surface AUSTRALIA
AU S T R A L I A’ S N E W E S T B E S P O K E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E D E S I G N C U R I O U S . M AT E R I A L I T Y, D E S I G N & F U N C T I O N I N T H E H A R D S U R FA C E I N D U S T R Y.
SUMMER 19 VOL.1
From the Editor
Image courtesy of Carlisle Homes @carlislehomes
Surfaces are changing. Materiality. Design. Function. The built environment is evolving and so too are the materials that we use within them. The expectations we place on materials and performance has never been more of a concern for architecture and interior professionals. For even the most discerning, educated design professionals staying abreast of the continual changes that occur in the hard surface landscape can seem like an insurmountable task. We created Surface Australia to bridge the divide between suppliers, specifiers and end-users, exploring the newest technologies, most breathtaking designs and addressing the many common nuances and preconceptions inherent in the hard surface industry. Surface Australia is tailored to highly skilled design professionals, architects, homeowners, renovators and everyone in between. The teachings, projects and inspiring products featured within have been hand selected to offer valuable insights to help guide you on your next surface journey. Sharing the learnings of a business now over 135 years old, Surface Magazine is a collaborative effort driven by Earp Bros with focused input from all corners of the hard surface, architecture and interiors industries. Welcome to the first edition of Surface Australia. ~ Josh Earp - Earp Bros Marketing Manager & Editor
earp.com.au NEWCASTLE 79-81 Parry Street, Newcastle West SYDNEY Unit B1, 35-39 Bourke Road Alexandria BRISBANE 106 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley MELBOURNE 10 Albert Street, Richmond
@EarpBros Surface Australia is published four times per year by Earp Bros Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from the publishers. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication, however the publishers assume no responcibility for errors or omissions or consequences in reliance on this publication.
Wall
/ Ice Nebraska Tea 450x1200mm
Floor
/ Nebraska Tea 250x1500mm
Contents SUMMER 19 E DI T O RS LE T T E R P RO J E CT P E RFE CT I O N Barefoot Beauty Mill Street
7 39
T HE HE RE AND NO W Brisbane Unveiled
15
P RO DUCT PARAG O N Balinese Aesthetic
21
Rectified Tiles Explained
25
Colour Spectrum
31
Extraordinary XLight
35
T RE NDI NG ST Y LE Natures Terrazzo
23
Kinfolk
27
O UR 1 3 5 Y E AR HI ST O RY 135 Years in Business
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... Nature is our guide ... At Earp Bros, we focus on partnering with suppliers that
GreenRate Level A for compliance. We have since undergone
implement environmentally sustainable practices with an aim to
certification by the Living Future Institute earning the Declare
radically reducing our carbon footprint. The interior design and
label, certified as 100% free of Red List ingredients of concern.
architectural community is growing increasingly aware of the importance of environmental best practice and we continue to implement environmentally sustainable initiatives to facilitate this.
As the only products in Australia to achieve these certifications and to be truly audited from ‘cradle to grave’, you can now select tiles that are proven to excel compared to ‘business as
Five years ago we decided to become the first tile supplier in
usual’ products. For design professionals, this offers a large
Australia to be independently certified by one of the world’s
number of high-performance tile options for GreenStar, Living
most robust, trusted and widely recognised ecolabels -
Building ChallengeTM and many other recognised green project
Ecospecifier Global GreenTag
certification systems.
CertTM
. Undergoing an in-depth
audit of all potential environmental impacts from raw material extraction through to end-of-life recycling, our certified
*Earp Bros certified range includes Porcelanosa Group Wall
collection* achieves the GreenTagCertTM GoldPlus rating and
and Floor Tiles and STON-KER Facade Tiles. 5
Wall / Airslate Graphite 1220x2440x2mm All project photographs courtesy of @jessie_and_jones Follow The Designory on Instagram @thedesignory Follow Barefoot Escapes on Instagram @barefootescapes
PROJECT PERFECTION / BAREFOOT BEAUTY
Barefoot Beauty
The Designory, a multi-disciplinary design studio based
Founder and Director of The Designory, Melissa Bonney
in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney recently took on the
kindly shares some perspectives on The Barefoot
challenge of creating a specifically designed holiday
Bay Cottage and offers some insights on working
house for boutique accommodation company, Barefoot
collaboratively with Earp Bros during the design,
Escapes. The result: The ultimate in coastal luxe.
specification and delivery process of this project.
