I S S U E 1 8 / / F O R P E O P L E PA S S I O N AT E A B O U T N AT U R A L LY B E A U T I F U L S PA C E S , P L A C E S A N D O B J E C T S
CALM S PA C E S
D E S I G N E R S // I N F L U E N C E R S // A R T I S A N S // R E N O VAT O R S
✖
READ THIS
p.22 Inside the tranquil sanctuary of The Designory's Barefoot Bay home
W E LC O M E ISSUE NO.18 / CONTENTS 03 04 12 18 22 28
WELCOME THE PROJECT // THE COLLAROY HOTEL BY AKIN ATELIER THE DESIGN // ZE DUPLEX BY SHANE DENMAN ARCHITECTS THE INFLUENCER // SIBELLA COURT THE HOME // BAREFOOT BAY COTTAGE BY THE DESIGNORY THE ARTISAN // MILLY DENT // CERAMICIST
COVER PHOTOGRAPH JESSIE PRINCE CREATIVE + EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NINA DORN CREATIVEDIRECTOR@ROCKCOTE.COM.AU THE NATURAL ARTISAN MAGAZINE 18 MACHINERY ROAD, PO BOX 230, YANDINA, QLD 4561 PHONE: 1300 736 668 VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE NOT NECCESSARILY THOSE OF ROCKCOTE WHILST ALL CARE IS TAKEN IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS PUBLICATION, THE PUBLISHER ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ERRORS AND/ OR OMISSIONS @COPYRIGHT THE NATURAL ARTISAN / ROCKCOTE. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ROCKCOTE. THE NATURAL ARTISAN IS PRINTED ON ECOSTAR WHICH IS 100% RECYCLED UNCOATED PAPER. BY USING ECOSTAR OFFSET RATHER THAN A NON RECYCLED PAPER THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT WAS REDUCED BY: // 164KG OF LANDFILL // 24KG CO 2 AND GREENHOUSE GASES // 4,800 LITRES OF WATER // 243KM TRAVEL IN THE AVERAGE EUROPEAN CAR
NOTE
N I N A D O R N A N D T H E R O C KC O T E T E A M
With many of us now taking a more mindful approach to life, it's no wonder this ethos has a particular resonance when it comes to our homes. Ironically, a sense of calm and serenity is not that easy to achieve, especially given the chaos that most of our daily lives entail. So, in this issue of The Natural Artisan we explore projects where the architects and designers have managed to achieve that ever elusive balance of a pared back aesthetic coupled with real style and personality. From the laid back beach vibe of The Collaroy Hotel to the minimalist pared back aesthetic of the ZE Duplex, the ROCKCOTE Natural Materials range was used to provide a calming, natural interior with no compromise to health or the environment. We hope you are as inspired as we are by these takes on modern simplicity. N I N A D O R N A N D T H E R O C KC O T E T E A M
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The Project / The Natural Artisan
ENDLESS
SUMMER T H E C O L L A R OY H O T E L , S Y D N E Y, N S W
This heritage building nestled between city and beach celebrates sunny days, laid back living and close knit community spirit. We speak to architect Kelvin Ho of Akin Atelier. WORDS: NINA DORN
// P H OTO G R A P H Y: J OS H UA W H I T E
T Y P I C A L LY, H O W D O YO U
YOU SPECIFIED ROCKCOTE
ANY SPECIFIC CHALLENGES
The process begins with an abstract
D I D T H AT E VO K E A PA R T I C U L A R
Trying to create a particular atmosphere
BEGIN A PROJECT?
V E LV E T I N A T H R O U G H O U T -
ON THE PROJECT?
concept, a feeling, or a physical artefact
FEEL OR ETHOS?
that has a connection to the brief. This
ROCKCOTE Velvetina really drew on the
main, 6-lane road. Another challenge was
element becomes an anchor point for us
heritage of the federation building which
in creating a mood that was relevant to a
to reference throughout the design phase
was originally opened in 1921 as The
broad audience across different times of
ensuring we’re making decisions that are
Arlington Amusement Hall. The lime
the day.
consistent with the design strategy. More
plaster was chosen as a way to honour the
specifically with The Collaroy, we worked
history of the site.
in with the client’s vision to capture the mood, the menu, and the type of experience they wanted to create. This process revolves around in-depth discussions of the client’s vision and how we can translate that in a spatial way.
