operating system, replacing Andy Rubin, the company said today.
"Sundar has a talent for creating products that are technically excellent yet easy to use — and he loves a big bet. … So while Andy's a really hard act to follow, I know Sundar will do a tremendous job doubling down on Android as we work to push the ecosystem forward," CEO Larry Page wrote on the company's blog.
Pichai, originally from India, joined Google in 2004. Like Page and co-founder Sergey Brin, Pichai is a graduate of Stanford University.
Rubin pioneered Google's open-source mobile operating system. While it is the most widely used operating system in the world, its adaptation to various carriers and devices has hamstrung its profitability for third-party developers.
Rubin will remain at Google, but the company declined to say what his new role will be.
New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.


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And She Still Waits
Julie Amero is still waiting for word that she will be retried or her case dismissed. Meanwhile, there is a moving piece by Wes on the Julie Amero blog here. And please don't forget to sign the petition here.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and should not be interpreted as an official position of The Julie Group.
--Chip Neville