Tired of lugging around large-format paper in plastic cylinders or rubber bands, Australian studio One Design Office has created an "aesthetically pleasing" aluminium presentation tube for transporting architectural drawings (+ slideshow).
One Design Office director Jon Liow felt embarrassed taking presentation drawings to client meetings in bulky containers, so designed an extendable aluminium tube.
"The idea was born out of my frustration in trying to find any products currently on the market that I would be happy to use," Liow told Dezeen.
"I've spent years using cardboard tubes, rubber bands, chunky telescopic tubes, and large folios... however as I now work in the design industry professionally, it is just not a great way to present as an architect/designer."
Made from extruded aluminium, the tube can hold rolled paper up to A2 size at its standard length. An extension section can be screwed on to the top to lengthen the tube to hold A1 sheets.
Arkitube comes in black and silver, with a matte finish to make it more dirt and dust resistant. It is carried over the shoulder with a detachable, adjustable black or tan leather strap.
Straps are fixed to the top and bottom of the tube with "buttons", which can be screwed on or off using a coin.
"The benefits of Arkitube over plastic tubes is mainly in its aesthetics, but I believe it goes beyond that in giving confidence to the user," said Liow. "The quality, durability and refinement of the product is designed to be indicative of the value people put into their drawings/designs."
The tube weighs 0.8 kilograms including the extension section and leather strap.
"We've been through several prototypes to ensure that it is light enough to not be a burden to carry, yet heavy enough to give a sense of quality and durability," said Liow.
The project launched on Kickstarter yesterday.