Hab23 preview mag

# 23 living in design

APRIL – JUNE | 2014 AUD$16.95 | NZ$16.95 | USD$17.95 CDN$18.95 | GBP£9.90 | SGD$11.95

The feasting table. Hawaiian hula.

Jenny Kee: phoenix rising. Living in the landscape. Making small work. Paspaley’s pearls. Bathroom sanctuaries.

# 23 Products make the home and the home makes us.

Here’s our kaleidoscope of the infinite variety of invention that makes up the world of domestic objects.

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DESIGN NEWS Check out some of the products that have caught our eye over the last three months. Do they have a place in your life?

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R ESHOOT We visit the lush and richly mysterious world of Dutch genre painting with more than a hint of Vermeer and see what happens to light bulbs, laminates and tablets.

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FEASTING TABLE Dining is something best done in company, when it becomes a social event bringing people together.

We meet three people and visit one amazing project in Malaysia which all together scope an extraordinary range of creativity, each with its own specific and defining context.

52. JAMES POWDITCH He began his working life as a set designer, but – like his much admired father, Peter – eventually became an artist. Paul McGillick discovers that his art and artisanship have now come together with his make-over of an old warehouse in an inner Sydney suburb into a house/studio.

65. KORAKOT SRIVAKORN She runs Thailand’s leading high-end property company, Gaysorn Group, and is the driving force behind some exceptional commercial, retail and multi-residential developments. Nikki Busuttil meets Korakot Srivakorn and her husband, Seng, at their Eden-like Bangkok compound.

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75. JENNY KEE Nicky Lobo made the journey to the Blue Mountains in Sydney’s hinterland to meet one of the icons of Australian fashion design. Jenny Kee now lives far away from London’s Swinging 60s – where she first became involved in fashion – in a Buddhistinspired home, with an adjoining studio designed by Glenn Murcutt.

87. ORANG ASLI The indigenous people of Malaysia are known as the Orang Asli. This project was initially temporary, but became a permanent contribution to the village, generating the unlikely union of toilet amenities, culture and the rainforest. Natre Wannathepsakul reports that Wen Hsia Ang of Malaysian practice, WHBC, combined a design challenge with a powerful sense of social responsibility.

# 23 Projects from Sydney, Malaysia and Hawaii all celebrate place.

Whether it be the physical landscape or the cultural landscape, each of them brings its own special sensibility to the challenge.

98. SCOTLAND ISLAND HOUSE It doesn’t come much more beautiful than this: an island in the middle of Sydney’s Pittwater. Paul McGillick caught the ferry to Scotland Island to experience this house by Walknorth Architects which dematerialises into the landscape.

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154. W IRRA WIRRA PAVILION Just about every architect is obsessed with Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth Pavilion, but Matthew Woodward has re-imagined it in a paradisaical setting north of Sydney. Guy Allenby reports on a remarkable piece of architectural poetry.

113. TERASEK HOUSE Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur may be full of expats, but it is also full of character and history. Adele Chong visits JTJ Design’s make-over of a suburban bungalow and discovers a heady blend of the old and the new.

126. BRONTE APARTMENT Making the most of limited space and celebrating one of those incomparable Sydney ocean views drove this renovation by Hannah Tribe. Nicky Lobo visits and learns how to turn a small apartment into a world unto itself.

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141. NANEA HOUSE New Zealand architect, Pete Bossley, is legendary. Andrea Stevens met up with him to explore his latest project in Hawaii, in collaboration with James Downey, where they have re-written the rules with this exquisite exercise in tropical modern.

We go indoors to the ritualistic world of the bathroom with a selection of design ideas from projects around the Region, products and the insights of Roberto Palomba. And we meet the Paspaley family and discover their world of pearls.

170. THE BATHROOM REVEALED The bathroom has come into its own as a centrepiece of the home. Hear what Roberto Palomba has to say and see some examples of what is possible.

179. FAMILY STORY The Paspaley family has been harvesting the finest pearls off the North-West coast of Australia since the 1950s. We discover the passion behind this family company.

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185. BOOK REVIEW We explore houses and shacks, the ideas behind them, what makes them special in Canberra and how to get the most out of yours.

issue #23 habitusliving.com

In 2004, Nicola and Alex Webster started Coast New Zealand with the specific goal of establishing a luxury brand that would reflect New Zealand’s unique quality of life. And their new LAGUNA linen towels are set to become this season’s essential beach accessories.

In 100% finest washed linen and only 256gsm, it’s a luxurious, absorbent accessory big enough to share, yet small and light enough to fold into your bag. coastnewzealand.com

The designers of Dutch company Ay illuminate are inspired by both our natural surroundings and the world’s cultures, which is reflected in their use of organic shapes and natural waste materials combined with local handicraft expertise.

