Redefining the Regular – ZETR Wins Good Design Gold Accolade

Words by Olivia Hides
Photography by Pablo Veiga
Product Images Courtesy of ZETR

ZETR 12 – a sleek offering of surface-mounted light switch plates and outlets – has received a Good Design Award Gold Accolade in the Product Design, Furniture and Lighting Category, recognising the range’s innovative and timeless design.

The 12 Range, designed by Garth Elliott, Charlie Smyth and Matthias Pittner, was recognised as a revolutionary redefining of electrical design. “Over the past three years, we’ve been talking and listening to the design community,” says Garth Elliott, ZETR Director and Lead Designer. “We wanted to create products enabling consistency and balance throughout any project by using a range of ZETR solutions.” The refined, subtle design is available in matte black or white, as well as the option of up to four switches. Its slim surface mount is its defining feature – the thinnest outlet currently on the Australian market. The product’s sleek shadow speaks to Sydney-based ZETR’s renowned minimalistic aesthetic, making a regular touchpoint within households a design experience.

The product’s sleek shadow speaks to ZETR’s renowned minimalistic aesthetic, making a regular touchpoint within households a design experience.

“Our minimal designs are perfectly aligned with the needs of architects and interior designers by maintaining the integrity of their work without the need to settle for clashing shapes and finishes,” Garth says. “Most importantly, the integrated design details of our entire range don’t disrupt material integrity via visual intrusions.” DKO Director Michael Drescher agrees. “There are not many brands which completely change the way one looks at product. ZETR has achieved this,” Michael says. “Practical, beautiful, flexible – an outstanding product design by the very talented team at ZETR.”

Dating back to 1958, the Australian Good Design Awards celebrates design throughout every facet of the industry, ranging across 12 design disciplines and 30 subcategories. “Receiving an Australian Good Design Award is testament to embedding design excellence at the heart of a product, service, place or experience,” explains Dr. Brandon Gien, CEO of Good Design Australia. This year saw a record number of submissions, with each entry evaluated by more than 70 Australian and international jurors, including architects, designers, engineers and thought leaders. “It is incredibly inspiring to see designers and businesses working together to find innovative, customer-centric design solutions to local and global challenges,” he notes, “and to see them recognised and rewarded for their efforts through these prestigious awards.”

 

Giving the humble switch much needed attention, ZETR 12 introduces minimal impact to architectural finishes in a sophisticated and purposeful way.

Tasked with redefining interactions with technology and electricity, ZETR continually champions innovation coupled with tactile minimalism and powerful design. Giving the humble switch much needed attention, ZETR 12 introduces minimal impact to architectural finishes in a sophisticated and purposeful way. “We are very excited and honoured to win a Good Design Award for ZETR 12,” says Garth. “This product series is a result of many years in design and development, with the aim to create the thinnest and cleanest design possible within the product space.” Creating pieces that are both durable and sleek, ZETR has reshaped the electrical market for the 21st century.