Desktop Section

Block Controller
Bringing intelligence and control to distributed irrigation systems
Verdi

Overview

The Block Controller brings wireless remote control and automation to irrigation systems, turning manual irrigation components into smart devices that can detect leaks, line breaks, and pressure drops. It reduces the need for routine field checks and allows irrigation to be managed more efficiently from anywhere.

It helps growers apply water more precisely across their properties, improving consistency and reducing waste while lowering the time and effort required to manage irrigation day to day.
CLIENT
Verdi
ROLE
Industrial Design
Mechanical Design
Client Website

The Challenge

Traditional irrigation systems rely heavily on wired controllers and buried infrastructure, which can be difficult to maintain and scale across large vineyards and farms. Underground wiring is vulnerable to damage from agricultural vehicles and seasonal fieldwork, and once disturbed it can be hard to locate or repair. As operations expand, adding control to individual valves often requires additional trenching and wiring, leading to increasingly complex setups that mix automated and manual systems. Over time, this creates fragmented infrastructure that is costly to manage and prone to failure.

The Design Response

Form3 worked closely with Verdi's team to develop an enclosure that was more compact, rugged and purpose built than previous irrigation controllers. The design prioritizes ease of installation and use. It remains adaptable to interface with a wide variety of components while reducing wire count and collecting real-time data from sensors. The enclosure is purposely shaped to attach directly to pipes, valves, fixtures and posts. Additional units can be added to expand systems for precise wireless control.

Battery & Service Access

•  Tool-access battery compartment allows quick replacement of standard 9V battery

•  Removable cap provides access to initial setup interface

•  Redundant cap seals protect battery compartment from water ingress

Installation & Mounting

•  Wireless block controller eliminates the need for long buried wiring across the property
•  Rugged waterproof housing designed for reliable outdoor installation

•  Integrated mounting features support adaptable bracket or zap strap attachment

Connectivity & Remote Control

•  Integrated SMA connector supports whip and cable antenna configurations

•  Enables remote interfacing through Verdi’s mobile app on a smart device

Impact

The Block Controller helps conserve water by delivering irrigation only where and when it is needed, ensuring every drop is used more effectively.

By turning manual irrigation components into connected, responsive systems, it reduces the need for routine field visits and saves significant time and labour, eliminating unnecessary travel across large properties. Many growers using Verdi report reducing daily irrigation management from 4–5 hours to just 15 minutes.

With more than 5,000 devices deployed, Verdi systems have contributed to the saving of over 1 billion litres of water to date — a number that continues to grow as adoption expands.
5,000+
Devices deployed
90%
Reduction in daily irrigation management time
1B+
Litres of water saved

Mobile Section

Block Controller

Bringing intelligence and control to distributed irrigation systems

Verdi

Overview

The Block Controller brings wireless remote control and automation to irrigation systems, turning manual irrigation components into smart devices that can detect leaks, line breaks, and pressure drops. It reduces the need for routine field checks and allows irrigation to be managed more efficiently from anywhere.

It helps growers apply water more precisely across their properties, improving consistency and reducing waste while lowering the time and effort required to manage irrigation day to day.
Client
Verdi
Role
Industrial Design 
Mechanical Design
Client Website

The Challenge

Traditional irrigation systems rely heavily on wired controllers and buried infrastructure, which can be difficult to maintain and scale across large vineyards and farms.

Underground wiring is vulnerable to damage from agricultural vehicles and seasonal fieldwork, and once disturbed it can be hard to locate or repair.

As operations expand, adding control to individual valves often requires additional trenching and wiring, leading to increasingly complex setups that mix automated and manual systems. Over time, this creates fragmented infrastructure that is costly to manage and prone to failure.

The Design Response

Form3 worked closely with Verdi's team to develop an enclosure that was more compact, rugged and purpose built than previous irrigation controllers.

The design prioritizes ease of installation and use. It remains adaptable to interface with a wide variety of components while reducing wire count and collecting real-time data from sensors.

The enclosure is purposely shaped to attach directly to pipes, valves, fixtures and posts. Additional units can be added to expand systems for precise wireless control.

Battery & Service Access

•  Tool-access battery compartment allows quick replacement of standard 9V battery
•  Removable cap provides access to initial setup interface
•  Redundant cap seals protect battery compartment from water ingress

Installation & Mounting

•  Wireless block controller eliminates the need for long buried wiring across the property
•  Rugged waterproof housing designed for reliable outdoor installation
•  Integrated mounting features support adaptable bracket or zap strap attachment

Connectivity & Remote Control

•   Integrated SMA connector supports whip and cable antenna configurations
•  Enables remote interfacing through Verdi’s mobile app on a smart device

Impact

The Block Controller helps conserve water by delivering irrigation only where and when it is needed, ensuring every drop is used more effectively.

By turning manual irrigation components into connected, responsive systems, it reduces the need for routine field visits and saves significant time and labour, eliminating unnecessary travel across large properties. Many growers using Verdi report reducing daily irrigation management from 4–5 hours to just 15 minutes.

With more than 5,000 devices deployed, Verdi systems have contributed to the saving of over 1 billion litres of water to date — a number that continues to grow as adoption expands.
5,000+
Devices deployed
90%
Reduction in daily irrigation management time
1B+
Litres of water saved