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-How will you comply to all of the architectural regulations? Safety testing like Fire, Flooding etc

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-How much work collecting fibres per chair?

-Cool bracelets - looks professional - side business of selling these?

-Seems a lot of work just in the material collection - is there a way to speed this up?

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-Good response to survey - in depth experiences will be valuable

-Hadn’t realised how scary it would be not understanding what I’ve taken/what doctors have done/suggested

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-Spaghetti syndrome seems like a real problem - could you make one general connection that work for all?

-Built into bed or separate unit?

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-Super cool idea with the artificial coral - but how can you determine where the boards will end up as could cause harm to beach users?

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-Super clean, legible presentation - keep theme for final presentation?

-Immersion study was clear and good analysis

-After I had practiced with the wheel I would have scored it higher than a controller

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-Satnav version would be my preference rather than built into the car - but can that be turned off?

-Already using CVC cards - integration with this company?

-Nice car! Super cool first model, crazy that you’ve got it working in a car already + love that it’s powered from the car

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-Will you make your own version + test at their facilities?

-Would big airline companies want a complex design? Could take away from their brand aesthetic

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Post formed leather pockets, research camera cases, the ones that fit snuggly around SLR cameras.

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Post formed leather pockets, research camera cases, the ones that fit snuggly around SLR cameras.

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What problem are you trying to solve? Recyling existing leather or finding an alternative?

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I think people are missing the point that it’s repurposed leather and it’s using leather that would essentially be wasted otherwise. If one day everyone decides to stop using leather you’ll still have the infrastructure ready for you to continue making with fake leather or other sustainable materials.

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how is it repurposed? how is that service run, how do you standardise repurposing? not all leathers will have the same properties?

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I feel a bit lost as to what is 'new' or 'novel' in your project - I might have missed this in your revised brief. What is the ultimate purpose of your material tests for example - it seems surprising that there isn't information widely available on products claiming to be leather alternatives. What are you trying to prove or change?

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would the service behind your product not make your product different?

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Highlighting the advantageous properties of leather in a product which can only work through the use of leather would be an interesting approach. Would help highlight its benefits and how it compares to alternatives

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What makes the application of your product different to any other upcycling or recycling company? How will you show the advantages of leather and further applications?

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Reference fully the interviews you had: i.e Interview with Bernd ?, Professor of Furniture and the environment at Mainz University, Germany.

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Reference fully the interviews you had: i.e Interview with Bernd ?, Professor of Furniture and the environment at Mainz University, Germany.

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more market research, has anyone else tried to tackle the issue of leather, what solutions did they come up with how can that help your project

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for furniture it might be nice to see some photo examples

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Also using leather from animals  that are already killed for the meat industry is a way of possibly reducing waste from this industry and adding value to this sacrifice. 

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Also using leather from animals  that are already killed for the meat industry is a way of possibly reducing waste from this industry and adding value to this sacrifice. 

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are you designing a set of furniture or a one off product

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Focus into the key points on the slides or graphically highlight these key insights.

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Focus into the key points on the slides or graphically highlight these key insights.

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Reuse leather from unused products. Usually leather alternatives often are not as good, it lasts less time therefore you'd have to produce more

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Are you doing leather alternatives?

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Does leather suite current interior design trends?

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Is this going to contribute to the increase of production of animal based products? Is that ethical?

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Could leather be hardened and made as a plastic alternative?

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The elephant in the room (or huge cow) what % of the population will not want to consider your new repurposed leather artifacts/furniture ?

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The elephant in the room (or huge cow) what % of the population will not want to consider your new repurposed leather artifacts/furniture ?

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Very wordy slides maybe try to cut down a little

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Leather and the modern era: do you predict that ecology legislation one day will limit cows/beef and ultimately reduce levels and quantities of leather in our environments ?

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Leather and the modern era: do you predict that ecology legislation one day will limit cows/beef and ultimately reduce levels and quantities of leather in our environments ?

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Wondering how it’ll be made waterproof. There are some hard wearing plastic cases with rubber going around the seam where it opens to prevent leakage. It’d be interesting to see if it’s possible with something small like cards.

