An innovative beekeeping hive has been awarded the prestigious Good Design Award in the Product Design category.
The award was given to HiveIQ for its beehives made from ultra-high-density expanded Polystyrene (HD EPS) rather than traditional timber which makes for greater honey production and a healthier environment for the bees.
The design is the brainchild of Victor Croker, a third-generation Canberra beekeeper, and commercial builder Dave Leemhuis. The duo started experimenting with insulated hives in 2010. After the bees produced 35 per cent more honey than those in traditional wooden hives, they further developed what they envisioned to be the ultimate insulated beehive tailored for commercial beekeeping, establishing a side business along the way.
They also wanted to bring beekeeping into the digital age and also developed enterprise-grade monitoring and management software and real-time data logging technologies, with the goal of empowering beekeepers to keep healthier and more productive colonies through data driven beekeeping.
In giving the award to HiveIQ, the Good Design Awards Jury commented, “HiveIQ is a timely intervention in the beekeeping market. It displays a clever use of design to efficiently respond to the global bee population challenges. We are impressed by the use of insulation to improve the colony environment. Additionally, the integration of hardware and software for tracking purposes is innovative. Finally, the recyclable materials chosen display a commitment to seeking sustainability at every opportunity, well done.”
Head of Product Design at HiveHQ, Jon Dyer (pictured), said that the team are very proud of the recognition they have received, particularly, Victor and Dave for their “extraordinary commitment in bringing a product to life from inception”. He also described the fact they have been able to launch a product while supporting Australian manufacturing and innovation as a “great outcome”.
Since 1958, the Australian Good Design Awards has been recognising the best new products and services on the Australian and international market, excellence in architectural design, engineering, fashion, digital and communication design and rewarded new and emerging areas of design including design strategy, social impact design, design research and up-and-coming design talent in the next-gen category.
The 2023 Good Design Awards attracted more than 900 high-quality design projects from Australia and around the world which were evaluated by Australian and international Jurors, including designers, engineers, architects and thought leaders.
“To be recognised with an Australian Good Design Award tells the world this project not only represents design excellence, but it also surpasses the criteria for design innovation and design impact,” Dr. Brandon Gien, CEO of Good Design Australia and Chair of the Australian Good Design Awards, said. “The Good Design Award is an independent endorsement of professional design quality.”
