Skye Cot

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  • 2025

  • Product
    Furniture and Lighting

Designed By:

Commissioned By:

Ellska

Designed In:

Australia

Skye Cot, designed by Helen Kontouris Studio for Ellska, is a sculptural cot made to be treasured—defined by thoughtful craftsmanship and timeless simplicity. Seamlessly merging emotional resonance with functional refinement, it embodies Ellska’s mission—from your embrace to ours—offering a gentle, enduring beginning for both baby and caregiver.


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  • CHALLENGE
  • SOLUTION
  • IMPACT
  • MORE
  • The cot is often the emotional centrepiece of the nursery — a product that must earn deep trust from two distinct users: baby and carer. The Skye Cot was developed to meet that trust through safety, comfort, design, and a response to the needs of contemporary caregivers. Many cots overlook ergonomic realities, such as carers of shorter stature or those recovering from childbirth. The challenge was to create a cot that feels effortless to use, visually distinctive, and ecologically responsible. Lightweight, intuitive, and inclusive, Skye Cot addresses the real needs of modern parenting and redefines expectations in nursery design.

  • Skye Cot was created to nurture the bond between child and caregiver through thoughtful ergonomics and intuitive detailing. A distinctive slat profile forms the trademarked Bend Assist™ curve, gently inviting access with less strain. Every element was streamlined — minimal parts, a single assembly tool, and an etched logo to reduce material use. The cot transitions from newborn to daybed, supporting longevity and adaptability. FSC-certified timber and recyclable aluminium enable a circular lifecycle, while airflow and safety standards are rigorously upheld. Ergonomic trials and simulations helped refine usability and ensure a lasting, refined silhouette.

  • The purchase of a cot marks a profound emotional milestone — often a family's first considered investment in design. Skye Cot was created to elevate this moment through thoughtful design, sustainability, and enduring beauty. More than functional furniture, it becomes an anchor in the home — adaptable, durable, and designed for longevity. Its circular lifecycle model, premium materials, and ease of disassembly enable a cot that can serve multiple children, families, or generations. Skye Cot reflects the diversity of modern families — designed to support carers of all statures, ages, and abilities — and reinforces long-term value for families, the environment, and the brand.

  • The Skye Cot is a refined design object for the nursery, balancing a visually distinctive form with functional intelligence. Its defining feature—the softly arched Bend Assist™ slats gently tilt inward to support a more natural, comfortable reach, easing the daily ritual of placing and lifting a baby, all the way through to a toddler. This quiet gesture expresses a broader design philosophy: to elevate the experience of caring for a child. Crafted from FSC-certified beechwood and recyclable aluminium, Skye Cot is intended to endure & designed to support families well beyond the newborn stage. Its modular 3-in-1 design evolves from cot to toddler bed to daybed, extending both purpose and emotional significance. Considered details, from single-tool assembly to a laser-etched logo, create a streamlined experience with minimal material waste. The slatted structure allows for airflow and clear lines of sight, meeting Australian and global safety standards while enhancing spatial openness. Its quiet visual language integrates easily into both traditional and contemporary interiors. Skye Cot is a lasting expression of Better Beginnings—designed to adapt, support, and endure. Its ergonomic design supports caregivers of varying statures, ages, and abilities, including those recovering from childbirth—reflecting the changing needs of modern caregiving.