Helping turn their concept into a reality, Earp Bros supplied surface materials to define a space that delivers on luxury whilst maintaining a pared-back homely feel. A space where family and guests can escape and unwind. The Barefoot Bay Cottage is located close to the heart of Byron Bay. Every surface has been carefully and painstakingly considered for this contemporary style cottage to achieve a holiday vibe with all the functionality of a well-designed home where high-quality materials and surface finishes are paramount.
What was the concept behind the cottage design? The focus for the design of The Barefoot Bay Cottage was to create a true home away from home with all the luxuries of “holidays� but all of the functional details of a design-led home. The completed house needed to be able to be enjoyed regularly by the owners and their family, but also be able to be easily shared with others via the owners newly created boutique accommodation business, Barefoot Escapes. The original concept was 7
Fireplace / Airslate Graphite 1220x2440x2mm
a “contemporary blend of luxe Australian coastal style paired with quintessential relaxed Byron chic” where the focus was on capturing the essence of the area and the connection to both the lush hinterland and the beach. The colour and materials palette really drove the overall feel and experience of being in the home and we set out to achieve that with a blend of natural tones, textures and materials and an intentionally repetitive palette of fresh white, sage greens, deep indigo and concrete grey tones.
Why did you approach Earp Bros for finishes? We love working with the team from Earp and have been lucky enough to do so for a number of years. Their family run business is one of the most innovative and customer focused in the industry which means that they immediately understood what we were trying to achieve and what our needs were – and to have those qualities in a fast-paced project is essential! The decision to work together was an obvious one for us.
Why did you select the tile finishes used in the project? Tile finishes are such a critical component of any project as they form the base for any concept or scheme. The challenge for the Cottage was to combine our overriding desire to create a truly relaxed and cohesive look using natural tones and texture whilst achieving the much needed durability and functionality for the home. We chose beautiful grey timber tones for the bathroom flooring and walls with the Starwood and Moov porcelain ranges – these tiles are stunning and extremely hard wearing so will go the distance in a holiday rental property. When we laid eyes on the Airslate stone sheets we knew we had to use them somewhere in the home to create a feature – the product is compelling! It is lightweight, really easy to install and is a natural product so gives that instant texture and tone we were after. Deciding to make it the hero made the decision for its location lining the Kitchen walls and the fireplace an easy one. The final area to consider was the outdoor area. It was important for us to continue the repetition of colours and tones both indoor and outdoor. We chose the stunning white recycled glass mosaic for the custombuilt plunge pool to mirror the white interiors, floors and trim. It sits beautifully in the sun trapped garden contrasting the gorgeous silver travertine stone pavers. Left Wall / Ice Minnesota Ash 450x1200mm Left Floor / Moov Grey Modular Pattern
Right Top / Minnesota Ash 250x1500mm
Right Middle / Airslate Graphite 1220x2440x2mm
Right Bottom Pool / Nature Glass Square White Mosaic 311x311mm Right Bottom Stone Pavers / Silver Travertine French Pattern
What was your experience of the selection process? The selection process at Earp can be overwhelming at the best of times – let alone with a pending deadline! They have a huge range of every tile and colour and finish imaginable – with even more in the design process or being sourced from exotic locations all the time. We quickly worked to narrow down our selection criteria by colour and then by type – we knew we wanted cool grey tones, but we also knew they needed to stand up to multiple sandy feet and relaxed holiday days! The team at Earp were amazing at providing us with an edited list of suitable ideas and inspirations – we literally ended up finalising our selections from the edit they had pulled together for us! They have a very creative and experienced team.
What is your impression of the products now they are installed in the finished cottage? All of the products are even better installed than they were in the Instagrammable flat lay! Airslate is a definite hero – it’s incredibly tactile and everyone immediately wants to touch it and know what it is. The Starwood collection in the bathrooms is the same – people feel drawn to touch the textural surfaces and are surprised to find that it’s a porcelain tile. The finishes all work together beautifully to deliver the brief perfectly – there is something quite special, and just a little bit magic, about the house.