W H I C H N AT U R A L F I N I S H E S
DO YOU LOVE TO WORK WITH AND WHY?
and mood while being positioned on a
WHICH ASPECTS OF THE
COLL AROY ARE YOU MOST PLEASED WITH?
The openness of the space, and the volume of light we were able to bring into
I really enjoy working with lime plasters.
the venue through the opening up of the
These finishes give great depth and
northern façade.
variation of applied colour. They reflect HOW DID YOUR WORKING
W H AT WA S T H E D E S I G N
light in interesting ways and have a
BRIEF FOR THE COLL AROY?
beautiful traditional, hand applied finish.
R E L AT I O N S H I P W I T H J U S T I N
To create a modern pub that considers
HOW HAVE YOU RESPONDED TO
GROUP COME ABOUT?
its beachside community as part of its identity.
NEAR A CITY BEACH?
WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC
DESIGN PERIODS REFERENCED THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT?
We didn’t look to any particular period of design, more so, we looked to the local environment to inform materiality and the tonal palette for the space.
04 The Natural Artisan
T H E PA R T I C U L A R LO C AT I O N
/
issue no 18
HEMMES AND THE MERIVALE
I have worked with Justin and Bettina for many years on a number of Merivale
The location of the site had a huge
projects after Justin was introduced to
impact on our design response, but not
Akin Atelier by a mutual friend.
in a literal sense. We sought to draw the beach views into the space by opening up the northerly side of the venue with full height windows across both floors.
The Project / The Natural Artisan
✖
LOVE THIS
Akin Atelier specified ROCKCOTE Velvetina in its Natural Colour to achieve this look
Do you have a house or signature style at Akin Atelier?
I would say we have a house/signature style in the way we approach a design brief, and the way we work with our clients. We are collaborative, and
adaptable. The relationship between
client and studio is a dynamic one, and is always specific to the project. MEET THE ARCHITECT K E LV I N H O // A K I N AT E L I E R
Can you tell us about how Akin Atelier started and about your design ethos?
Akin Atelier was founded in 2005. We
are a full service and multi-disciplinary
practice citing positive and meaningful experiences at the centre of our approach to design.
How is your studio structured?
Akin Atelier is a global design firm
and why?
Working with The Australian Ballet on the set design for their 2015
production of Squander and Glory.
Working across a new discipline with a choreographer, dancers, composers
and lighting directors was eye-opening and gave me the opportunity to
expand my way of thinking and the way I approach design.
who are based in Sydney and travel to
VR (virtual reality) will become a
international clients and projects.
issue no 18
What is your favourite project ever
What will homes look like in 50
deliver on the requirements of our
/
Our clients and projects.
comprised of architects, designers
and strategists. We are a team of 10
06 The Natural Artisan
What is unique about Akin Atelier?
years’ time and why?
prominent element in the way we experience our homes.
✖
LOVE THIS
Akin Atelier specified ROCKCOTE Velvetina in its Natural Colour to achieve this look
12 The Natural Artisan
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issue no 17
" R O C KC OT E L I M E P L A S T E R S H AV E A B E A U T I F U L TRADITIONAL, HAND APPLIED FINISH"
issue no 18
/ The Natural Artisan
09
✖
LOVE THIS Achieve a similar finish using ROCKCOTE EcoStyle Paint
The Project / The Natural Artisan 1.
Velvetina Lime Plaster in ✖ ROCKCOTE Distressed Decorative Effect. Evoking an aged effect of a 100 year old wall that’s lived through many incarnations, the bespoke ‘time worn’ finish is achieved through layer upon layer of tinted Velvetina, resulting in a striking, mural like statement. 2.
3.
4.
5.
6. 7. TH IS PAGE Dinner Plate in Dove, $50, studioenti.com.au
1. Fjord Cushion, $77, thedesignhunter.com.au
5.
Plant Luxe in White, $55, bendo.com.au
2. Gato Herói Smooth
6.
ROCKCOTE Velvetina lime plaster in distressed decorative effect, rockcote.com.au
Operator Surfboard, $1955, wildthingsgallery.com.au 3.
Lean Lounge Sofa, $2707,
7.
Tamara Pendant Light in Matte Grey, $149, schots.com.au
fredinternational.com.au 4.
