What if your award felt as dignified as a metal trophy… but weighed a fraction? In this week’s Design of the Week, we showcase a project where modern materials and clever internal structure let us recreate the heft of metal—without its logistics, costs or limitations.
The challenge: Metal’s legacy vs. modern constraints
Classic metal trophies carry emotional weight—but also real weight. Heavy shipments, high machining budgets, and limited shapes mean that even the most prestigious design gets tied down by practical limits. Our client wanted presence and prestige—but lighter, more flexible, and easier to scale.
Smart design: Materials that look—and feel—like metal
Instead of casting solid metal, we explored high-density resins with lattice infill. Internally engineered geometries provide heft in the hand, while outer surfaces mimic brushed or polished metal finishes. The result: a trophy that feels satisfying to hold, without costing a fortune in weight or production.
Case study: The LEC project
For the League of Legends EMEA Championship, we were asked to create a trophy that looked and felt just as impressive as a classic metal award—but without the weight and hassle. We played with different materials and smart design tricks to give it a solid feel, while keeping it light and easy to handle. The shiny chrome finish gave it that iconic, premium look, perfect for a championship moment. The result? A striking, modern trophy that’s ready to steal the show—on stage and in shipping.
Want to feel the future—without the heft?
Contact us to discover our custom lightweight award solutions