How important do you find brand partnership in design? We really believe brand partnerships and collaborating in design and business is critical, especially in a time when availability and access to ideas and information is instant – for everyone! There is so much to be gained by working closely with like-minded brands and businesses. It allows you to share ideas, strategies, and processes as well as jointly create something new that may not have been possible otherwise. For us an effective brand partnership should come easily, and with Earp Bros it’s effortless. If you wish to work with Earp Bros on your next project or for more information on the products used in this project please get in touch with your local showroom or sales representative. We are always excited to collaborate on new projects with our clients. All photographs courtesy of @jessie_and_jones. Follow The Designory on Instagram @thedesignory. Follow Barefoot Escapes on Instagram @barefootescapes
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Pool / Nature Glass Square White Pool Mosaic 311x311mm Stone Pavers / Silver Travertine French Pattern All project photographs courtesy of @jessie_and_jones Follow The Designory on Instagram @thedesignory Follow Barefoot Escapes on Instagram @barefootescapes
HERE AND NOW / BRISBANE UNVEILED
Brisbane Unveiled
An ode to innovation and sustainability, the new Earp Bros Brisbane showroom displays a range of products set to enhance any space on any scale. Designed by internationally renowned Sydney architectural firm Villa + Villa and headed by owners Eduardo and Maria Villa, the new Brisbane flagship showroom displays hundreds of the world’s highest quality hard surface materials. Earp Bros 135 year history of being one step ahead of the marketplace is further celebrated in the product offering. The diverse collection ranges from the most pristine Spanish white marbles, custom Moroccan and Tunisian hand-made mosaics in a multitude of shapes and forms, through to technologically advanced stone ... 15
veneers and the world’s highest quality ceramic and porcelain tiles from the globally renowned Porcelanosa Group. The art gallery-esque space hosts the latest in hard surface finishes targeted towards discerning residential clients, interior designers, architects, property developers and creatives. The high ceilings and raw industrial interior have been bathed in white to create a clean and minimalist backdrop to further illuminate the magnificent range of colours, tones and textural surfaces sourced from around the globe. Products are showcased in a gallery style setting to ensure that each product receives the focus it deserves. The showroom has been designed to embrace Earp Bros very considered approach to displaying materials, the quality of which has never been seen before in the Brisbane market. The space celebrates the world’s best and most desirable hard surface options – all with a focus on high design. The Earp Bros showroom is located at 106 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley and is open Monday to Friday 9 to 5.
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Aquastyle Mosaics | 98% Recycled Glass Spanish company ONIXÂŽ range of glass mosaic tiles are set to invigorate the minds of the most talented design professionals today. Developed with an environmental conscious, Aquastyle Mosaics are composed of 98% recycled glass and can be used in a variety of applications including pools for both indoor and outdoor applications for commercial or residential projects. Aquastyle mosaics feature digital designs and quality technical finishes that have been used in some of the most prominent hotel and resort projects around the world. THINK SUSTAINABLE - BE LUXURIOUS.
PRODUCT PARAGON / BALINESE AESTHETIC
Balinese Aesthetic
Designed in collaboration with Earp Bros specifically to cater to current Australian materiality and style, Spanish
Evoking a resort feel and embodying the local Balinese natural stone, Bali Stone is comprised of 98% recycled glass and is easy to install thanks to an innovative new polyurethane dot support system.
brand ONIXÂŽ have introduced Bali Stone into their range of recycled glass tiles. Perfect for a courtyard or pool, Bali Stone pushes aesthetic boundaries and can be used for a huge variety of applications from commercial to residential and interior applications whilst favouring a heightened luxury
This recycled glass Bali Stone alternative
aesthetic.
requires no maintenance and is produced
Available in a small 25mm mosaic or the larger and more
in Spain with the very best manufacturing systems and technology available.
traditional 50mm mosaic, Bali Stone adds a textural element to chromatic design - think marble, wood, craquel, coral and lava in tones of blue, turquoise, green and warm beige. Different designs mimic the movement of waves, flowing lava and swift brushstrokes for a unique take on traditional mosaic tile. 21
Wall / Ceppo Stone 800x800mm
TRENDING STYLE / NATURE’S TERRAZZO
Nature’s Terrazzo
With terrazzo still playing a dominant role in
Whereas terrazzo is a handmade process contributing
contemporary hospitality and residential projects, other
to its undeniable beauty and artisanal feel, Ceppo
traditional stones and natural aggregate materials
offers a similar look with all the properties of a porcelain
are garnering greater interest internationally and are
tile including an extremely low water absorption rate
seemingly poised as the next big material in Australian
resulting in a high level of stain, chemical and water
design. The most prominent of these materials would
resistance.
have to be Ceppo di Gré. Being a cementitious material, terrazzo has a subtle Found in the quarries of Lake Iseo in Lombardy, Italy,
texture that is popular with minimalist designers, and
Ceppo di Gré is a timeless natural stone that is truly
a lovely feel underfoot although the handmade nature
nature’s terrazzo - with beautiful fragmented pebble
of the tile allows it to patina over time. Although some
and an irregular aggregate structure.
find this desirable, others enjoy the lifelong durability a technical porcelain tile offers.
