Pool table design pockets award
by Simon Murphy
Craig Nottage is reaping the rewards of imagination after receiving bronze at this year’s Dyson Australian Design Awards for his innovative glass-topped pool table design.
The UniSA industrial design graduate created the table as his major final year assignment, and says the idea came after research revealed a lack of anything significantly different on the pool table market.
“Billiard tables have been made with basically the same materials and technology for hundreds of years,” he says. “I’ve brought all aspects of the design into the current age of materials and technology.”
The table is made up of a modular frame topped with a thick glass playing surface, which is coated in a unique resin based material comparable to traditional felt surfaces, retaining original rolling resistance, noise and spin properties.
Beneath the stainless steel and glass construction the ball return system can be seen. When a ball has been potted it makes its way along the ball runners to the collection point.
The table’s innovations are more than aesthetic, incorporating built-in surface levelling bubbles and storage areas for cues and balls. Other features include a digital score keeping display and a fold out table-top which, together with lowering the telescopic legs, transform it into a dining table.
“Most of the time a pool table sits unused with a sheet over it. The fold out cover, making my design double as a useful dining table, just seemed logical to me.”
This is Craig’s first design award and understandably he’s excited about what the future has in store. Among plans to have the table mass manufactured, he sees the inspirational value of receiving an award and believes it will be a motivating factor in his next achievement.
“It makes such a difference when you’re recognised for your hard work. And to be rewarded – a sense of satisfaction that makes you want to do even better.”
Currently working as an industrial designer at Seeley International, Craig values the time studied at UniSA.
“I would not have had the opportunity to do this design if it wasn’t for the structure of the Industrial Design degree or the continuing feedback and support from the UniSA staff,” he says.