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Good prototypes and developments. You'll need to sell this system both to the collectors and to the shop owners, to be able to make this modularity wotk. what is the business plan for this? Can this be used for pictures too? that might convince a wife

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I really like the idea of a display that can be transfered from point of sale to home display.  Plain panels designed to accept standard coloured emulsion paints would also be really good.

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Nice idea using tech for referencing purposes and further info etc

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Nice idea using tech for referencing purposes and further info etc

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What kind of data would be tracked or linked?

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Adding plants brings close to the collectibles dirt, water and possibly insects. Also look into what plants they would be, bcause usually they need some sunlight which might go against the collectibles protection rules

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Adding plants brings close to the collectibles dirt, water and possibly insects. Also look into what plants they would be, bcause usually they need some sunlight which might go against the collectibles protection rules

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Love your prototype, displays it really well!

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Love your prototype, displays it really well!

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So is this a fixed item now?

Also, what stops the products being knocked and not falling off the magnets?

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Are you addressing the issue of damage through transport or damage when displayed?

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Can the product be colour matched to the room ?

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Can the product be colour matched to the room ?

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What manufacturing processes can be used with Durabio ?

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What manufacturing processes can be used with Durabio ?

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Define what the product does, i.e Protection; security; display and /or transportation ?

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Define what the product does, i.e Protection; security; display and /or transportation ?

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So what is the price range of low quality vs high quality offerings on the market already? What are they?

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Keep in mind that it needs to be suitable for earthquakes if you add height

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Keep in mind that it needs to be suitable for earthquakes if you add height

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Showing vids of the tests would be useful.

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Showing vids of the tests would be useful.

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How much does it cost to grade these types of collectables?

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How much does it cost to grade these types of collectables?

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I think the vertical poles might need some more structural integrity if building a room on-top of them. Maybe include some connecting bars/support columns or a Box-like shape that the other cubes slide on-top of.

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I think the vertical poles might need some more structural integrity if building a room on-top of them. Maybe include some connecting bars/support columns or a Box-like shape that the other cubes slide on-top of.

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looking into library archives, and how they manage precious books can be helpful

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is there a split between collectors that want to buy for the increased value over time and collectors that want to just show off what they have bought.

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Edit back text on slides or find a way of highlighting the key focused points.

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Edit back text on slides or find a way of highlighting the key focused points.

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When you buy a land it has a specific permit of how many m3 you can build and sometimes people pay for a specific permit of only few m3, as it is cheaper. Adding units would need a lot paperwork and republishing permits by the architect or landholder(that also adds each time to the cost)

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When you buy a land it has a specific permit of how many m3 you can build and sometimes people pay for a specific permit of only few m3, as it is cheaper. Adding units would need a lot paperwork and republishing permits by the architect or landholder(that also adds each time to the cost)

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How important is it to keep the original packaging to maintain the value and worth of the collectable ?

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How important is it to keep the original packaging to maintain the value and worth of the collectable ?

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How long should these modules last until they need to be restored, recycled, etc?

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Cost, Cost increases as the house increases, how can travelling up and down stairs. cost restoring each module.

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isn't buying the land that you can build these modular houses that can extend expensive?
Any requlations on what you cannot do? some areas you cannot build a second floor

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How are the connection points going to be properly insulated for heat, rain and sound?

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How are the connection points going to be properly insulated for heat, rain and sound?

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Might be worth looking into potential planning permission restrictions. Height restrictions etc. 

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Might be worth looking into potential planning permission restrictions. Height restrictions etc. 

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If you are renting the land, what happens then when you move into another house? People may not want to keep that on the land when you leave

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If the houses grow, what sort of land are you pairing with it? or does it range from small plots to large ones?

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I do really like the modular idea, a few companies are making modular homes already - lots of inspiration on this YouTube channel by the way: https://www.youtube.com/user/kirstendirksen

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Kirsten Dirksen - YouTube

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How does the system connect ? how does it expand ? how are walls removed? how are stairs attached? how are floors pierced to allow stairs to pass through? etc...

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How does the system connect ? how does it expand ? how are walls removed? how are stairs attached? how are floors pierced to allow stairs to pass through? etc...