Porcelanosa have captured the very beauty and essence of Ceppo di Gré and transformed it to become one of
Ceppo can be used for both interior and exterior
the world’s most truthful interpretations of natural Ceppo
applications and is ideal for cladding, flooring,
di Gré. Aptly named Ceppo, this technical porcelain
bathrooms, feature walls, splashbacks, high traffic areas,
collection features a segmented rock characteristic
gardens or pools. Terrazzo is making a big resurgence
that is particularly beautiful and features the same large
both in the home and in commercial property. If you are
granite ‘pebbles’ that the natural stone is known for.
looking to embrace this look for your next project but are
The elegance and beauty of naturally occurring Ceppo di
wanting a more naturally occurring, unique feel then look
Gré has been captured and artfully retold through one of
no further than Ceppo.
the worlds hardest and most durable materials. 23
HONING THE ART / RECTIFIED TILES EXPLAINED
Rectified Tiles Explained Today, the standard method for tile production involves
lines that can sometimes detract from the desired
dry pressing ceramic raw material in a mould, and firing
look. A 1.5mm grout line can give an almost seamless
it in a kiln. During the firing stage, variation in heat and
appearance with the right tile and grout choice.
humidity can cause slight variations in the length and
By minimising the grout join and using a larger format
width of the finished tile. Traditionally a larger grout join
tile, less grouting material is also required.
has been used to accommodate for the size variations found in unrectified tiles (also known as a pressed tiles).
Glazed ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are inherently hygienic materials, resistant to stains, bacteria and
Rectified tiles are initially produced as a pressed tile,
chemicals. Only the grout join remains as a potential
with an added step at the end of the manufacturing
home for bacteria and mould if not maintained properly.
process. Rectified tiles have their edges ground down
By installing rectified tiles to ensure a minimal grout join,
to a specific size with exact measurements. Today, the
the amount of cleaning required by the end user is kept
exact proportions of rectified tiles facilitates installation
to a minimum while creating a healthier, more hygienic
with minimal or extremely fine grout joints - resulting in
surface.
huge advantages for installers, designers and end users. Rectifying tiles also solves another inherent 3mm or less is now common and can be used to ensure
characteristic of kiln fired materials, tension.
the tile design remains uninterrupted by harsh grout
Tension occurs during the heating and cooling of ceramics; when the raw material particles fuse together to become a single solid mass. This tension can cause issues for tilers during installation when attempting to cut tiles, especially in (now common) large format tiles. When a cut is made into an unrectified tile, tension can be released instantaneously in the form of a crack as it attempts to leave the tile body through the path of least resistance. By rectifying tiles during the manufacturing process, the tension is released allowing for much easier installation with much less risk of cracking during cutting. Rectification was once seen as an extra step in the manufacturing process but has become the norm rather than the exception due to the many benefits it gives installers, designers and end users. 25
Wall / Ice Nebraska Tea 450x1200mm
Image courtesy of Carlisle Homes
TRENDING STYLE / EMBRACE THE KINFOLK STYLE WITH STARWOOD
Kinfolk
More than a trend, Kinfolk is a lifestyle movement
The range was designed by Spanish brand Venis™
emerging from the idea of slowing down, returning to
of Porcelanosa Group to give a sense of immersion
nature and valuing sustainability. It calls for simplicity
in nature making it the perfect hard surface option for
and authenticity and borrows from Scandinavian and
a Kinfolk interior. This product is quite unlike any other
bohemian design for its interior aesthetic including a hint
wood look covering that you may have seen as the
of industrial style.
realism of nature expressed in each model is evidently apparent. The visual appeal of top-quality woods has
Kinfolk reflects the values of slow living: cultivating
been combined with the technical properties of porcelain
community, simplifying our lives and reclaiming time for
to guarantee longevity and easy maintenance.
