A London student has created the world's first ever bamboo smartphone. Kieron-Scott Woodhouse's stylish design replaces metal and plastic with slick, natural, renewable materials will hit the UK market this year.
The ADzero is made from four-year-old organically grown bamboo, specially treated for durability, and features the Android operating system, and a never-before-seen ring flash.
The circular photographic flash around the camera's lens is the type used by fashion photographers to minimise shadows and provide flattering light. The unique handset is made from as many materials from sustainable sources as possible.
The Middlesex University student from Shepherd's Bush told The Huffington Post via phone: "Bamboo seems like a strange material to use for a phone, but it's actually extremely strong and very durable. You can drop it, and bamboo won't break, plus it has a really unique look, and people want something a bit different these days."
He began working on the phone because he saw a lack of stylish alternatives in the smartphone market. His next step was to post the idea on forums to gain support for the project.
"I posted the idea on forums and websites, and Jerry Lao who is a tech engineer and an entrepreneur got in touch to help me make the phone and bring it to market."
Kieron-Scott, Lao and Leo Qu then set up the company A.D. to produce the phone, with Lao as operational director, Woodhouse as designer and Qu as hardware engineer.
Woodhouse, who worked on the commercial product while finishing his final year, said: "The whole experience so far has been completely unexpected and really amazing. It's a great start of my career and I just can't wait to see it in shops this year, added Kieron-Scott.
Dr Andy Bardill, Kieron-Scott's tutor and Middlesex University's product design and engineering director of programmes, said in a statement: "The web has opened up the highly competitive design sphere and enabled those with talent to get noticed more easily. Kieron-Scott's is a remarkable designer and has made the most of the opportunities Middlesex has provided, which put him in good stead to make his new company a real success."
The new phone is around half the weight of the Apple iPhone, and has a larger screen.
Kieron-Scott's smartphone was initially intended for the Chinese market, but after receiving a well-received showing at London Design Week 2011, the phone will make its ways into London design stores this year.
The designer may be just 23 years old, but he speaks with the air of a quietly confident man who is set to make a difference to British product design for years to come.
CORRECTION
this article previously repeated the phrase "large screen" and included the phrase "wooden" in reference to bamboo.