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The growing aspect is a great way of fast expansion

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Cob houses are also interesting https://www.the-self-build-guide.co.uk/cob-houses/

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Cob houses are constructed using clay sub-soil, straw and water. It is an ancient method of construction and one that is found all over the World.

Although cob doesn't spring to mind for most of us as a house construction method or self build option in the UK, there is a long tradition of cob building in the Southwest of England, and to a lesser extent in Cumbria.

(Image source: www.buildsomethingbeautiful.com)

Some examples of cob buildings in these areas are over 500 years old and their appealing qualities and considerable environmental benefits have seen the technique enjoy a resurgence over the last decade with some finished homes boasting exceptional standards of finish and commanding staggering sale prices.

It doesn't get much more 'green' than using the earth dug on-site as your main building material, not to mention the fact it is fully recyclable and biodegradable.

The money you save on the structure can be used to achieve a better specification on the rest of the build.

If you are looking for something highly sustainable and a little different, this might be the method for you.

Construction of Cob Houses

To preserve a cob structure and prevent water damage, well drained foundations and a masonry plinth must first be built to lift the cob at least 450mm above ground level.

Ideally, the earth for the walls is dug on site or nearby but depending on the consistency of the local sub-soil, additional sand and aggregate may be required to improve the structural qualities of the mix.

Straw and water are added and the cob is mixed by hand or foot on tarpaulin, although larger amounts can be mixed beneath tractor wheels.

The mixed, wet cob is packed and shaped by hand on top of the masonry plinth without the need for shuttering or formwork.

Walls are typically 600mm to 1000mm thick and the cob is applied in layers approximately 600mm deep which must be allowed to dry before the following layer is applied. Layers are trimmed when dry to achieve the final shape. Lintels for windows and doors are added as the layers progress with openings created later.

To protect and preserve the finished cob structure, permeable or breathable external and internal wall finishes are essential. In addition, a good roof with sufficient overhang is a must. This along with the well drained footing and plinth are often referred to as "a good hat and boots" that the structure requires.

Advantages

Totally natural building material.

No chemicals or additives.

Inexpensive materials.

Sustainable.

Load bearing.

Cob, dug and mixed on site manually removes the need for transportation and the resulting carbon emissions.

Low energy use during construction and no pollution produced.

Accessible as a 'hands-on' self build method.

Walls are thermally efficient with excellent insulation and a high thermal mass which stores and releases heat, maintaining internal temperatures.

Good sound insulation.

Cob walls maintain the moisture content of internal spaces, which in conjunction with the thermal properties and breathability provide a healthy and comfortable living environment.

Clay sub-soil is a versatile material which can be mixed for different applications including renders, plasters and paints.

Resistant to seismic activity.

Aesthetic qualities: Rounded, artistic and sculptural shapes are easily achievable.

Long lifespan.

Recyclable.

Biodegradable.

Disadvantages

Construction is slow as each layer of cob must dry before the next can be laid. This can take up to a week.

Once the walls are complete it can take months for the whole structure to dry out and shrink before windows and doors can be fitted.

Construction cannot take place in wet weather and is therefore largely restricted to dry Summer months.

Construction is labour intensive.

After the cob home is complete it will require more ongoing maintenance than a standard home.

Cob is susceptible to water damage.

More Information

If you are interested in building a cob home or just want to find out more, there are several books on the subject including the popular Building with Cob: A Step-by-step Guide which covers everything from design, mixing and building a structure to securing planning and building regulation approval.

Kevin McCabe is widely credited with leading the cob resurgence when he built his 4 bedroom cob cottage in 1994. He continues to build stunning cob houses and even offers courses. Visit his website to have a look at some of his creations or to find out more about a course.

If you do want to get your hands, boots (and the rest!) dirty, courses are also held by Edwards Eco Building

If the muddy option isn't for you, have a look through the rest of our house construction method section to compare cob houses with other possibilities for your self build home.

Return to The Self Build Guide Home Page from Cob Houses

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Cob houses are constructed using clay sub-soil, straw and water. It is an ancient method of construction and one that is found all over the World. Although cob doesn't spring to mind for most of us as a house construction method or self build option in the UK, there is a long tradition of cob building in the Southwest of England, and to a lesser extent in Cumbria.

