The Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award winners were announced on Thursday 27 October, with Henry Wilson awarded the top accolade for A-joint.

As noted by jury member and award presenter Richard Waller, “at its heart, design is about problem solving”. A-joint brings things back to basics – simple materials and methods, in line with Wilson’s design philosophy of “letting the function dictate the form”.

The sand cast multi-use joinery system lets pre-dimensioned timber be turned into a sturdy table with an A-frame structure, in various configurations. The prototype is cast in bronze, with an off-cut of marble for a tabletop and pine structure.

Wilson will receive $30,000 to go towards the commercialisation of his product.

Runners up were Flynn Talbot for X&Y, Alexander Fitzpatrick for Light Garden, Dominic Broadhurst for Scale and Dale Hardiman for his Kids Straw Stool.

Flynn Talbot – X&Y

Alexander Fitzpatrick – Light Garden

Dominic Broadhurst – Scale

Dale Hardiman – Kids Straw Stool

Finalists were Dennis Abalos for his Woven fruit bowl, Marc Harrison for his Husque Jug, Kristian Aus for Dottie Coat Rack, Alexandra Gilmour and Dominic Chong (aka Evie Group) for their Spun Lamps, and Duncan Meerding for Cracked Log Lamp.

Dennis Abalos – Woven

Marc Harrison – Husque jug

Kristian Aus – Dottie Coat Rack

Evie Group – Spun Lamp

Duncan Meerding – Cracked Log Lamp

“Each year the impact of these awards grows and grows,” said Waller in his opening address at the Award announcement.

“These awards cast light on the everyday importance of design in all of our lives, and they reward and recognise a profession whose collective creative endeavours often remain unthanked and anonymous within our culture.”

2011 has been a huge year for all the finalists, with many of the designs appearing in exhibitions and nominated for other awards throughout the year. Wrapping up 2011 with a nod at the Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Awards foretells even greater things in 2012 for the finalists, runners up and winner.