what matters most. The interior aesthetic of Kinfolk is prized upon neutral colours, raw materials, botanicals,
An ISO 9001-certified Quality Management System
artisanal crafts and hand made objects with a minimalist
has been applied to the design, production, distribution
ethos.
and sale of the STARWOOD product, demonstrating a commitment to environmental care through the
With it’s Global GreenTag™ certification and hand
adoption of an ISO 14001-certified Environmental
crafted artisan appeal, STARWOOD fits the bill perfectly
Management System.
for an interior styled around the Kinfolk movement. STARWOOD is a range of porcelain wood look tiles that
STARWOOD is a tribute to craftsmen and the effort and
carefully imitate natural timber with ultra realistic detail.
dedication that they invest in their work. This product
All the intricacies of natural wood are reproduced with
would pair perfectly with the Kinfolk aesthetic for interior
absolute craftsman-like precision to ensure realism, right
design with its range of natural coloured woods.
down to the wood knots and timber grain. 27
Wall
/ Noa Tanzania Wine 596x596mm
Floor
/ Tanzania Wine 250x1500mm
Wall / Sevilla Rose
PRODUCT PARAGON / COLOUR SPECTRUM
Colour Spectrum The colours of Spain - Sevilla and Málaga Small format wall tile is back and the new release Sevilla and Málaga collections are sure to grab attention for all the right reasons. Sevilla is a rectangular tile measuring 200x316mm, divided into 6 squares. Málaga is a
Nine tones are available in an array of elegant colours from neutral beige and grey, to more dominant hues including; rose, aqua and ocean. The quality of these products ensures a highly durable and low maintenance
rectangular tile measuring 200x316mm, divided into 3
surface, making it a great option for a feature wall in
rectangles. The aesthetic strength of Sevilla and Málaga
your next kitchen or bathroom project.
lies in the variety of colour options available.
Sevilla Acero
Sevilla Aqua
Málaga Acero
Málaga White
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Nazari Safi
The colours of Morocco - Nazari Nazari by L’Antic Colonial is a new release decorative material inspired by traditional Moroccan Zellij tile. Emulating the artisanal look and feel that is so appealing, Nazari manages to embody all the attributes of Zellij including the colour, movement and tonality of the traditional handmade material. Paired with elegant design, Nazari is a machine made product that can stand the test of time both structurally and stylistically. Featuring rough edges and deliberate imperfections the collection embraces the characteristics of the handmade without sacrificing quality. Nazari Ifrane
With the Mediterranean as inspiration, the colour palette is bold yet understated. It acts as a perfect transition from the current trend pastels into a richer more luxurious colour palette, perfect for those looking for a unique finish. From the blush pink of Asilah to the burnt yellows of Marrakech, the luxe greys in Safi and Sale add strength to the series alongside the green hues of Chauen and Fes. These colours embody a lively richness that is enhanced by a unique gloss enamel finish. Nazari is a ceramic wall tile available in a 115 x 115mm format with a consistent 12mm thickness, allowing for a much simpler and expedited installation than handmade products. It is a low maintenance surface that is fire and UV resistant. Nazari Asilah
Wall / Nazari Fes
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Wall / Bosco Grey Silk 1200x2500mm
PRODUCT PARAGON / EXTRAORDINARY XLIGHT
Extraordinary XLight
Lush White Nature 1200x2500mm
Having revolutionised the interior design world with
for high fidelity and easy handling and installation. Most
the debut range of XLight, Porcelanosa Group have
products are also available in a 12mm thickness making
extended the catalogue of premium large format
them ideal for kitchen countertop applications.
porcelain tiles to offer even more variety. Synonymous with luxury and elegance, the XLight XLight Premium is inspired by the natural authenticity
Premium series is shown as an option for residential
and sophistication of marble. The range consists of more
and public floor tiles and wall tiles, in 120x250cm for
than seven product designs, all of them representing the
wall covering and 120x120cm for flooring. Thanks to
luxury of fine marble crafted with the high-resistant and
its reduced thickness, the product can be used as
durable properties of porcelain.
an elegant and ultra-resistant wall tile for furniture applications also. This unique range can integrate across
The Premium XLight collection is the result of extensive
every surface imaginable making it a showstopper in
research and development. Apart from its innovative
hard surface applications.
