Felton Industries’ Tow & Fold portable grandstand has received a 2026 Australian Good Design Award in the Product Design Furniture and Lighting category, with judges citing its hydraulic deployment system, safety features and capacity to support community events.
“The jury recognises the Tow & Fold Grandstand as an exemplary solution to portable spectator seating, delivering rapid deployment and high-capacity infrastructure where permanent options are limited,” the judges said.
The jury also commended the design’s consideration of users, manufacturers and contractors, highlighting safety features including colour-coded handrails and pathways, as well as engineering that enables controlled hydraulic deployment while maintaining structural integrity.
“This innovative system addresses a significant gap in the market, providing councils, schools and sporting communities with flexible, durable seating that supports regional access and community participation in events,” the jury said.
Designed in Australia by Felton Industries and Vitruvium, and commissioned by Felton Industries Limited, Tow & Fold was recognised among the winners of the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards, which were announced ahead of the awards ceremony in Sydney on 9 October.
Felton Industries industrial designer Meg Dortmans said the award recognised the design and engineering behind the portable seating system.
“Tow & Fold was designed to make high-capacity spectator seating easier to move, set up, and use while creating a safe and comfortable experience for spectators,” Ms Dortmans said.
“Every element was considered around how people would interact with the grandstand in real world environments, from the hydraulic deployment system and portability through to the safety features and spectator experience.”
Ms Dortmans said the design aimed to combine portability, rapid deployment and high capacity for use across a range of events and environments.
Good Design Australia managing director Rachel Wye said the 2026 award winners demonstrated the role of design in addressing challenges across the economy and community, including energy costs, healthcare, environmental degradation, artificial intelligence, disaster preparedness, accessibility and community wellbeing.
“Design is an important economic and social capability. It influences the products we create, the services we rely on, the policies we develop and the way organisations respond to complex problems,” Ms Wye said.
The Australian Good Design Awards assess projects across 13 design disciplines and more than 30 categories. An independent jury of more than 100 Australian and international design experts evaluates entries against three criteria: Good Design, Design Innovation and Design Impact.
Established in 1958, the awards recognise design across fields including product design, engineering, the built environment, digital design, service design and social impact.
Felton Industries manufactures aluminium outdoor furniture and seating for schools, parks, councils, clubs and other organisations. Its product range includes grandstands, tiered seating, benches, tables and chairs, shelters and change-room furniture.
For more information about Tow & Fold and Felton Industries’ range of seating solutions for schools, visit feltonindustries.com.
