Concrete reinforcing product wins sustainable design award

A groundbreaking new concrete reinforcing system with the potential to drive down costs, minimise concrete cancer and improve safety in the construction industry has taken out the Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design in the 2010 Australian International Design Awards.

Enviromesh - a lightweight and strong alternative to steel mesh in concrete reinforcement - was designed by Queensland-based product development consultancy, Infinity Design Development for OzSafe Industries.

Comprised of a recyclable polymer and glass fibre construction material, Enviromesh is corrosion resistant and significantly improves the longevity of concrete structures by reducing the risk of concrete cancer.

Other benefits brought about through the product’s design include reduced labour costs, improvements in workplace health and safety, ease of transport and the ability for the product to be factory pre-assembled if required.

The Australian International Design Awards, a division of Standards Australia, recognises product design and innovation excellence. Judges assess products against a common set of six criteria including innovation, quality of manufacture, functionality, human safety, visual appeal and environmental sustainability. The product judged to best represent design for sustainability is presented with the coveted Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design.

“Considering the environmental impact of a product from concept through to usage and end life is now a requirement in every design project. This year, judges felt there was no more deserving winner for this award than Enviromesh, with its broad-ranging environmental benefits, smart choice of materials and cost savings for the building industry,” said Stephanie Pemberton, Program Director for the Australian International Design Awards.

“This intelligent use of materials offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to a product that hasn’t changed since the 1800s,” the judges commented.

“Enviromesh can make significant advances in product life extension, durability and materials efficiency, while minimising embodied energy in manufacture.”

The final results in the 2010 Australian International Design Awards were announced at the Presentation Night at Wharf 8 in Sydney on 4 June. View the winners online at www.designawards.com.au.

The top prize - Australian International Design Award of the Year - went to the M8 Intensive Care bed, designed and manufactured by New Zealand-based company Howard Wright.