Specifications
| Weight | 26kg |
| Load Capacity | 200kg (tested) |
| Dimensions | 188cm x 92cm x 25cm (L x W x H) |
| Assembly Time | ~5 minutes |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Tools Required | None |
| Design Lifespan | 10+ years |
| Plastic Diverted | 20kg HDPE per bed |
Materials
| Component | Material | Supplier |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Galvanised steel pipe 26.9mm OD x 2.6mm wall, 1950mm length | DNA Steel Direct, Alice Springs |
| Sleeping Surface | Heavy-duty Australian canvas | Centre Canvas, Alice Springs |
| Legs | Recycled HDPE plastic panels | Defy Design, Sydney (current) On-country production (future) |
| End Caps | Round ribbed tube end caps, 27mm | Hardware supplier |
| Joinery | Slot-together "T" section No screws or hardware needed | Custom manufactured |
Environmental Impact: Each bed diverts 20kg of HDPE plastic from landfill. The recycled HDPE is currently sourced from Defy Design's Sydney operations. Future vision: on-country collection and processing in community-owned facilities.
Assembly Instructions
Total Time: ~5 minutes | People: 1-2 | Tools: None required
Step 1: Frame Cutting (Pre-done)
Steel pipe arrives pre-cut to length by DNA Steel Direct. No cutting required on-site.
Step 2: Frame Assembly
Connect steel pipe pieces using the slot-together "T" section joinery.
- No tools or fasteners needed
- Pieces click together
- Creates rigid rectangular frame
Step 3: Attach Recycled Plastic Legs
Insert HDPE leg panels into frame corners.
- Slide legs onto frame ends
- Secure with built-in slots (no screws)
- Ensure all four legs are firmly attached
Step 4: Canvas Attachment
Stretch heavy-duty canvas across the frame.
- Canvas works like a catamaran trampoline
- Tension creates body-adaptive surface
- Secure all edges to frame
Step 5: End Caps
Attach 27mm round ribbed tube end caps to all exposed pipe ends for safety and finish.
Step 6: Final Check
- Ensure all connections are secure
- Test bed stability by applying weight
- Check canvas tension is even
- Verify bed sits level on ground
Community Assembly: Typically assembled on-country with community members. A trained "bed mechanic" often assists with first-time assembly to ensure proper setup.
Key Design Features
🌊 Tensioned Canvas Surface
Heavy-duty canvas stretched across the steel frame creates natural flexibility. The bed adapts to body shape — breathable and comfortable in all conditions.
💧 Fully Washable
No foam means entire bed can be hosed down or left outside in weather. Canvas dries quickly, preventing mould and moisture retention.
📦 Flat-Packable
Smaller shipping footprint than Basket Bed. Easier to transport to remote communities via barge, plane, or truck.
☀️ Outdoor-Ready
Canvas + galvanised steel handles extreme weather. Won't rust. Designed for dust, heat, humidity, and harsh conditions.
🚫 No Foam
Eliminates mould, moisture retention, and breakdown issues common with foam mattresses in remote communities.
⬆️ Elevated Sleeping
High off ground addresses community request for elevated sleeping. Reduces exposure to vermin, insects, and cold/wet ground.
Maintenance & Cleaning
Canvas Surface
- Hose down when dirty
- Can be left outside in rain for natural cleaning
- Fully washable - no moisture retention
- Dries quickly in sun
Steel Frame
- Galvanised coating prevents rust
- Wipe clean with damp cloth as needed
- No special treatment required
- Inspect joints periodically for tightness
HDPE Legs
- Stain-resistant and UV-resistant
- Stays clean in harsh conditions
- Unlike painted surfaces, HDPE doesn't trap dirt
- Wipe with damp cloth
End-of-Life / Repairs
- Designed for repair, not replacement
- Components can be swapped individually
- Canvas can be replaced if worn
- Frame parts modular and replaceable
- Local "bed mechanics" can perform repairs
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bed wobbles | Uneven ground or loose connections | Level the ground or re-tighten all frame connections |
| Canvas feels loose | Natural settling or incorrect installation | Re-tension canvas by adjusting attachment points |
| Leg feels loose | Connection not fully seated | Remove and reseat leg firmly into frame slot |
| Canvas tears | Sharp object or excessive wear | Contact support for canvas replacement |
| Frame bent | Excessive force or impact | Replace damaged frame section - contact support |
Why the Stretch Bed Was Developed
The Stretch Bed evolved from community feedback on the earlier Basket Bed design. Four themes emerged from co-design sessions:
"We want to move it around"
Communities needed a lighter, more portable bed that flat-packs smaller for easier relocation between homes or rooms.
"We want it high off the ground"
Elevated sleeping reduces exposure to insects, vermin, cold floors, and provides stable support for larger households.
"We don't want the foam"
Foam toppers couldn't be washed, retained moisture, developed mould, and broke down in washing machines. Canvas solves all these issues - it can be hosed down completely.
"We want a MAD bed!"
The advisory group pushed for more innovative, body-adaptive design that goes beyond basic functionality.
Community Verdict
"These ones are the best so far... in terms of flexibility, ease of use and reduction in skin disease stuff."
Safety Information
- Load capacity: 200kg tested and verified
- Durability testing: Conducted before deployment (ALMA Signal 3: Harm Risk protocol)
- Weather resistance: Designed for extreme conditions - dust, heat, humidity
- Pest resistance: No fabric crevices like traditional mattresses - resistant to bed bugs
- Elevation: Lifts sleeper off ground, reducing exposure to vermin, insects, cold, and wet surfaces
- No sharp edges: All exposed ends have safety caps
- Tool-free assembly: Reduces injury risk during setup
- Fire safety: Canvas is naturally fire-resistant compared to foam mattresses