Willow Cot

The Willow collection had several challenges over its two-year design and development period. Consumers have a strong emotional connection with the products they purchase; the cot is often a nursery hero. We are designing for both parent and baby, two distinct and different user groups. The parent has to trust the product, meaning its materials, function, and aesthetics are all equally measured. Beyond this, we must consider a baby's needs and how materials, privacy and Australian standards can be incorporated. Tasman Eco wanted every customer to experience good design without price being a barrier.

The Willow Cot supports the interaction between child and parent. Particular attention was placed on the top communal profile, and rail of the cot, rounded timber and deliberately large corners to create an inviting and not threatening experience. Focusing on the baby, we capped both sides of the cot; this provides a safe and private space for the child. All this had to be balanced with strict Australian safety standards, particularly the distance between bars, mattress tolerances and air circulation. Willow cot can easily be assembled with one tool, and all parts can be replaced and recycled.

The purchase of a cot is a significant purchase, often a hallmark of the first steps in the journey as a parent. By grounding the design in empathy, the Willow Cot focuses on bettering an experience and the relationship between child and parent. The Willow Cot can become an anchor within the family home, moving through multiple generations within its lifetime. The Willow collection has been designed around a circular product lifecycle, prioritising premium materials, and designed for disassembly. All these features allow Willow to be a timeless classic edition passed through generations.

The Willow Cot, a collaborative effort between SKEEHAN Studio and Tasman Eco, showcases the strengths of both partners. With Tasman Eco's extensive experience in nursery furniture, they contributed valuable insights on Aussie standards, manufacturing, and components. This well-balanced, transparent partnership enabled a deep understanding of consumer needs, framing the problem effectively. Developed over two years, the Willow collection emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite challenges in transportation and communication, the project highlighted the connection between the designer and the client. This cot inspired an entire nursery collection featuring consistent, refined details. Believing in nurturing parent-child interactions, the collection focuses on intimate home products. The Willow Cot is mindful of its surroundings and serves a practical purpose. The cot connects the indoors and outdoors by blending contemporary elements with traditional nursery furniture and timeless architectural styles.