Snow Peak Outdoors Cutlery
Sustainability as Essence for Eating Outdoors.
In 2021, Shakes crafted three innovative concepts for Snow Peak’s supplier, aimed at launching a set of outdoor cutlery with a modern edge.
“Sustainability is the Essence of Eating Outdoors” became the core idea or fundamental principle of our Design Strategy. Enjoying outdoor dining is rooted in being eco-friendly and mindful of the environment. It implies that to fully appreciate the experience of eating outside, one should prioritize sustainable practices—like using reusable utensils, minimizing waste, and respecting nature—ensuring that outdoor dining has a minimal negative impact on the environment. In that spirit, we chose to incorporate sustainable materials into our designs, such as cork, recycled plastics, and aluminum. These materials align with our commitment to creating eco-friendly products, offering durability while minimizing environmental impact.
Our goal was to blend Snow Peak’s traditional camping audience with a contemporary, professional crowd. Each concept was built around the idea of movement—pivot, fold, and lift—resulting in a sleek set of cutlery and a travel case that merges practicality with a refined, modern aesthetic. These designs provide a seamless transition from rugged outdoor adventures to sophisticated, everyday use.
The PIVOT
This concept draws inspiration from the infinite beauty of the circle and its axis of movement, leading to a streamlined aluminum shell that elegantly houses the cutlery holder within. The design features a simple friction-fit mechanism, allowing the shell to stay securely locked when closed and easily accessible when needed. The matte anodized aluminum finish not only adds a refined, minimalist aesthetic but also offers durability, making it resilient against the wear and tear of both urban and outdoor adventures. It’s a balance of form and function, built for those who appreciate design that can keep up with any journey.
FOLD
This concept drew inspiration from the simplicity of purses and tablet cases, adapting their functional design into a sleek, versatile cutlery holder. The result is a minimalist, foldable case that merges form with function—delivering an aesthetically pleasing design that’s as practical as it is elegant. With a straightforward fold mechanism, it perfectly complements the cutlery stored inside, offering an easy, refined way to carry dining essentials for modern professionals who appreciate simplicity and style.
The LIFT
The final movement in the Snow Peak Concept Strategy is inspired by the “lift,” featuring an elegant sliding motion that reveals the cutlery stored within. This design embodies a monolithic sculpture, offering a refined and secure home for the utensils. With its smooth, upward slide, it transforms the simple act of accessing cutlery into a graceful experience, blending modern aesthetics with practical functionality. This concept merges protection with elegance, making it a standout piece for those who appreciate design that’s both striking and purposeful.
PUSHING FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN EVERYDAY LIFE
The strategic exploration of Snow Peak’s Outdoors Cutlery presented us with a unique opportunity to craft a practical, beautiful, and sustainable solution for enjoying meals outdoors—an everyday ritual in many Asian regions. We cherished Keen Hing’s vision, a key supplier of Snow Peaks’ business to initiate this dialogue through our designs and concepts, aiming to merge style with functionality. It’s our hope that this project inspires more brands to embrace reusability, contributing to the reduction of single-use plastics and supporting a more sustainable future for outdoor dining.