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!
Discover the manifestation of century-old techniques realised with modern technologies
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
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.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Regardless of what season it is, people tend to spend a huge amount of time indoors – in the USA it is estimated that the population spend approximately 90 per cent of their time inside.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Taigu Design and CEIBS Shenzhen Campus have collaborated to design the first business school in China, signifying a shift in the region’s educational framework.
Deloitte’s new Australian Headquarters takes the working environment to the next level for staff and visitors alike and does it on a grand scale in Sydney.