I S L A

Original product design

Industrial Design
Product Design
Photography

Vision

On the north shore of O'ahu a month before my little girl was born, I had a vision. I imagined an object that I felt the world was missing, which was a shelter befitting of the beach's natural beauty. This gallery features the seven prototypes of a structure that is aerodynamic, lightweight, easily collapsable, photogenic, and born of pure inspiration: the Isla, named after the daughter that inspired it. This project was the wellspring of a great number of new skills and passions. I have a new way to enjoy the natural world with my friends and family. This project took years of effort, and I learned many things in those years.

The forward opening is designed for the perfect, unobstructed view of the ocean.

The weight on this Prototype IV (pictured) was 31 pounds, and Prototype VII is now down to 17 pounds. The Isla can be easily carried under one arm.

Wrapping up the Isla in its burrito like case is simple and easy. The open top and bottom shed leftover sand. The plush case can even be used as a pillow.

The tensioning bungees double as storage.

Isla and Leanne with Prototype I.

Bioplastic Tsugite Parts

The parts for ISLA prototype VII are made from 3D printed PLA bioplastic. A special technique called 3DP Tsugite was developed for this project to make these parts many times stronger than a standard print. More detail on Tsugite is available in the Parametrics section.

Once printed, parts are assembled and placed onto their kanban, or slotted trey. Once the kanban is fully slotted, it is moved into assembly.

Gold bioplastic parts / cable + brace connectors kanban

Anchors + triforce buttons kanban

Crux + Chigi kanban / 1x leg clip hinge kanban

Leg hinge Tsugite parts kanban

Leg hinge mechanism

Kanbans full and ready for assembly

Parts regulalry change and improve

Nautical Aesthetics

Seeing a sailboat cross beyond the beach is an awesome sight. Gracefully and smoothly it passes using the power of nature, its aesthetic complimenting the beauty of the scene. It speaks of history, achievement and freedom. The Isla is designed with the nautical aesthetic as inspiration.

Unlike a sailboat, the ISLA's sails flex and shed wind, which allows for the natural beach breeze to move through the structure. They are 55+ SPF, hydrophobic and wrinkle-proof lycra, easy to detatch and wash.

The Isla comfortably fits groups and families.

Folding & Unfolding

The ISLA is designed to fold and unfold by one person in under 60 seconds. Each prototype has seen major improvements, with still a few more being perfected.