large format, the most advanced technologies have been applied to the properties of porcelain tile allowing for the
If you are seeking an unique, dramatic effect than look
creation of a ultra-resistant, large format material with
no further than XLight Premium for your next project.
a reduced thickness of 6mm. This enhancement allows 35
Wall / Aura Gold Silk 1200x2500mm
XLIGHT
Wall
/ Old White 333x1000mm
Image courtesy of White Pebble Interiors Photography by Chris Groenhout
PROJECT PERFECTION / MILL STREET
Mill Street
Well known and much loved Melbourne based interior
designer Frances Cosway’s passion and down-to-earth vibe translates to the beautiful spaces she creates for
very comfortable, surrounded by things that they love.
her clients. Author of ‘Your Forever Home’ and hot off
What are some of your main sources of inspiration?
kindly shares some perspectives on the Mills Street
I would say that the main source is travel. I lived in
the trails of an exciting new design venture, Frances
project and recounts what it was like working with Earp Bros along the way. Frances lets us in on her design process, her new book and the in’s and out’s of this stunning new project.
Europe for 12 years and that has had a very big impact on my design. I’m a big, big fan of the Middle East so
that definitely comes through, moreso in my own home. I draw inspiration from nature, particularly around colours and texture; and of course, other designers.
What is your design philosophy? My design philosophy is all about a home that is a
What does your design process look like and how does it evolve throughout the project?
travels. Your home should be surrounded by things that
We first obtain a detailed brief from the client and
reflection of you; your lifestyle, your life story and your
mean something to you. I’m definitely not one to follow trends. It’s all about making your home a reflection of you, making a very personal space where people feel
produce a written Return Brief. This gives the client an
opportunity to review exactly what they are after in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and other considerations.
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Wall / Old White 333x1000mm
Image courtesy of White Pebble Interiors Photography by Chris Groenhout
Once this is approved we start the design process. Internally we then have a collaboration meeting to
discuss ideas as a team, and discuss the direction for
the design and possible sources and suppliers. We then present our ideas and schemes back to the client. We often don’t use formal material boards, and talking to
other residential interior designers, they are using them less and less too. We prefer to use larger samples,
creating a ‘board’ onsite and layering the materials
together so the scheme is visible in a larger format and the client can really see and touch the materials.
Is that because you find it’s difficult for clients to visualise the end result using a mood board that uses small product samples? I think with the moodboard, you’ve got such small
pieces that people keep asking, ‘how big is that tile’ and you end up lugging all that stuff to the client anyway.
A small swatch of a tile that has a lot of movement in it isn’t going to be reflective of the overall look and even
one tile sometimes isn’t enough. Sometimes I’ll need to
show an image or much larger pieces that I can overlay, so the client can touch and feel a bit more. I think this
way they get a much better sense of how it’s all going to come together.
What was your brief for the Mills Street project? The family building this home are very sophisticated. He is Danish and they both have a very sophisticated and simplistic design philosophy and aesthetic. The brief
was to create a home set apart from others. Something
that was unique to them and reflected their design taste
– simple, sophisticated, timeless and functional. Many of their friends had recently built and they felt that all these homes looked the same. It was very important to them that they were able to create something that had their
personality reflected in it, and didn’t look like everyone else’s. As it was their Forever Home, they needed it to stand the test of time with growing children too, and their gorgeous dog!
With a new build, how do you bring in that homey feel? I focus on soft furnishings and art. Thankfully this couple loved their art and its the art that has added pops of colour around the house. They have a similar belief
in art that I do, in that you have to have an emotional
connection to art as opposed to something you just stick up to fill a space. So, I love the pieces they have chosen Floor
/ Dover Topo 596x596mm
which has helped to incorporate colour. They had some of their own pieces from family in Denmark and some
items they already owned. It’s really about adding layers and textures.
How did you decide on the surface materials used in this project? As timeless was part of the brief, with a sense of
uniqueness and sophistication, I always knew that
texture, and references back to nature would be used.
The combination of neutral colour tones and the texture from the tiles and other materials used provides for a
simple, pared back finish that is a real reflection of the Scandinavian simplicity that my clients love.
What was it like to work with Earp Bros on this project? I always have an excellent customer service experience
Floor / Sandstone Beige 450x900mm
with Earp. They are always more than happy to show
me alternatives, provide sampling in the sizes I need, or assist with sourcing something specific. And whenever
I send a client into the showroom, they are brilliant with my clients too.
