ABOUT ME
Anthony Hodson
AWARD WINNING DESIGNER AND CREATOR OF DZOME
As far back as I remember, I was always focused on a project. Whether that be drawing, painting, or building something completely wacky. One project which sticks in my mind was a miniature crossbow I constructed from Meccano to serve one purpose - fire kebab skewers at my older brother! This entertainment was short-lived as mum was alerted and my fine creation was swiftly dismantled!
My creativity and ingenuity continued throughout secondary school and college, leading me to sell fine art drawing at local art galleries and craft fairs. This generated enough money to buy my first car - so off I drove to start a Product Design Degree at the University of Huddersfield. At the end of the degree, I was lucky enough to represent the University at the prestigious New Designers Exhibition in London in 2012. To my surprise, my 'Aquatwist' product won first prize in the Product Design category.
My professional career started when I thrust myself into the fast-paced world of freelancing where I worked for various brands and companies. Most of my time was spent designing and engineering retail interiors, which gave me a good understanding of manufacturing methods, materials, and various construction techniques.
In 2016 I took a full-time job at a start-up - designing pipeline inspection robots. Completely different! I progressed to become Chief Product Officer in charge of all product developments and improvements.
The pandemic hit in 2020 and 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. I didn't know at the time this would be the biggest, most challenging but rewarding project I have ever worked on. See how the project progressed below.
2020 was also a fantastic year as we welcomed my beautiful, cheeky son into the family.
My dream with Dzome is to create beautiful and inspirational spaces for people and families to enjoy.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
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.
