The Natural Artisan // Issue 21 by The Natural Artisan

I S S U E 2 1 / / 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

SIMPLE

LIVING

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

LOVE THIS

ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki is the perfect wall finish to display stunning art and collectables see p.04 for more

ISSUE NO. 21 / CONTENTS 03 04 16 20 30

WELCOME THE HOME // THE EUMUNDI HOUSE THE INFLUENCER // RACHEL CASTLE THE DESIGN // PERCY PLUNKETT BY KILLING MATT WOODS THE ARTISAN // GORNI CAHANI // ROCKCOTE ARTISAN

COVER PHOTOGRAPH DAVE WHEELER 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 THENATURALARTISAN.COM INSTAGRAM @THENATURALARTISAN VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE NOT NECESSARILY 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

W E LC O M E

NOTE

The New Year often allows us to reflect on fresh starts - an invigorating part of life - the thrill of the unknown, a clean slate and a chance to change your home or environment. To instigate positive change can be dauntingoften the hardest part is the very first step. In this issue we chat to ROCKCOTE founders Chris and Bob Cameron who weren't afraid of a bold undertaking in their renovation project. Using Natural Materials from the ROCKCOTE range they achieved a home which is now functional, sustainable and most importantly healthy. A fresh start can present in so many different forms - a renovation, new business or improving your own health and well-being. We chat to artist Rachel Castle about the factors that combined to inspire her to set up her own business on p.16. The Percy Plunkett project on p.20 saw interior designer Matt Woods receive industry acclaim for his unique response to a heritage site. On p.30 we chat to Artisan Gorni Cahani about his use of ROCKCOTE Natural Materials and the joy and wellbeing these finishes bring his clients. We hope you enjoy the issue and feel inspired to be the change in your own life. 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 Home / The Natural Artisan

N AT U R A L

HARMONY THE EUMUNDI HOUSE, QLD

The philosophy behind the renovation of this beautiful home nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland was functionality, sustainability and self-sufficiency. We chat to owners Chris and Bob Cameron about the use of traditional artisan skills and ROCKCOTE Natural Materials to achieve a beautiful, healthy home. P H OTO G R A P H Y: A N A S TA S I A K A R I O F Y L L I D I S

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THE EUMUNDI HOUSE AND THE

ROCKCOTE CONNECTION...

time he said if we were going to do it we

6 months but the garden took almost 10

had to do it properly and so finally he

months before it was completed.

became engaged enthusiastically – maybe

We originally built the home back in the

a little too enthusiastically as he gutted

early 90s and had thought for many years

the house.

that we needed to renovate but like most

Having built the original home and

HOW DID YOU MANAGE THE

PROJEC T AND WHO DID YOU USE FOR THE BUILD?

people we always seemed to be too busy!

lived in it for 25 years, we were well aware

It was mainly Bob and I to start with. It

When I finally took the plunge, I was

of the shortcomings and of the things we

has been in my head for years and I’d

thinking of simple changes such as colour

would have liked to have done at the time

collect visuals from magazines and of

updates and having the existing doors and

but for many reasons couldn’t afford or

ideas I’d liked. Setting up a Pinterest

windows refurbished. My husband Bob

have the time to do. We now knew how we

account and establishing “boards” for each

was not happy about it at all, as he’d

wanted to live in the home.

room, like the kitchen, made it very easy

finally stepped back a little from the day

The home has always been integrated

to organise and share with trades the look

to day running of our family business

with the gardens and our object was for it

I was after. One piece of advice we’d give

ROCKCOTE and was finally getting to

to be self-sufficient in energy, water and

anyone thinking of building or renovating

enjoy some time to relax. He felt he’d

resources from our garden and food

is that you must be on the site daily; if

spent his life “building things” - the

forest, which we planted 25 years ago on a

you’re not it’s at your own peril.

factory, our house, the ROCKCOTE Design

bare 14-acre block.

We were fortunate enough to have our original builder back on site this time

Centre on the Gold Coast, it went on and on and he’d had enough. However, over

W H AT WA S T H E T I M E SC A L E ?

round and he has a phenomenal memory.

