The macadamia nut, usually enjoyed for its sweet flesh, is given new life by product designer Marc Harrison and takes to New York.
November 5th, 2008
In 2004, product designer Marc Harrison took an iconic Australian food and turned it into a design innovation: Husque. Using the ground-up shells of the macadamia nut, he created a material for food wares that is not only beautiful, but also sustainable and unique.
“[It] isn’t homogenised design that could have been designed anywhere,” Harrison says. “Detail makes a big difference.”
The shells of the nut, usually discarded, are now recycled – creating unique products such as bowls, serving platters and vases.
Despite initial scepticism that his design would make it internationally, after only a couple of years Husque has appeared in exhibitions worldwide – including the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, and now the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
“MoMA has always been the ‘holy grail’, ever since I heard of my idols of Australian design brands like Robert Foster’s FINK, and Dinosaur Designs starring there,” he says. “I never imagined that it would happen to Husque.”
With 16 years of experience under his belt, Harrison believes the key for international success is simple: have products that are truly unique, with good marketing tactics.
“My strategy has always been to not take every opportunity that comes along, and choose wisely,” he says.
Husque
husque.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
We believe that exceptional design speaks for itself. That’s why we’ve curated 11 INDE.Awards categories that champion the most progressive work in the region.
Featuring a beautiful curved wood wall by Mafi (featured in DQ52) and set back a block from Manly Beach with stunning views out to the ocean and over to Shelly beach, this penthouse redevelopment marks the first project for young designers C+M Studio.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Salone del Mobile 2024 is only a few weeks away, so we’re highlighting here seven special events, spaces and installations that we’re certainly planning to check out.
In Malaysia Spacemen has created a world of perfumed wonder with their latest project, Trove, where treasures abound.