Made from bamboo and recycled jersey from Swaziland, the Z1 BLACK light is true to this design philosophy. And with a diameter of 67 centimetres and a height of one metre, it makes a physical statement as well as a sustainable one. ayilluminate.com / spenceandlyda.com.au

The PEGBOARD is a flexible, multipurpose shelving system that can be arranged in a number of configurations to suit any variety of spaces. The solid Oak system is made up of horizontal shelves and vertical blades that seamlessly lock together. Offering a new furniture experience, NOMI allows you to customise furniture online by selecting size, shape, material and colour. With elements by award-winning designer, Tomek Archer, the NOMI range has been designed with simplicity at its core. And with its clean lines and unassuming proportions, this new range of shelving solutions is suitable for any home or office. NOMI is also Australian made, with each piece of bespoke furniture handcrafted in Melbourne from solid Oak. nomi.com.au

1. lightbox

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Born from a shared love of pattern, illustration, packaging and design, The Souvenir Society is a collaboration between packaging designer Kasia Gadecki and book designer Allison Colpoys. Designing unique stationery goods, their aim is to encourage people around the world to wrap gifts beautifully and lovingly. thesouvenirsociety.com

Kate & Kate is the brainchild of Melbourne-based Kate Pascoe and her sister-in-law, now also a Kate Pascoe.

Offering a range of beautiful blankets and throws, knitted from the softest, breathable cotton and free from harmful substances, this Australian company believes in fresh and contemporary designs, focusing on clean lines, geometric patterns and graphic elegance.

Hannah Lawrence knows the power of touch – a reflection of the impressions made on her through constant interaction with nature. The honest movement of her hands draws upon ancient techniques as widespread as Japan, Africa and India. But most important to her work is the Japanese notion of wabi sabi: the philosophy of finding perfection in imperfection. And this principle encompasses both her approach and results. Hannah Lawrence Pottery follows nature’s cycle of rain, earth, hands and fire: “My alchemy is born from a life that is led by the principle of simplicity,” says Lawrence, where she sees her art as the organic product of a holistic life. hannahlawrence.net / craft.org.au / mrkitly.com.au / monkhousedesign.com

kateandkate.com.au

Designer Adam Cornish has recently become part of an elite handful of Australians to join the Alessi design encyclopaedia after the launch of his TRINITY bowl for the renowned Italian design company.

TRINITY has been a few years in the making, but the final outcome is a beautifully constructed centrepiece that is inspired by the spiral structure of the Nautilus mollusc sea shell. Made of stainless steel with a mirrored finish, the intent of this piece was to blend the beauty of natural structures with modern manufacturing processes. adamcornish.com / alessi.com / top3.com.au / workshopped.com.au

issue #23 habitusliving.com

1. lightbox

B&B Italia Crinoline chair by Patricia Urquiola, made from natural Abaca fibres, $5,735, Space Furniture; skirting board as before; Odin two-seater sofa as before; Under The Bell pendant light, in grey polymer felt designed

by Iskos for Muuto, $1,215, Great Dane; flower arrangement by Doctor Cooper; dining table as before; raw concrete round container with wooden lid, Studio Kyss, $130, meanwhilestore.com; Hannah napkin in Italian linen with hand painted gold triangles, $80 for set of four, The Minimalist; bread supplied by Bourke Street Bakery, Ibex shelving, $POA Pushmataaha; Japanese small bowls in various black and white stripes, $185 for set of 5, Planet;

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round concrete container, small with timber lid by Studio Kyss, $70, meanwhilestore. com; Staircase paperweight in concrete by Studio Kyss, $75, meanwhilestore.com; Concrete Luna platter designed by Alfred Ching in collaboration with Studio Kyss, $250, meanwhilestore.com; vintage Mushroom stool with hand knitted and felted woolen top, $1,200, by Little Dandelion in collaboration with Lara Hutton for Sea Art; Oak Country floorboards as before; leather placemat, St Crispins, $55, Small Spaces; glazed plate in woodfired iron Ash, $95, Planet; Gold flatware 5-piece setting, $34, West Elm.

issue #23 habitusliving.com

2 . portrait

Fugitive visions The suspended harmonies of mixed-media artist JAMES POWDITCH resonate, says PAUL MCGILLICK, through his beautifully converted warehouse home and studio in SYDNEY.

Text Paul McGillick | Photography Anthony Browell

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AD PAPERFORMS Made from 100% post and pre-consumer waste products, the modular 3D wallpaper tiles provide both colour and texture to any wall or space.

These lightweight, recycled paper modules come in packs of 12 30.5cm square tiles so you can easily create your own pattern variation.

Available in four styles

The cArDboArD furniTure people

kartongroup.com.au

2 . portrait

Holistic perfection Whether it is shopping malls or multi-residential projects, quality is what drives KORAKOT SRIVAKORN, one of THAILAND’s most successful businesswomen. NIKKI BUSUTTIL profiles the woman, her partnership with landscape architect husband, Seng Bandityanond, and their shared fascination for designing homes.

text Nikki Busuttil | Photography Owen Raggett

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Filter the air in your home with the world leader in Natural Timber flooring.