Studio Enti Porcelain Large
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The Design / The Natural Artisan
SHADES OF
GREY Z E D U P L E X , PA L M B E AC H , Q L D
The living is easy in this Gold Coast dwelling, with soaring, light-drenched entertaining spaces and a minimalist palette bringing the outside in. The Natural Artisan talks to Shane Denman Architects about reimagining a weather-beaten house into sophisticated, urban duplexes. WO R DS: R OS A M U N D B R E N N A N // P H OTO G R A P H Y: A N DY M AC P H E R S O N S T U D I O
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✖
LOVE THIS
The architect specified ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in Concrete Colour and Polished Finish
The Design / The Natural Artisan
" R O C KC OT E WA S T H E P E R F EC T C H O I C E TO A C H I E V E T H E M I N I M A L I S T L O O K B OT H E C O N O M I C A L LY A N D A E S T H E T I C A L LY.” YOUR CLIENT KNEW THE LOCAL
P R OJ EC T. W H AT A R E T H E
ONE OF THE DUPLEXES. CAN
N AT U R A L M AT E R I A L S O F F E R?
AREA AND WANTED TO LIVE IN YOU EXPL AIN HOW THIS
B E N E F I T S T H AT R O C KC OT E
delivering a top-quality design. One of the more challenging issues presented was the burnished concrete ground floor slab.
Delayed construction provided ample time
It was completed in one pour to avoid
to thoroughly research products and
Our client lived in the original house for
joins, then it was vital to protect the slab
finishes. ROCKCOTE was the perfect
many years, so he knew the area well. He
from being damaged over the course of
choice to feature on the heavily visual
already had a sense of where the best
the 11-month build. The nine-metre steel
partiwall helping to achieve the minimalist
views would be and how he wanted to
posts are one of the prominent internal
look the client was after, both economically
transform the block into something
features of the bespoke staircase, but were
and aesthetically.
also supremely difficult to manoeuvre into
INFLUENCED THE DESIGN?
special. In 2013 he approached Shane Denman Architects with many of his own ideas and the design concept was developed. Following a relatively quick yet
W H AT A R E T H E A DVA N TAG E S O F USING A ROCKCOTE TRAINED
ARTISAN TO ACHIEVE THE HIGH
successful design phase, changing
END WALL FINISHES?
circumstances dictated that construction
From past experience, when using a
was delayed.
superior product like ROCKCOTE, it is
This turned out to be a positive factor
imperative that a properly trained artisan
allowing ample time to resolve the vast
applies it to ensure perfection in
level of required detail, including a
application and appearance.
complex construction program and budget. We were then able to obtain planning and development approval without constraint, which is often a stumbling block for projects.
TH E COLOU R PALET TE IS
MUTED AND PARED BACK – WHERE DID YOU DERIVE I N S P I R AT I O N ?
Our client wanted to achieve a look that
THE PROPERTY IS CHARACTER-
was clean and minimalist, aiming for the
A N D N AT U R A L L I G H T. H O W D I D
Internally the use of pristine white walls
ISED BY OPEN LIVI NG SPACES
look and feel of concrete where possible.
YOU ACHIEVE THIS?
and ceilings contrast against black
The entry way opens into a 3-storey void,
detailing and both are softened by
immediately giving an impression of
blemished tones of concrete and timber.
space. Voids above afford properties both privacy and plenty of natural light.
W H AT WA S T H E B I G G E S T
ROCKCOTE PRODUCTS WERE
From a construction point of view there
USED THROUGHOUT THE
position. W H AT W E R E T H E M O S T
E S S E N T I A L C O N S I D E R AT I O N S ON THE INTERIOR FINISH? A main feature is the three-storey partiwall. Being highly visual and large scale, it required a seamless finish. ROCKCOTE Marrakesh provided an even finish from floor to ceiling and is enhanced by the entry void and highlighted by the bespoke staircase. WHICH ASPECT OF THE
PROPERT Y ARE YOU MOST PLEASED WITH?
A satisfied client is always our main goal, and the quality workmanship throughout this project is something we are all proud of. The overall appearance has caught the eye of a number of passers-by who have stopped to compliment.
CHALLENGE IN THE BUILD? were many and varied challenges to
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The Design / The Natural Artisan
"OUR CLIENT LIVED IN THE ORIGINAL H O U S E FO R M A N Y Y E A R S , H E WA N T E D TO T R A N S F O R M I T I N TO S O M E T H I N G S P E C I A L .”
