This photo received first place in the 2015 Research student photography and image competition held to celebrate National Science Week (Aug 15-23). Blurb: "The view up here: research to commercialisation" presents the product outcome of my design research - a lightweight, truly sustainable interior acoustic lining panel which utilises Papua New Guinea (PNG) balsa wood as a core substrate material in sandwich panels. The photograph represents the significant scale of this research outcome. Balsa farmers in PNG rely heavily on this resource for financial returns to support their family and community livelihoods. A lack of design innovation has resulted in a mass over-supply and under-demand for PNG balsa in global markets. The development of a new balsa product outcome has a significant impact on PNG farmers and the PNG balsa industry by offering alternative consumer markets. Additionally, this product innovation demonstrates an opportunity to generate global demand for PNG balsa as a sustainable alternative to current building materials used in the construction industry. Balsa is one of the lightest commercial timbers available and the only material used in sandwich composite panels to derive from a natural and renewable resource grown on sustainable plantations. My research has proven that balsa has superior thermal performance and acoustic absorption properties that make it a desirable material for lightweight, interior fit-outs where thermal comfort and noise control are essential in contemporary high-rise concrete construction. This design research outcome has been installed into commercial environments and has successfully delivered premium results for clients proving it is a commercially viable and innovative design outcome