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Good ideation and low-fidelity protoypes.
The research sets the problem well. Have you also looked into what are the needs from a house fo the target user group you're focusing at?

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love your models

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Low carbon impact housing? I am a massive fan of "Earthships" - no idea how much they cost! https://www.earthshipglobal.com/

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Earthship Biotecture - Off Grid Sustainable Green Buildings - Earthship Biotecture

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JANUARY 19-21st, 2024 EARTHSHIP 3 DAYS SEMINAR LEAD BY OUR FOUNDER MICHAEL REYNOLDS$ 500 USD ~ discount applies if you register more than one person REGISTER HERE We are the number one sustainable autonomous design-build company. We build autonomous homes, you can see some of our projects in our portfolio.

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Look at this as a case study? - these were really popular and there doing more 

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Look at this as a case study? - these were really popular and there doing more 

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Urban Rigger | Floating Shipping Container Housing for Students in Denmark by Bjarke Ingels Group

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a lot of information on your slide maybe break it down more to the most important points. interesting that theirs a large gap between males and females staying at their parents home, why is this? what happens when your product becomes more popular like the shipping container house, what stops it following the same root.

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Really nice broad range of ideas

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Have you considered land costs and taxes?

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Why did shipping containers become so expensive ? is it because they became 'trendy' or because they became rarer to get hold of ?

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Why did shipping containers become so expensive ? is it because they became 'trendy' or because they became rarer to get hold of ?

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It might be how far away, but couldn't read the journey map text

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What proportion of young people want to get on the property ladder? both at uni and external to uni? or would people prefer to go travelling?

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Standard statement: Edit back the text on slides or use a focus in system to highlight he major points.

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Standard statement: Edit back the text on slides or use a focus in system to highlight he major points.

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There are few options that are alternative to family housing, shared rentals, flats for professionals. Other countries / cities are more open to communal living - communal living won't appeal to everyone, but very interesting when it works.

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Does whether people have been students or not change the stats?

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Key stats really useful to frame the project....why are the male/female stats different ?

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Key stats really useful to frame the project....why are the male/female stats different ?

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having space for a 3d printer versus having space for buying a whole desk/system? this can be a challange and might put some users off. not everybody is setting up their workspace from scratch. How can you accommodate adaptations of existing set ups? Highlight, how did your research led to these decisions?

interesting as a potential buyer I haven't thought of sound at all. quality/resolution to price balance was my main consideration.

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How big is the market for this 3D printer enclosure ?

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How big is the market for this 3D printer enclosure ?

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Maybe a few too many features....

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With everything thats going on, is it not cheaper to stagger the products bought over time? Like in a workshop you build your tool and machine kit

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CAD iterative development is clear, sepearte the 4 CAD images on the screen, they often start to blend into each other.... 

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CAD iterative development is clear, sepearte the 4 CAD images on the screen, they often start to blend into each other.... 

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This solution is good, but I'm not sure that it is for the domestic market - would be excellent for CSAD Soft Modelling, FabLab, Cardiff Hackspace etc

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this seems very costly, how can you make people prefer having something like this at home and not just reaching out to workshops like Aidan says? prevent mess and noise

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Could be interesting to be able to print your own brackets etc allowing you to expand the space yourself

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Whats the ergonomic factors like? Height adjustable? safe to use? any part is the user reaching or straining to things inside of the unit?

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Is the intention flat-pack? Looks very robust, how would you move it?

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How tall is it?

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Built in hoover extraction - nice feature, but the vacuum will take up space ?

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Built in hoover extraction - nice feature, but the vacuum will take up space ?

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Review print farms for usability insights and space management?

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Review print farms for usability insights and space management?

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Is this a storage piece or a mini workshop? I really like the idea of hiding it away when not in use

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Is this a storage piece or a mini workshop? I really like the idea of hiding it away when not in use

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I like the expandable approach to the internal compartments

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Is specific furniture cost prohibitive to many home 3D printing enthusiasts reducing your market?