# 26 living in design explore
habitusliving.com the design hunt continues
JANUARY – MARCH | 2015 AUD$16.95 | NZ$16.95 | USD$17.95 CDN$18.95 | GBP£9.90 | SGD$11.95
Sink into the Art of Lounging. Find quiet amidst urban chaos. The marriage of salt and copper.
# 26 We shed the light on pieces of furniture, objects, appliances and books that can positively impact your way of life, and provide that little bit of joy. 26. DESIGN NEWS A touch of playfulness, intriguing textures and the graphic element of movement all feature in the products we’ve been collecting recently from across the Region, and the globe. Find some inspiration for the home.
#26
32. BOOKS Defined broadly as “a chemical substance”, the impact of material in architecture and design is often both chemical and psychological, inspiring an emotive response in viewers. Philip Drew reviews three recently published books that explore this topic, discovering homes, installations and one very special cathedral that place their materiality at the heart of their concept.
Faraway places can inspire you (new sights = new ideas!) whether you study or work away from your home, or whether you collaborate with those who do. 40. KENNETH COBONPUE It’s not the first time we’ve covered Filipino design superstar Kenneth Cobonpue, but it is the first time we’ve stepped inside his home. Aya Maceda visits her compatriot in Cebu, and finds his living space is imbued with the same aesthetic balance of local and international that his iconic products are known for. 51. ELLIAT RICH Her Urban Billy project was a finalist in the prestigious Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award in 2007. A prototype then, after nearly a decade of refining, it is now available as a made-to-order set. We hear about the journey in between, discover some of the intricacies behind the process, and meet the master craftsmen that Elliat collaborated with.
#40
61. DARREN CHEW He dropped by Vietnam on his way to Europe 13 years ago and never left. Now, his design and manufacture business, District Eight Design, is at the forefront of an industrial furniture revolution. Rachel Lee-Leong hears Darren’s story, and we visit his home, which is a museum of the tale thus far.
# 26
The Art of Lounging 74. TAKE YOUR SEAT David Harrison tracks the history of seating across cultures and time.
83. THE ART OF LOUNGING We recreate Picasso’s summer home in historic Elizabeth Bay House. 93. R ESHOOT Summer dining, three ways. 99. LOUNGING DESIGN NEWS Relax: some seating inspiration.
#113
103. BRUNY ISLAND An annual project for John Wardle Architects, this year produced a larger-than-life seat. 113. LOUNGING PROJECTS Some unusual ideas for your lounge space that are sure to catch the eye.
Noise, size and weather – all could be considered problems, but in the right hands they can also propel architecture and design to new heights. 122. A NDREW ROAD HOUSE The problem of noise along a busy Singapore expressway called for an unusual solution. Architects AD LAB found one, Paul McGillick says, using the undulating topography to create a sound-absorbing multi-level home, and even a multi-level garden. 137. CARLTON APARTMENT It wasn’t much to begin with but architecture writer Joe Rollo saw the potential in this poky apartment in Melbourne. Lucky he had the help of his son, architect Jean-Paul Rollo, to turn his vision into reality. Mark Scruby visits. 146. COPPER HOUSE How do you combat the problem of the exterior of your home deteriorating in a salty Sydney beachside suburb? Encouraging the process was TAKT Studio’s ingenious response for this tiny shack in Coogee.
#122
167. 38 MEWS Inspired by his cats, architect Mun Inn Chan of DCA in Kuala Lumpur designed his home as traditional British ‘mews’, where work takes place on the ground level, and living on the upper. His family (including the felines) are more than happy with the results, says Veronica Ng. 179. GABY GABY HEY Remnants of past owners and past renovations are reworked by Multiplicity in this unusual home in Melbourne. But, Stephen Crafti says, it takes a special kind of client to enable this to happen.
