By Craig Zammit

SYDNEY: A dishwasher, which uses steam and nanotechnology, has been named as a finalist in The Dyson Student Award, one of the feature events within The Australian Design Awards.

The ‘Swash’ dishwasher, designed by Sydney-based University of Technology student Alexandra Gilmour, will compete with 11 other finalists when The Dyson Student Award is announced on 19 May.

Gilmour’s design was selected by a panel of international experts in design and technology from a field of 90 entrants.

The ‘Swash’ dishwashing machine is designed to be the first sustainable, self sufficient dishwashing product which operates by using steam to clean and sterilise dishes and nanotechnology to filter the dish water, allowing for less water usage and the recycling of said water.

“My aim was to develop a new cleaning method and innovative solution to existing models that would reduce water usage/wastage and provide a hygienically clean result,” said Gilmour.

“This was achieved by using high temperature steam as a cleaning agent which eliminates detergent use and nanotechnology for continual water filtration and reuse.”

Dyson South East Asia managing director, Ross Cameron, believes supporting young designers and innovative ideas is vital.

“The Australian Design Awards and Dyson’s partnership is about supporting young designers who share our philosophy of complete design; developing products that provide significant solutions and don’t just focus on the aesthetics,” Cameron said.

The Dyson Student Award shares a $10,000 prize across gold, silver and bronze winners.

The Australian Design Awards will be held at Wharf 8 in Sydney, with ABC TV’s ‘The Glass House’ host, Will Anderson, appearing as Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Catering for the event will consist of a custom-designed three course dinner, tea, coffee and petit fours by renowned caterer Belinda Franks, with the event after-party being held at The Altitude Bar on the corner of Market and Sussex St from midnight onwards.

Tickets to the event are available from Standards Australia for $175 each or $1650 per table – Phone: 02 8206 6090.