Helly Hansen Pro and SINTEF Helse have developed the Helly Hansen SeaAir survival suit for offshore workers. The suit is designed for use as workgear during helicopter transport and as a survival suit in the event of a helicopter crash or an incident requiring personnel to evacuate the platform.

These two events represent conflicting requirements since the suit has to handle both heat stress in the helicopter and cold stress in the sea. Its most important function is to save lives in an emergency situation, as directly reflected by its design and expression.


The jury's verdict:

Development of the Helly Hansen SeaAir suit represented an incredibly demanding design challenge. The success of this product, which meets the needs of a user group with extreme demands in respect of function and comfort, is partly due to thorough research. Special materials are used that absorb and store surplus body heat when the body is too warm and emit heat when the temperature falls.

The design of the suit and the special materials are optimised in relation to the body’s own heat regulation. Key focus has been given to ergonomics and comfort during the design process. Integrated splash protection and an emergency beacon are examples of new functional details that help raise the chances of survival. By focusing on optimal safety, the designers have given the users an improved and safer work situation.

Company: Helly Hansen Pro

Design: Helly Hansen Pro and SINTEF Helse

Award / year: Award for Design Excellence - 2008

Category: Textile and clothing design