✖
LOVE THIS
Achieve this finish by using ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in Concrete Colour and Polished Finish
MEET THE ARTISAN: S T E V E N B E R RY // SOUTHERN CROSS SOLID PLASTERING Tell me about your business. How
long have you been in the industry? Both my father and grandfather are
plasterers, so it’s a skill-set that very
much runs in the family. Together with my business partner Mark, I’ve been
running Southern Cross Solid Plastering from the Gold Coast for 11 years. Why do you like working with ROCKCOTE products?
We love using ROCKOTE’s Marrakesh product. Compared to other products on the market, it’s both user-friendly and environmentally friendly while achieving a great natural look.
How did you use the ROCKCOTE
Marrakesh finish on this property?
The base coat was ROCKCOTE Lime Plaster Basecote and ROCKOTE
Marrakesh is the final coat. We used it
throughout the property, especially on the partiwall and bathrooms. It
achieves a clean, minimalist, industrial
look which pairs nicely with timber and polished concrete floors.
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issue no 18
The Design / The Natural Artisan
issue no 17
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The Influencer / The Natural Artisan
A N AT U R A L
TOUCH S I B E L L A C O U R T, T H E S O C I E T Y I N C . Her name is synonymous with carefully curated style and The Society Inc. is a global success story. Sibella chats to us about her latest project; The Bullo River Station, which effortlessly blends an undone Australian aesthetic with traditional artisan trades and finishes. WORDS: NINA DORN
// P H OTO G R A P H Y: H U G H S T E WA RT
SIBELLA, TELL US ABOUT THE
B U L LO R I V E R S TAT I O N A N D T H E N AT U R A L M AT E R I A L S YO U U S E D THROUGHOUT?
seeds, wild rice, kapoc, native hibiscus, reds, green ants, sands from the gorges, waterlilies, feathers, stones and rocks. These samples informed our colour
Located in a beautiful pocket of the
palette, foundation and base materials,
Northern Territory lies Bullo River Station.
patterns, fabrics and materials that were
Whilst a working cattle station, it also
used throughout the design, from colour
offers an elevated homestead stay that
matched custom tiles to the tactility of
complements the magnificent landscape.
soft furnishings.
We stepped in to refurnish the guest rooms and common spaces of the
W H I C H H E R I TAG E T R A D E S A N D
homestead, the first stage of the station's
ARTISANS DID YOU USE?
reimagining and a new chapter embracing
The history of large cattle stations and
undone Australian luxury.
when they were established gave some
Our design decisions were strongly
historical cues for design elements and
informed by Mother Nature in all her glory
trades. We drew upon historical bush craft
in the East Kimberly region. We collected,
skills and traditional trades that come
bottled and pressed natural materials
hand in hand with homesteads and
from around the property - ochre, earth
remote stations where resourcefulness of
and clay, paperbark, eucalyptus leaves,
materials and a ‘can do’ attitude are
malaluca blossom, river mud, felted boab
necessary. My blacksmith hand forged
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19
The Influencer / The Natural Artisan
" W O R K H A R D , L O V E W H AT Y O U D O , B E H U M B L E A N D E AT Y O U R G R E E N S . " FAVOU RITE COU NTRY TO VISIT
many of the hardware details throughout.
things which informed the need for a
We had a whip maker braid our towel and
cabinet of curiosity in the guest breezeway
FOR DESIGN INPO?
paper holders with natural hide that will
and library to help engage guests to the
I don’t have favourites, but I have a strong
age beautifully.
diversity of this property. I always love to
connection to India.
The idea of homestead materials, those
work in sensory experiences in my design
FAVO U R I T E I N S TAG R A M
materials that are traditionally found
projects, and this was a great way to meld
within riding distance of the homestead,
together elements of curiosity, show and
ACCOUNTS?
were always in mind. We called upon Joe
tell and research.
@totemhome
Vinks to craft us some twig side tables to accompany our custom made traditional
@prior DID YOU USE ANY SPECIAL
@satelliteisland
N AT U R A L F I N I S H E S?
@joshuayeldham
The guest breezeway and twin rooms are
@the_shopkeepers
station heritage with the use of wire gauge
lined in salvaged Australian hardwood.