issue #26 habitusliving.com
Play The AMALGAMATED collection turns a humble writing tool into something much more, giving it a new lease on life. Using pencils as the raw material, Studio Markunpoika, with Gallery FUMI and Faber-Castell, explore the beauty of the device that gives form to our thoughts. markunpoika.com / galleryfumi.com
TULA BLOMMA by Swedish Ninja. Need we say more? This shelf, part of the Chaotic Love collection, epitomises playful furniture. Its colour palette is bold, materials varied (leather, marble, MDF and steel,) and it’s form a play on classic geometry. swedishninja.com
The DADON STOOL, crafted by Andrea Castrignano for Riva 1920, comes in large and small sizes, and is inspired by the designer’s passion for dice and table games. Made of solid cedar, they’re a bit heavy to roll across the floor, but hey, they’re still just as fun. riva1920.it / fanuli.com.au
1. lightbox
The TIMBRE RELIC SERIES by Bruns Acoustics are made with love. With a commitment to old-world craftsmanship, modern technology and quality acoustics, the wireless speakers – made in their Brunswick Heads workshop – are for music lovers and nostalgic design lovers alike. brunsacoustics.com
Furthering their exploration into games is Dinosaur Designs’ PUZZLE. Designed by Stephen Ormandy, the brightly coloured six-piece set lets people create their own little sculpture, as they wish. dinosaurdesigns.com.au
GamFratesi finds the humour in housework – at least the BAFFI BROOM suggests so. The moustache-like design, made with Italian horsehair and a laminated oval loop, is destined for the wall as much as the floor. fredishere.com.au
René Magritte’s The Empire of Lights series inspired WOODSPOT, by Alessandro Zambelli. Using unconventional rules, material, light and shade play out a different ideal of beauty. alessandrozambelli.it / seletti.com.au
# 27
issue #26 habitusliving.com
2 . portrait
Filipino modern The ultimate self-expression is to build one’s own home. A house reveals one’s “rootedness to culture, time and place” as Martin Heidegger said. The home of acclaimed Filipino furniture designer, KENNETH COBONPUE, says AYA MACEDA, does just this. TEXT AYA MACEDA | PHOTOGRAPHY TOM EPPERSON
# 41
issue #26 habitusliving.com
THE ENGLISH TAPWARE COMPANY SYDNEY: 02 9362 4736 • MELBOURNE: 03 9818 1403 • www.englishtapware.com.au FREECALL AUSTRALIA WIDE: 1300 01 61 81 • NEW ZEALAND: In Residence 09 309 3023 • www.inres.co.nz
2 . portrait
# 51
Slow brew For ELLIAT RICH, design is about relationships – between material and form, but also between herself and the makers she collaborates with all over AUSTRALIA. It’s also about letting things come to a boil in the full fruition of time. She shares the story of her URBAN BILLY, a pot of tea that’s been brewing for eight years. TEXT NICKY LOBO | PHOTOGRAPHY ROB PALMER
habitus promotion › Scavolini
issue #26 habitusliving.com
AD
Beyond the basic An elegant and minimalist atmosphere with the new Ki collection designed by Nendo for Scavolini. “The basic concept, the basic story about this kitchen is trying to make the product hidden into two objects – because the kitchen is a space filled with so many objects,” says Nendo designer, Oki Sato. “The small details create the special moment, the special feeling within yourself; to have a lot of space, a lot of freedom and something that makes you feel very relaxed in a way.” The Ki collection combines the prestigious Italian craftsmanship of Scavolini and the distinctive approach of Nendo, the famed Japanese studio headed by designer Oki Sato. The collection interprets design as surprise, experimentation and refined details. Designed for kitchen and bathroom environments, the concept surrounding Ki is trying to make the items “hidden” into two objects to create space and offer a complete design freedom: a container, an object only by strong connotation, synthesis of an expressive code that can be repeated ad infinitum and a wooden shelf from pure essentiality.
The collection reveals a rigorous interpretation of minimalistic and extremely contemporary taste, and embodies exclusive values, creative thinking, innovative challenges, on-going research, genuine Italian quality and finely worked details. With this project, Scavolini envisions new ways of inhab-iting space, with the pivotal element—the container—resting on linear-shaped shelves. What emerges is an actual storage system that dominates compositions designed for both kitchens and bathrooms, with Scavolini Bathrooms. Ki comes with an exclusive range of decorative finishes specifically created for Scavolini, including three woodeffect nuances that blend artisan know-how and advanced technologies to perfection. This partnership between Italian Scavolini and Japanese Nendo is certain to win hearts. For further information visit scavolini.com
Scavolini (61 3) 9939 5882 | melbourne.scavolinistore.net Above | Ki Kitchen, of the Ki Kitchen & bathroom collection designed by nendo from scavolini.
#60
2 . portrait
# 61
Metal metamorphosis HO CHI MINH CITY is a city in transition. It is against this backdrop that a story involving junk piles, a man named DARREN CHEW and his furniture business, DISTRICT EIGHT DESIGN, plays out. RACHEL LEE-LEONG finds out about a journey unplanned. TEXT RACHEL LEE-LEONG | PHOTOGRAPHY TUONG HUY (HOME), DISTRICT EIGHT (PORTRAIT & PRODUCT) STYLING YVES-VICTOR LICCIONI | ORIGINAL INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY FOR ELLE DECORATION VIETNAM
AD
The Art of Lounging —
The Egyptians knew how to do it, and other ancient civilisations too. It’s time to bring back the Art of Lounging. We’re not endorsing the idea of the couch potato. We’re talking about conscious rest; conscious socialising with family and friends, particularly around the new year. What kinds of spaces and products enable these experiences, which enrich our social lives and our sense of wellbeing? Explore the history of the lounge with David Harrison. Enjoy a beautiful photo shoot as we recreate Picasso’s summer chateau in historic Elizabeth Bay House. See how architect John Wardle uses an oversized seating project to bring people together. Take inspiration from some interesting spatial, colourful and textural approaches to lounging. Discover a selection of products that will bring a sense of luxury to the lounging experience. So find a comfortable seat, relax and enjoy.
habitus #26
the art of lounging
Take your seat —
# 75
If you analyse how the majority of cultures live, THE LOUNGE AREA is probably the most important element of a house. While western cultures move slowly away from a series of smaller rooms toward the multifunctional space, many other cultures have been doing everything in the one room for thousands of years. David Harrison tracks the state of lounging. TEXT DAVID HARRISON
habitus #26
ARCHITECT Kennedy Nolan PROJECT St Kilda West DESIGN TEAM Patrick Kennedy, Rachel Nolan, Matilda Blazey
BUILDER Overend Construction PHOTOGRAPHY Derek Swalwell KENNEDY NOLAN (61 3) 9415 8971 kennedynolan.com.au
LIGHTING
In Living, Moooi Non-random pendant, and in Dining, Moooi Emperor pendant.
