ABOUT
DZOME
Dzome was born amid the challenges of lockdown, a time when, like countless others, Anthony found himself working from an uncomfortable dining room table.
Fast forward a couple of years, Anthony proudly constructed his inaugural Dzome office pod, drawing inspiration from the natural world to create a truly unique outdoor experience.
A FEW WORDS FROM
ANTHONY HODSON
Award-winning designer & creator of Dzome
As far back as I remember, I was always focused on a project. Following a Product Design Degree at the University of Huddersfield, I represented the Uni at the prestigious New Designers Exhibition in London in 2012. My 'Aquatwist' product won first prize in the Product Design category.
My subsequent freelance design career has been varied, from engineering retail interiors to designing pipeline inspection robots.
When the pandemic hit, like many people, I was forced to work from an uncomfortable dining room table. I would gaze into the garden and dream of an inspiring office pod to work in. And so, the Dzome was born.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Learn more about the design & development of Dzome pods.
01
Initial Idea
At the start of the pandemic, no restaurants or pubs were open so I decided to design a garden seating pod. Due to the huge influx in sneeze screens and face masks, acrylic prices skyrocketed so I diverted my attention into creating an office pod instead. Hopefully in the future I can make this concept a reality too!
02
CAD Concepts
Following the same geometric shape I explored different orientations and complexity. The two biggest challenges were to ensure the water runs off to avoid water getting into the pod and the door mechanism.
03
Final CAD Shape
The shape was based on a large skylight roof and standard aluminium patio doors. On the left you will see the outer shell and on the right the internal framework.
04
Card Model
1:5 scale model using card, printer, Stanley knife, double sided tape and lots of patience!
05
Card Model
These models are great as it tell you so much about the structure. This initial model showed that the material was too flimsy. Time to beef it up!
06
Aluminium Model 1
All parts were laser cut by my supplier in Preston from 0.8mm aluminium and assembled with M4 nuts and bolts. Again this model was a little too flimsy. Back to the drawing board and start again!
07
Aluminium Model 2
Starting from scratch on a project like this can be difficult but once you accept it then it's full speed ahead with a better design.
08
Internal Cladding
3mm plywood cut on CNC machine and added to the model. I first needed to build the CNC machine and figure out how to work it!
09
Finishing Touches
3D printed chair, desk, doors and windows were added.
10
Display Case
Minimalist steel, glass and corian display case constructed to display the model in all its glory.
11
Displaying Model
The model was displayed at Broadoak Park Garden Centre, Worsley. It has recently been removed for filming purposes.
12
Purchase of CNC Machine
After receiving many very expensive quotations for cutting the internal plywood elements I decided to take the risk and purchase my own machine. Thankfully one of my clients wanted one too so we decided to pay half each. The machine is situated in their workshop in Oldham.
13
Accepted onto George Clarke's Amazing Spaces (Season 11)
The model was displayed at Broadoak Park Garden Centre, Worsley. It has recently been removed for filming purposes.
14
Buying all the Materials
This was difficult as I had to do more freelance work to afford the materials which meant my time to design and build the Dzome was limited.
15
Test Build in the Workshop
There was a lot riding on the Dzome fitting together perfectly first time so I decided to do a test build over a weekend. Thankfully it went together as planned.
16
Dismantling and Ready for Painting
There was a lot riding on the Dzome fitting together perfectly first time so I decided to do a test build over a weekend. Thankfully it went together as planned.
