Candle Lantern with Timer
Preventing house fires from unattended candles
Winner, Metaproject 16 | Displayed at ICFF 2026
YEAR: Sep-Dec 2025
DURATION: 12 weeks
TYPE: Sponsored studio by Gardall (Metaproject 16)
SOFTWARE: Fusion, Procreate, Photoshop
SKILLSET: 3D Printing, Prototyping, Sketching
Studio sponsor prompt: “What is Safe?”
Gardall, a safe company, was the sponsor of Metaproject 16 and posed the research prompt “What is safe?”
From wide research to a focused problem statement.
I conducted a wide exploration of possible directions (50+ slides) to the research question, from the safety of our memories to food preservation.
Gardall keeps objects safe from house fires...
What objects cause house fires? How can we prevent it?
Scale of the Issue
Even the smallest oversight can lead to catastrophe when precaution is ignored.
So, how do we keep the use of candles safe?
Competitive Landscape
Safety vs. Experience
The Market Gap
Electric alternatives are safe, but artificial. Real flame products offer no intervention. Users have to sacrifice their safety for an authentic, real flame experience.
Initial sketching around form and interaction
Insights from existing hurricane candle lanterns and timers informed how the user set the timer.
Variation 6: Chosen Design
Rotate Handle to Set the timer
The handle winds the mechanical timer. One gesture sets the reminder and creates a carry point—portability and function in a single motion.
Insight
Iris for Snuffing
Experimented with an open-source iris mechanism to be used in the final product to snuff the candle.
Mechanically Functioning Prototype
Using a mechanical timer, I created a fully functioning model of the final variation that allowed the timer to be wound, automatically returned to the neutral position, and rang after a set period of time.
1. Placing Candle Inside
The magnetically-jointed handles split apart, inviting the user to place the candle inside.
2. Rotate to set time
Rotate the handle to the desired time. Indicated with 5 minute incriments (0-60min)
3. Light the Candle
Users can light the candle using a candle lighter through the top opening.
4. Timer Automatically Rotates Handle to Neutral Position
(Please enable audio) During the duration of the timer, the handle will slowly rotate back to the neutral position and set off a ring.
*Simulated automatic return
5. Snuff the Candle
The integrated oculus at the top easily snuffs the candle by cutting off the oxygen.
Final Model
Unattended candles, No more.
The Candle Lantern with a Timer makes it easy for users to use keep the use of candles safe.
Built-in mechanical timer, no electronics
Client guidelines mentioned no electronics, and this solution complies.
Rotate to set time.
The user simply rotates the handle to set the time on the lantern, after which a ‘ring’ will play to notify the user.
Effortless snuffing
The integrated aperture closes easily with the simple rotation of the dial, cutting off the oxygen, snuffing the candle.