Did you work with a landscaper on this project? In terms of landscaping, they have a south facing rear
garden and I was very conscious of having an uncovered alfresco area to avoid creating a dark space. I worked with a landscaper to make sure it was light and open.
Since they had lived in a home with a south facing rear garden before they really understood the downside of this orientation. The harsh black pillars will be
softened with foliage over time. Vines will travel all over those pillars and when they are established it will look amazing.
Looking back at the finished product, is there anything you would go back and change? I don’t think so. During the project there were a few
last minute changes. For example, the kitchen bench
had already been specified and afterwards I discovered a new product. Once I showed it to the clients and
relayed the qualities of the product we just changed the spec straight away. Just because I felt it was a superior product. Another thing I put forward to them was to
consider the impact of their west facing windows and
to reduce their size. The client wasn’t keen to do this,
and that’s fine, as that’s a personal decision, but in my role I feel it’s important I allow them to make informed
decisions, but yes, if I had my way I would have reduced the amount of west facing glazing.
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Floor
/ Montana Cottage 193x1200mm
Image courtesy of White Pebble Interiors Photography by Chris Groenhout
What is your favourite part of the Mills Street project? The owners and I both share the same favourite and that is the floor. The Porcelanosa floor tile by Earp Bros. I’m really happy with it because the clients were
adamant that they wanted a natural timber floor.
I actually brought them to my home so that they could see my timber tiles and they were blown away by how
lifelike it looked. Once I told them about the advantages
of having a timber tile floor over natural timber they were absolutely sold. They are so impressed with the low
maintenance, how easy they are to clean, that they are
scratch resistant and are so easy to live with, particularly as they entertain so much.
There are so many areas I love in that house but I really love the kitchen. It is pared back, but with pops of
colour. We used coloured lighting as a feature and there is still a lot of texture in that kitchen even though it is
very, very simple. Also for me - the clients. They were so wonderful to work with and it was such a beautiful project to be involved with.
When it comes to designing your forever home, where should you spend and where should you save? That’s interesting, I was just talking about this at Earp
last week at my Forever Home Masterclass. You really
need to spend in the not so obvious places visually, so in the construction, with things that are very difficult to retrofit. It’s about maximising the insulation, installing the best quality windows you can afford, using the orientation of the home to your benefit, the use of
thermal mass where you can, and installing energy
efficient measures from the outset. Anything that is
part of the construction is normally difficult to retrofit later on, so it’s worth spending in these areas as you effectively get one go at it. I find that this is a big
education process I go through with clients because
they are interested in how good their kitchen is going to
look, they are interested in how visually appealing things are going to be, but they forget about how that space is really going to work.
Spending the time to really go through your floor plan to get it right is crucial. I feel people get so excited about
getting off the ground without really analysing the floor
plan in detail to make sure it’s future proof. I often slow
clients down to make sure we are getting it right before they start paying for engineering and other expenses. So, spend on items that are difficult to retrofit; your
tiles, your benchtops and the other long term building elements of the house.
Floor
/ Sandstone Beige 450x900mm
Image courtesy of White Pebble Interiors Photography by Chris Groenhout
Where can you save? You can easily retrofit taps. Use
something that is more cost effective and change that later. Anything that is recessed into the wall or ceiling
is best to do properly the first time around. Think about
lighting in this instance. Pendant lights can be changed, but anything fitted on the wall or in the ceiling will be
much harder to replace down the track. If in doubt, think about what can be retrofitted easily. Save your money there and put your money into the build itself.
What makes a house a home to you? The personalisation. That it doesn’t look like everyone else’s house. That it’s got perhaps a little bit of an
eclectic feel with things that mean something to you. For example, a sideboard from your grandmother or a piece
of artwork that has been handed down or you’ve picked up on your travels, pictures of your kids, drawings and things that are part of your family. I always say add
things from your life story, because that’s what makes your home personal. That’s what makes your home
different to others and that’s what makes it calming and more comfortable for you because these things mean
something to you. You are instantly going to relax in a
space that’s surrounded by the things you love. That’s
how my house is and that’s what I try to get my clients
to understand as well. Not everything has to match or be contrived - mix it up a little bit.