@thesocietyinc
reimagined into light shades and a nod
The kitchenette is reimagined with the
toward the craft of saddlery with leather
same timber. We had tiles custom-made
shades in the rooms. You can even find
and colour-matched to a selection of these
ABOUT YOUR JOB?
hand stitched leather mirrors in the
natural elements, which highlight the
I’ve been lucky enough to get to a point in
bathrooms and even a leather fly swat
diversity of this unique landscape and its
my career where I can write my own job
hanging from the mud room hook.
vibrancy of colour and life.
description. To have the diversity to design
Australian cast iron beds. The beside lights draw upon the cattle
WAS TH IS A RE AL PASSION PROJEC T FOR YOU?
Yes. Everyone, regardless of origin, feels the skin-tingling magnificence of the Kimberley landscape. The vastness of the land, the silhouette of the majestic Boab, the richness of seasonal colours and wildlife, a subtropical climate that is lush, wet, dry and its many seasons. Mother Nature pulses through all of us, and whether it’s the sheer uninterrupted scapes of this area or simply that you have limited phone and internet service and therefore are more present, you are soaked in all nature’s glory. When researching and concepting for Bullo River Station we did a big inventory of bird life, tree specimens, animals, flowering shrubs, seed banks, sugar bags, seasons, sky mapping amongst many
20 The Natural Artisan
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issue no 18
Most of the foundation materials age
W H AT ’ S T H E B E S T T H I N G
hospitality and residential spaces and
beautifully in a harsh weather climate -
products, create books, have a shop – it’s
leather, salvaged wood, blackened steel,
all very fun stuff.
brass, stone and cane.
A N Y M E M O R A B L E A DV I C E T H AT
T H E R E S TO R AT I O N O F S K I L L S
YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE
H E R I TAG E I S SO M E T H I N G
DESIGN?
A N D P R E S E RVAT I O N O F
FO R P EO P L E S TA R T I N G O U T I N
C LOS E TO YO U R H E A R T. D O YO U
Work hard, love what you do, be humble
HAVE A FAVOU RITE ARTISAN?
I have been working with my blacksmith Saul of Colo Forge for over 10 years. Over
and eat your greens. FAVOU RITE SUM M ER HAN G - OUT
this time we have become very in tune to
RIGHT NOW?
each other’s favourite material and the
Icebergs pool at Bondi
mechanics of one another’s mind.
MUST HAVE DESIGN
TOP 4 DESIGN BUYS?
PREDICTIONS FOR 2019?
Jatana Interiors for tiles
Thoughtful building
Pampa for rugs
Gardens
The Society inc. for beautiful homewares
Immersive travel
McTavish for a custom surfboard
✖
LOVE THIS Achieve a similar finish by using ROCKCOTE EcoStyle Low Sheen Paint
Above:
Hand crafted leather shades in the Bullo River
Station King bedrooms
Below:
Natural materials abound in this Kimberley project
Right:
A practical space is enhanced by artisan made
benches, hooks and leather goods.
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The Home / The Natural Artisan
DEEP
B R E AT H B A R E F O O T B AY C O T TA G E , BY R O N B AY, N S W Barefoot Bay Cottage is the embodiment of contemporary Australian coastal style. Combining a luxurious palette of seaside and hinterland
ABOUT THE DESIGNORY
tones with tranquil, light-filled spaces. The Designory’s Melissa
Who is The Designory?
We are a multi-disciplinary design
Bonney speaks about her quest to create the perfect holiday home.
studio located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Our unique end to end
WORDS: AMY COLLINS-WALKER
in-house team offers a seamless
// P H OTO G R A P H Y: J E S S I E P R I N C E
transition from the conceptual
beginnings of every project through HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PROJECT?
included a full structural re-design of the
from home with all the luxuries of
internal areas, new bathrooms and
“holidays” but all of the functional details
kitchen, new decks and also a sparkling
of a design-led home considered.
new pool area.
was to be able to open the home to other guests by creating a space that would families. The completed home needed to
We wanted to really capture the essence
be able to be enjoyed regularly by the
of the area and the connection to both the
family but also be financially self-sustain-
lush hinterland and the beach. So many
ing by sharing it with others via our newly
houses in Byron are that beautiful beachy
created boutique accommodation
white combined with bleached wood. We
business Barefoot Escapes.
really wanted the colour and materials
Turnaround time for the project was
management, and the final decorative elements and styling. Our talented team of designers, draftsman,
decorators and building advisory
consultants specialise in residential, small-scale commercial and
SHAPE THE DESIGN FEEL OF THE PROJECT?
