Congratulations to Hilary from Grey Court School, who received a Highly Commended Award in the Age 15 category. In her entry, The Space Above Us!, Hilary explored how physics can help solve the challenge of limited living space in modern homes. By applying the principles of pulleys and mechanical advantage, she demonstrated a practical solution that makes use of vertical storage, helping to create more organised and functional living spaces. Take a look at her entry and cover letter:
From clutter to clearance, physics gives us a way to solve one of modern living’s biggest problems: space.
In a city where homes are getting smaller and living costs are rising, the pressure on space is real. In London, a recent BBC report said that between 2016 and 2025, only 3% of City Hall affordable homes had four or more bedrooms, while 78% were studios or one- and two-bedroom homes.
Instead of competing for limited floor space, a pulley system allows us to make use of vertical space. By lifting items such as bicycles, seasonal decorations and other infrequently used belongings above ground level, valuable floor area can be used for something else, such as exercising. The result is a cleaner, more organised room that feels larger without requiring any additional space.
The effectiveness of this solution lies in the physics behind it. A movable pulley reduces the amount of force needed to lift an object, meaning heavy items can be stored safely overhead with less effort. What once required considerable strength can be achieved with only half the force, making storage both practical and accessible.