What is the idea behind your new book ‘Your Forever Home’ and how can it help people? My book is for anyone about to build or renovate. I wrote the book because I had a lot of clients asking me about the process, asking about the stages of the build, how to find out what they don’t know, how to get a kitchen
right. I went looking for a book and there wasn’t one, so
I wrote it. It’s a step by step guide, it’s not a coffee table book. It’s written in a very simplistic way to prepare
people for a build or a renovation, so they can ask the
right questions and really get into some of the detail. It
covers kitchen and bathroom design, types of flooring,
I go into materials, how to get in experts, who you need to get involved, so it’s a very hands on book.
Where can you buy ‘Your Forever Home’? The book is available from
www.yourforeverhome.com.au
& www.whitepebbleinteriors.com.au
47
SPOTLIGHT / HISTORY
135 Years in Business
135 years, 6 generations, 2 World Wars and the Great Depression - this is our story. October 26th 2018 is a significant date for Earp Bros,
today; a leader in sustainable surface materials with a
marking our 135th birthday. This milestone brings with it
technical knowledge of ceramics unsurpassed in the
a sense of nostalgia as we remember our roots and think
industry.
of how far we’ve come. As a brand we are constantly looking forward. Our roots From George Frederick Earp, who founded Earp Bros
of selling coal, produce, commodities and building
in 1883, to the current team of talented individuals,
materials evolved into selling Model T Ford cars, then to
the company’s extraordinary products are designed,
the establishment of an automotive repair shop called
procured, sold and delivered by exceptional people
The City Garage in 1914, and even Arnott’s biscuits in
using only the finest materials. Earp Bros have always
1936. After World War Two, Mr Roderick Earp redirected
been led by exceptional people. From the early partners
the business towards hardware and ceramic tiles and
Mr W.J Gillam, George William Earp and Frank Earp
this direction has held steadfast. Since then we have
who formed import merchants Earp Gillam & Co., to our
worked hard to gain our position as industry leaders in
current directors, brothers Richard and Michael Earp
hard surface materials while always taking an ethical
who have revolutionized the company into what it is
approach to business.
As a leading supplier of ceramic tiles to the Australian
Our range of products are showcased in extraordinary
market, it is our goal to work with both manufacturers
showroom spaces in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and
and customers who share our ideals and vision.
our birthplace of Newcastle that offer endless inspiration
We pride ourselves on a philosophy of sustainable
to all who visit.
development and continual innovation, sharing our vision for a healthier future. We offer quality product
We are extremely proud of our rich history, how far we’ve
from world leading manufacturers to our customers who
come and can’t wait to continually grow and enrich our
recognise the importance of quality and sustainability.
business to provide the best service and product range
Earp Bros 135 year history of being one step ahead of
anywhere in Australia.
the marketplace is further celebrated in our product offering. Our diverse collection ranges from beautiful marbles and natural stones to custom and handmade ceramics in a multitude of shapes and forms, to technologically advanced stone veneers and high performance porcelain tiles. 49
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Earp
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Bros,
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7
8 NO.
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MINE.
Earp Bros Historical Images 1 / Earp Brothers Trade and Shipping Journal - 1889 2 / Earp Brothers Hardware first tile import - circa 1960 3 / Earp Gillam & Co Bond Street premises - circa 1906 4 / Earp Gillam & Co Bond Street premises - circa 1906 5 / Earp’s Motors premises - circa 1927 6 / Earp’s Motors showcase Model T Ford’s - circa 1922 7 / The East Greta No. 1 Colliery - circa 1894 8 / Earp’s Motors Model T Ford procession - circa 1922
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9 / Earp Brothers Telford Street premises - circa 1960 51
WE WANT YOU
Publish Your Project Surface Australia has been created to showcase trends, products and projects within the architecture, design and home improvement sectors. The objective is to inspire our clients and partner networks by providing them with the key to the most contemporary styles while offering a multitude of the newest products and concepts for different spaces.
We have never underestimated the power of peer review and trust. We want you to take the opportunity to share your projects, designs, plans and stories with us so we can share your successes with our growing network.
Together we are bigger and better Amplify your reach and send us your project photos, design briefs, concepts, mood boards and experiences to share across our online, social and Surface Magazine networks.
Requirements The only requirements are that a fair proportion of the hard surfaces used on the project are Earp Bros products and the imagery you provide is:
1. High enough quality for print publication
2. Completely and wholly created, owned or licensed by you
Contact marketing@earp.com.au 53
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