TIMESCALE?
approvals processing, project
D I D T H E BY R O N LO C AT I O N
meet the needs of all age groups and
W H AT WA S T H E P R OJ EC T ’ S
documentation and detailing,
completed in just eight weeks. This
We wanted to create a true home away
One of the key objectives of the brief
to the building and interior design,
extremely quick with the renovation work
hospitality projects.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
As a client facing studio we always try to respond to our client’s aesthetic,
however we feel people come to us for our unique Australian Coastal style – something that will stand the test of
palette to drive the overall feel and
time. We really enjoy working on
projects that incorporate touches of
experience of being in the home. We
the natural as it brings a unique feel to
created a space that is light-filled, open
each space, which is unbeatable.
and imbues instant calm with a luxe
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23
The Home / The Natural Artisan
" W E C R E AT E D A S P A C E W I T H A L U X E PA L E T T E O F F R E S H W H I T E , S A G E G R E E N A N D C O N C R E T E G R E Y TO N E S .�
24 The Natural Artisan
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issue no 18
✖
LOVE THIS
You can achieve a similar style by using ROCKCOTE EcoStyle Paint
palette of fresh white, sage greens, deep
about ensuring our guests had everything
lovely features and quirks. The panelled
indigo and concrete grey tones. The
they needed to enjoy their stay.
walls were a special feature (along with
contemporary coastal styling includes layering of earthy and natural textures
H O W I M P O R TA N T WA S S T Y L I N G
narrow hallways!) but we worked hard to keep the front rooms of the house as
throughout.
IN BRINGING THE PROJECT TO
W H AT F U R N I T U R E WA S U S E D?
Byron Bay and the surrounding area has
suite and the bunk room. The rear
The table in the kitchen was from MCM
seen an amazing surge of design led
addition to the house ended up being
House and the chairs are the Makelo Horn
business and artisans over the last few
almost unusable due to low two metre
chairs, made by Uniqwa and available
years with many creatives relocating to
ceilings. Part way during the design
from The Design Hunter, our sister
the area – there’s a real design buzz
process we decided the back half of the
business. One of the beauties of having
happening there. Much of our beautiful
house would need to be rebuilt and in the
our in-house builder work on the
textural decorating and styling was
end we were glad we did!
renovation of this home was creating
achieved working with locals such as Pam-
some unique solutions. The bunk room
pa, Weighted Lines, Haveli of Byron, Nikau,
was a great success and the building team
and Foraged. We also worked closely with
made it to fit perfectly in the space. The
some of our favourite Australian creatives
YOU LOVE?
bench seats were a similar concept – they
for some special pieces including an
The tactile surface of the raw slate sheets
frame the deck and allow guests to sit
incredible weaving by Crossing Threads,
on the walls of the kitchen are really
amongst the palms.
some beautiful macramé by Jesse Cleay,
special and are definitely my favourite
It was essential to consider what
an oil painting by Jasmin Zara and
feature – they just beg you to touch them!
furniture pieces were to be used in the
luxurious linens and blankets from
As a natural material it really works to
project that would allow our guests to
Bemboka. It gave the styling a unique
ground the space, and the variated grey
relax and reconnect during their stay,
Byron feel.
tones blend perfectly with the overall
LIFE?
from multiple lounges and hanging chairs down to the smaller details of providing
WERE THERE ANY BUILDING
beautiful throws for our guests to curl up
CHALLENGES?
with in the cooler months. For us it was
Yes, the house was very old with a lot of
26 The Natural Artisan
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issue no 18
original as possible and they now house two of our favourite spaces – the master
WHICH WALL FINISHES OR N AT U R A L M AT E R I A L S D I D
aesthetic of the home. Although they’re a darker element in the room they add warmth and texture and a level of interest that definitely elevates the space.
The Home / The Natural Artisan 1.
✖ ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster in
Concrete Colour. Create a captivating and luxurious aesthetic with the highly polished finish of Venetian Plaster. The luminous, glass-like finish with its illusions of depth and texture is ideal for crafting the stylish, industrial look of polished concrete. 2.
3.
5.
4.
7. TH IS PAGE 1.
5.