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since 1922

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Adelaide Singapore

mafi.com.au

2 . portrait

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Phoenix rising

She found her fashion feet in 1960s London, became an icon in 1970s Sydney, and recently released a colourful new range of clothing and scarves. But jenny kee always returns to her humble home in the Blue Mountains, where both her soul and creative spirit are nourished.

Text NICKY LOBO | Photography mark roper

AD

Barazza Made to Measure.

Barazza is award-winning design and functionality. Made in Italy for over 40 years.

Barazza’s Made to Measure offers a unique ability to seamlessly incorporate cooktops, sinks and accessories into a stainless steel benchtop. It gives the designer the ultimate freedom to create a functional piece for the kitchen, which boasts an unrivalled minimalist elegance. Exclusive to Abey Australia. – Barazza Made to Measure

www.abey.com.au

2 . portrait

Crafting modernity Malaysian architectural practice WHBC architects have taken on a project with the Orang Asli of Malaysia to sustain local craft while providing modern amenities.

Text Natre Wannathepsakul | Photography Wendi Ching ang, Boo Chung

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issue #23 habitusliving.com

Island platform This house on SCOTLAND ISLAND north of Sydney is a celebration of simplicity. But, as PAUL MCGILLICK explains, WALKNORTH ARCHITECTS have also created a beautifully complex experience. text Paul McGillick | photography Michael Nicholson

3 . on location

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issue #23 habitusliving.com

Beach viewfinder Does size matter? Hannah Tribe of TRIBE STUDIO ARCHITECTS doesn't think so. This compact apartment in SYDNEY captures the views and the best of clever design, as NICKY LOBO discovers. text NICKY LOBO | photography PETER BENNETTS

3 . on location

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issue #23 habitusliving.com

Ritual sanctuary If we think of the BATHROOM as simply a response to the practical need to manage human hygiene, then it has a long but lessthan-glamorous history. But since the invention of the modern flushable toilet, the bathroom has become the site of a DAILY RITUAL, one with a crucial influence on our psyche.

B

athing too has always been more than an issue of vanity – once a place of gathering and discussion, today a space for private, luxurious relaxation. Humankind recognised the personal benefits of a cleansing soak in warm water early on in our history. As far back as 3000 BC, baths were recorded as part of town life, with steam baths in Europe and America, and cold baths in Asia. But not all ancient baths were in the style of the large pools that come to mind, reminiscent of the Roman Baths. The earliest surviving bathtub dates back to around 1700 BC, from the Palace of Knossos in Crete. Perhaps what is most remarkable about this tub is not only the similarity with the baths of today, but also the way in which the plumbing works surrounding it differ little from modern models.

In truth, little has changed in our perception, design and use of the bathroom space throughout its history. A source of relaxation and rejuvenation, the bathroom has historically always been seen as a space of purification, for both body and soul; it is no coincidence that ancient writers such as Homer often had their heroes bathe in warm water so as to regain their strength – Achilles’ mother, Thetis, for instance, initially bathed him in order to grant powers of invulnerability.

This recognised value of bathing still remains today. Even though this space is no longer necessarily a place to meet and discuss the matters of the day – public bathing declined during the Renaissance as fear of water-carried diseases increased – the bathroom is still one of the most pivotal parts of the home. As these five projects show, while the bathroom’s specific design has become regionalised and modernised, its underlying principles remain the same.

4 . reportage

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Modern restraint

DESIGN 0932 Design Consultants PHOTOGRAPHY Tai Heng 0932 DESIGN CONSULTANTS

… By blurring the physical boundaries we have created an uplifting spatial experience.

(65) 9479 6962 0932.am

khiang & Goh | designers

The spirit of simplicity is elusive more often than not, yet ever present; a dwelling space that tries to capture the essence of living simply, and at ease.

Located in a quiet district of Singapore, J-Studio is a 10-yearold apartment redesigned as a modern studio space. The design concept behind J-Studio rested on a clear contrast between an industrial and modern approach; textural differences between a well-finished surface versus a raw industrial setting gives an immediate segregation of space, without the use of a physical wall. And by blurring the physical boundaries we have created an uplifting spatial experience.

Taking this a step further, the master bath is deliberately exposed to facilitate a visual connection between this space and the bedroom. This allows natural daylight to penetrate into what was once an originally dark and small space.

Being inexplicably drawn to design that stays gracefully relevant, we are convinced that there is luxury in simplicity. We believe in working heartily, in working with our architecture, and in acquiring an intimate acquaintance with our design.

As Louis Nizer stated: “A man who works with his hands is a labourer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands, his brain and his heart is an artist.”

Space is no Place if it cannot inspire its inhabitants. This is an experience that we always seek to consider in our designs – our methodology is one intertwined with the final result. It’s Mies van der Rohe’s principle really: God is in the details.

Low Chee Khiang & Roystern Goh