Jordan’s HSC practical project for Design and Technology, a teppan yaki table, has been nominated for inclusion in the DesignTECH exhibition.

DesignTECH is an annual exhibition that showcases the most outstanding design and technology projects from the HSC.

The exhibition opens at the Powerhouse Museum in December and, with only 30 pieces winning a spot, just to be nominated is an impressive achievement.

Jordan is one of only 13 Hunter students to be nominated, the lone Singleton representative, and it is believed that it is the first time a student from St Catherine’s has been nominated.

Jordan’s table, like all teppan yaki tables, has a hot plate located in its centre on which to fry food.

However, Jordan’s innovative design sees the hot plate sink below the surface of the table when not in use, allowing the table to be used as a normal dining table.

The method it does this is similar to that of a car jack, where a handle is wound to either lower or raise the hot plate and cooking system.

The table features led lighting to hide the cooking system underneath and is crafted in a Japanese style.

Jordan said the table had proven to be a popular addition to the Howard household and had already been successfully used on several occasions.

“The inspiration behind the project was that our family likes teppan yaki food and there aren’t a lot of restaurants that serve it in the Hunter,” Jordan said.

“But I also thought it would be good to be able to use it as a normal dining table as well.

“It took around a year to put together. I started around this time last year, with the first few months consisting mainly of research.”

Jordan said he was grateful for the assistance from design and technology teacher, Richard Turnbull, who he said was very supportive and always available to bounce ideas off.

If Jordan’s project wins a place on the DesignTECH exhibition, it will be on display at the Powerhouse Museum from December 20 to March 18, which will be followed by a tour of regional galleries, where a further 20 projects will be added to the exhibition.

OUTSTANDING: Jordan Howard with his design and technology teacher Richard Turnbull and his major work in the HSC, a teppan yaki table that has been included in the DesignTECH exhibition.