Icelandic Sheepskin Rug, $290,
2.
ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster in
6.
Makelo Horn Armchair in Black,
7.
$769, uniqwafurniture.com.au 4. 6.
Chompa Shark Jaw in Brass, $389, mrpinchyandco.com.au
Concrete Colour,, rockcote.com.au 3.
Uniqwa Hamali Block Coffee Table, $1,199, thedesignhunter.com.au
thedesignhunter.com.au
Bondi Wash Laundry Wash, $22, bondiwash.com.au
Grey Cowhide Ottoman, $650, hardtofind.com.au
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/ The Natural Artisan
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The Artisan / The Natural Artisan
THE FIRING
LINE M I L LY D E N T C E R A M I C I S T
Her handmade ceramic vessels showcase an artisan skill which is honed in elements of both ornamental and functional sculptures. We chat to ceramicist Milly Dent about the nature of her craft, her practice and ultimately the gift and inspiration of nature. //
PHOTOGR APHY: AL ANA DIMOU AND AMY PIDDINGTON
THIS PAGE: PHOTO: ELISE WILKIN // STYLING: NAT TURNBALL
WORDS: NINA DORN
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/ The Natural Artisan
29
HOW DID YOUR CAREER IN
and its strong vitrified state make it truly
the natural world around me. My current
C E R A M I C S E VO LV E ?
unique in the clay world. Although it is
body of work is a series that bonds
Without having ever worked with clay
without a doubt the most challenging clay
perpendicular lines with balanced and
before, I took ceramics as a class within
to work with, the outcomes and results of
fluid clay bodies. Through exploring this
my design degree. The minute I started
making sculptural work with this material
dichotomy, I examine light and shadow
working with the material I was intrigued
are unparalleled. It also has an extremely
through sculptural and ceramic form.
and interested in its possibilities and
rich and diverse history. My interest in its
My work is a continued study of the
limitations. From there I did an exchange
past led me to Arita in Japan, where the
intimate, tangible and ever challenging
in Canada, where I further developed my
natural material of Kaolin was discovered
nature of porcelain.
understanding of ceramics, and then
around 400 years ago. I am also hoping to
graduated from my degree in 2013. I
visit Jingdezhen in China where they have
bought a kiln and established my small
been working with this natural material
ceramic studio and very quickly became a
for thousands of years.
W H AT I S M O S T I M P O R TA N T TO CONSIDER WHEN WORKING AS AN ARTISAN?
I think it’s important to find specialty or
happy full time maker.
W H AT PA R T O F T H E P R O C E S S
W H AT A R E T H E P O S I T I V E S TO WORKING WITH BEAUTIFUL
difference in your work, and develop that
DO YOU MOST ENJOY?
to establish your creative voice. But also, I
Harvesting textures found in nature and
was recently reminded that there is no
N AT U R A L M AT E R I A L S?
making them into permanent memories of
such thing as an art emergency – which is
There are many positives to working with
the time is a very satisfying part of what I
something I need to remind myself!
clay. The feel of the material in your
do. For example, I recently made bowls
hands, its softness, fluidity and fragility,
which were cast directly from the faces of
which is quickly turned to a vitrified and
sunflowers that were growing out the back
PA S S I O N AT E A B O U T ?
permanent form through firing. Ever since
of the studio. I’ve also used the forms
I am passionate about what I do, I love my
first working with the material, I have had
from prickly pear cactuses, cardboard,
material and my process of working with
an innate desire to continue exploring
eggplants and styrofoam to elevate these
clay. And also, the ocean.
its qualities.
objects to a refined and pure result
W H AT ’ S YO U R FAVO U R I T E C L AY TO WORK WITH, AND WHY?
through the use of porcelain casting.
3 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE
W H AT I N S P I R E S YO U R D E S I G N S
The sea, music and avocados
Porcelain is my clay of choice, its intense
AND WHY?
whiteness when fired, its translucency
Like many artists, I am hugely inspired by
30 The Natural Artisan
/
issue no 18
W H AT A R E YO U M O S T
WITHOUT?
The Artisan / The Natural Artisan
PHOTOS (ABOVE RIGHT) : BRIGITTE GOTLEIB
" I A M H U G E LY I N S P I R E D B Y T H E N AT U R A L WORLD AROUND ME"
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/ The Natural Artisan
31
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