So2m sales will help fund future low-carbon research
Perth-based Intelligent Wood Systems have developed in partnership with Edinburgh Napier new standing and seating furniture which supports the future norm of Covid-19 two-metre social distancing.
Led by Professor Sean Smith from the School of Engineering & the Built Environment, the partnership considered how, when lockdown permissions become less strict, people could safely meet up with a resting point in public parks, beer gardens, outside leisure events, camping sites, hotel gardens and school playgrounds.
The designs were developed for bench and standing solutions called So2m. They can be used for a variety of external spaces and many other applications. The application is now being extended for internal uses for businesses with internal foyer spaces where staff meet customers.
Professor Smith said: “When the government decides to reduce some of the limitations on external movement and locations, we think So2m can help society and various business sectors, to perhaps have some clients return with safe social distancing.”
Dave Cleverly, Managing Director of Intelligent Wood Systems, said: “Working with Edinburgh Napier has allowed Intelligent Wood Systems (IWS) to develop ideas and concepts to ensure that timber can be considered as the building material of the future. The talent that the University provides is invaluable to IWS as they continue to deliver innovative low carbon solutions to our industry.”
Designed, produced and manufactured in the UK, So2m is:
- Manufactured using sustainably sourced timber
- Locks up carbon dioxide through carbon storage and sequestration
- Easy to erect and disassemble (for later re-use)
- Easy to store and flat pack
- Applicable to a wide range of uses
This is the third time the University has worked in partnership with Intelligent Wood Systems. Other projects have involved offsite construction and engineered bamboo innovations. A contribution from every sale of So2m will be given to future low carbon research to support society’s goal of reducing climate change.