FURNITURE
In Living, Moroso Redondo sofa from Hub Furniture upholstered in Guell-Lamadrid Casper gold velvet from Ascraft. In Dining, Flexform Mood Shogun table from Fanuli, and Carl Hansen CH24 Wishbone chairs from CULT. FINISHES In Living, Escape Velour Blast carpet from Supertuft, stone tiles from Travertine.
the art of lounging
# 117
The gold velvet provides a rich and dramatic contrast to the living room.
Texture & culture What role does the furniture and textural elements in this space play in terms of creating that experience? Our clients have spent many years living in Asia. We were conscious of avoiding a literal or thematic depiction of ‘Asian’ architecture, so the connections are subtle and characterised by a minimal palette of colour, texture and form and an attempt to reference the qualitative aspects of Asian architecture rather than obvious visual representations. The furniture selection was consistent with this approach. There is a quietness in this house, a stillness and sense of retreat from the city – perhaps the most essential link to Asia.
How can pieces of furniture, and specific materials, affect the way a space is experienced? Furniture and materials can heighten the experience of a space. Aside from the obvious amenity furniture provides, the material selection can contribute to colour, texture and sound. In this instance the gold velvet provides a rich and dramatic contrast to the softly lit formal living room. The floor to ceiling tinted grey mirrors at the end of the room reflect the Patricia Urquiola sofa in dialogue with Robert Juniper’s painting. Adriana Hanna, Kennedy Nolan
issue #26 habitusliving.com
Ageing beauty Why have a copper house when copper ages so quickly? Then again, why not? NICKY LOBO visits a tiny fibro shack in SYDNEY, NSW re-imagined by TAKT | STUDIO FOR ARCHITECTURE into a burnished coastal gem. TEXT NICKY LOBO | PHOTOGRAPHY SHANTANU STARICK
issue #26 habitusliving.com
PREVIOUS | WEST FACADE OF THE HOUSE, THE LOWEST LEVEL, WHICH REVEALS THE SMALL SCALE COPPER CONTAINER WITHIN ITS BACKYARD SETTING, YET ALSO HIDES THE HIGHER VOLUMES BEHIND. ABOVE | CONTEXTUAL OVERVIEW, RELATIONSHIP OF VOLUMES TO SITE. ALSO SHOWING THE HEAVILY PLANTED SOUTH WALL, THE THREE WESTERLY FACADES, AND THE NORTHERN STEEL EAVE OVERHANG. OPPOSITE | ENTRY VIEW, SHOWING TRANSPARENCY THROUGH THE HOUSE.
3 . on location
M
indful is the perfect word to describe this tidy, serene and lustrous project. So it makes complete sense that Jeremy, the owner of the seaside cottage just a few hundred metres from Coogee Beach, met architect Brent Dunn of TAKT | Studio for Architecture at Sydney Buddhist centre. The two, along with Brent’s business and life partner, Katharina Hendel, initially considered renovating the original 1890s fibro shack. It sits at the back of a long, narrow site, and the main house sits at the front. “It’s very unusual to have a freestanding cottage, completely selfcontained,” says Jeremy. Awkwardly arranged, not using the narrow site to its best advantage, and very dark inside, the original was “rough and rustic, but had a lot of charm,” he says. Once they made the decision to completely rebuild it, the first challenge was to convince Randwick council that they should in fact be allowed to. Brent and Katharina pored over records at the local library to build their case. “We found all the rates notices from the 1920s, and these describe the site as having been improved with a cottage and a garage in addition
to the main house. There was some suggestion that the cottage predated the subdivision, but we were unable to confirm this,” says Katharina. They eventually convinced the council that a new structure would be a continuation of tradition, and received the go-ahead. Then the design development began. The steep, narrow site encouraged a particular form to emerge – a series of three stepped boxes. This form had a number of benefits. It meant the cottage could extend in length – if it had remained on one level, it would have cast too much shadow and created privacy issues over the neighbouring properties. It maximised views and light, affording each of the three levels a window on the western side. And it allowed clever overlapping of the boxes to create crucial internal storage space in the 60-square-metre home. To maintain a sense of simplicity, TAKT devised a visual rhythm through repetition of a 600mm structural grid. The steel frame defines the main sections of the building. The top level, lounge and kitchen, is 10x600mm panels long, the middle level – where you enter – comprising bathroom and extremely compact second bedroom, is 9x600mm panels long,
# 149