Substations are not usually noted for their appearance, but the unique design of a high voltage substation earned it a coveted Design Award at the 2013 Australian International Design Awards in Sydney.

The ABB 66kv Modular Substation, designed by Brisbane-based industrial designers CMD, was recognised for more than its good looks though, having the ability to save millions of dollars for its users across mining, industrial and utility sectors.

“For customers, this design invokes a feeling of excitement, offering infinite possibilities for cost effective installation in remote locations with minimum labour,” said the 2013 Design Awards Jury.

CMD founding chief executive officer Craig Mounsey says the self-contained unit was developed to be visually appealing because of its deployment and use in a wide variety of environments and landscapes.

“Visual appeal is rarely a design concern for substations, but through architecturally aesthetic design, we were able to increase the value of the unit while ensuring it is a recognisable ABB product that is safe, customisable for modular expansion while improving on manufacturability, transport, assembly and installation on site,” he says.

“The design allows for the product to be expanded using a modular methodology in order to customise specific clients’ requests of optional extras.

“It is adaptable and can be used in many scenarios and configurations accommodating whatever needs may arise from clients.”

The substation is estimated to be able to potentially save over $2 million for its users from reductions in loss of revenue due to facility down time, costs from personnel usually required to install similar products and reduced need for service due to its high quality.

This year’s awards attracted a record 160 submissions – the highest number of entries in the program’s 55 year history, which Craig says indicates that businesses are investing in professional design to remain competitive in what is still a challenging economic environment.

“We believe great products facilitate great experiences, and great experiences build great businesses,” he says.

During CMD’s 17 years of operation, Craig Mounsey and his 15-strong team of strategists and designers have worked collaboratively with their clients to develop over 1000 design projects.