Yesterday we shared a super-stylish alternative to a utilitarian object (the humidifier) – and here’s another we couldn’t help but chirp about.
Smoke detectors are a necessity for living safely in your home, which makes it all the more surprising that designers haven’t leant their creative eye to this uninspired essential.
The Chickadee Smoke Detector, designed by Louise van de Vald, won a fire prevention solution design competition held by the Dutch Association of Insurers back in 2006. Inspired by birds known ability to warn each other of danger, the smoke detector is easily moved to various areas of the home and features a lifelike chickadee chirp when smoke is detected.
It’s unclear whether this version meets Canadian smoke alarm standards, but we’d like to see other designers and brands spread their wings to take on this design challenge.
SOURCING:
+ Chickadee Smoke Detector, €50, Charles & Marie
karen ho fatt
January 13, 2012 at 16:30Interesting concept! I am finding that in this day and age industrial designers are designing to cover up to integrate more with the surroundings of the home. This particular design however is a bit more specific, although very cute, some may not find it suits their decor. Something beautifully designed but more generic would most likely sell better?
Kim
January 13, 2012 at 18:37I am sorry, Karen, but I disagree with you. Design products could appeal to a small niche and still be viable as a business. They could have opted for a more universal shape but on the other end, we need to applaud their desire to bring something knew to the home market. They are already too many generic products in this world.
Ley Holloway
February 26, 2012 at 09:05Surely it’s designed for a child’s room, what kind of decor could you have in a child’s room where I a little white bird wouldn’t fit in? Actually I’d like it in any room in my house.