Designer hopes invention gets kids back into trees

Massey University graduate Jason Khoo with his tree house foundation.

An Aucklander's invention aimed at getting children out and about and building treehouses has won a national award.

Massey University industrial design graduate Jason Khoo was yesterday announced national winner of the James Dyson Award, an initiative aimed at challenging young engineers and scientists.

Mr Khoo's "tree mount" is a platform that can be used to build a treehouse.

The mount can be easily attached without the need for traditional building methods, thereby retaining the fun of getting stuck into a DIY project while not harming the tree.

Mr Khoo was one of three finalists. The others were Massey University student Philip Leyton with his Triple Skin BMX Helmet and Wairarapa designer Emma Warren with her sustainable shoe, Bound By 8, made from natural latex and wool.

Head judge Mike Jensen said Mr Khoo's design changes culture, engaging children's creativity and encouraging families to get involved in more outdoor play.

"In a current environment, where we have so much digital distraction, this is a welcome break for parents and kids ... the prototype is well resolved," Mr Jensen said.

"Tree Mount shows a strong understanding of aesthetic design."

Mr Khoo won $5200 from the James Dyson Foundation, a prize pack from the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand and a year's membership of The Designer's Institute.

Mr Leyton's one-size-fits-all bike helmet uses a tension system so wearers can adjust the shape of it to their head.

Miss Warren said she sought to create a long-lasting shoe made only of natural materials from New Zealand, while reviving the craft of shoe-making.

Her design didn't require any glue, instead using the adhesive nature of wool felt to attach the shoe's elements.