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06 The Natural Artisan

issue no 19

LOVE THIS

A luxurious finish is achieved using ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in Half Strength Backwater

The Home / The Natural Artisan

" TO U C H I N G R O C KC OT E OT S U M I G A K I B R I N G S P U R E J OY TO T H E H E A R T A S I T FEELS LIKE POLISHED MARBLE." He remembered everything we’d done

ROCKCOTE’s Earthen Render to achieve a

Japanese trowel. Touching this finish

originally, and it helped enormously. We

natural, unaffected finish as the basecoat

brings pure joy to the heart as it feels like

were also really lucky to have an amazing

throughout the house and then refined it

polished marble. The beauty of Otsu, as

cabinet maker in Marco, from Modern

for one of our favourite places, the bay

we affectionately call it, is that you can

Nova Noosa who I worked with to create

window and built in seating area. There

create so many amazing looks from a

our incredible kitchen. He also gave me a

we added straw to the Earthen Render to

burnished polished look, to a textured clay

lot of advice on other areas of the house.

achieve a stunning rustic look. The clay

wall or a smooth undulating finish.

The fact that our electricians Scott and

finishes used predominately throughout

Anita from Formula Electrical have been

the home have the most amazing

ROCKCOTE Marrakesh, which is a lime

with us for nine years now was extremely

properties. Not only do they contain no

plaster that draws on traditional Tadelakt

beneficial as we discovered the

VOC’s or harmful chemicals, they are

and Moroccan plaster finishes. What’s so

importance of establishing a good

made from abundantly available raw

great about Marrakesh is that it can

electrical plan from the start.

materials, including biomass such as

deliver a smooth, lustrous look with an

straw and hemp in some areas. They clean

unrivalled soft, elegant appearance or it

W H AT A B O U T T H E G A R D E N ?

the air and maintain a constant humidity

can be used to create an amazing feature

Water and Stone were given carte blanche

throughout the home which is so ideal for

wall as we’ve done behind the bar. I’ve

on the water feature and came up with

human health and won’t allow the growth

seen it used many times as a decorative

the most natural water course you could

of poisonous mold and fungi. On top of all

finish in areas such as columns, bedheads,

ever imagine - the sound is so authentic. It

this, they are economical and incredibly

fireplace surrounds and entry areas.

also contains many edible plants and

beautiful. As an added bonus at the end

completely ecologically maintains itself.

of their life they can be reconstituted and

Earth Creations created the beautiful

used again or returned to the earth.

entry gardens and were instrumental in

We also used ROCKCOTE Clay Décor for

On all of the feature walls we used

T H E H O U S E I S F U L LY S U S TA I N A B L E . H O W

ACHIEVABLE WAS THIS?

turning what was once a dust hole into a

the stairways, the ceiling and the gallery

We are energy positive and make sure

lovely lush space to greet visitors.

room. It’s truly a beautiful fine finishing

that our excess power goes back into the

clay plaster that has built-in marble dust

grid. It’s a sad but common fallacy that

R O C KC OT E N AT U R A L

that glistens in the presence of ambient

environmental benefits come at a cost

light. During application other natural

when in fact they save you money. We

T H R O U G H O U T. T E L L U S A B O U T

items such as coffee beans, crystals,

have no connection to mains water; our

shells, and clean, dry wheat or hemp can

photovoltaic energy system provides a

be added to create beautiful feature walls.

return of well over 25% per annum and

M AT E R I A L S W E R E U S E D

THEIR UNIQUE BENEFITS...

The Natural Materials by ROCKCOTE range draws inspiration from nature to

ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki was used and

it costs us nothing to orientate the house

provide beautiful natural interior and

brought up to a lustre finish throughout

correctly to benefit from the warming

exterior finishes that don’t compromise

the majority of the home. A top coat of

rays of the winter sun and the cool

your health or the environment. We used

Carnauba Wax was finished using a

summer breezes.

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C L AY P L A S T E R D ÉCO R / R O C KC OT E ROCKCOTE Clay Plaster Décor products are made with pure ingredients and are free from synthetic nasties and toxins.

Being traditional natural products, they will display their natural patina over time in different ways. Clay Plaster Décor can be tinted with oxides to achieve numerous shades. 1/ Natural 2/ Colo 1/

10 The Natural Artisan

issue no 21

3. Paroo

4/ Backwater

LOVE THIS

A dramatic feature wall using a split stone effect with ROCKCOTE Marrakesh glazed with Antica Signoria

The Home / The Natural Artisan

" R O C KC OT E M A R R A K E S H D E L I V E R S A S M O OT H , LU S T R O U S LO O K W I T H A N U N R I VA L L E D E L EG A N T A P P E A R A N C E " T H E H O U S E I S A V E R I TA B L E SHOWCASE OF ARTISIAN

SKILLS. TELL US MORE ABOUT

relationship with the Maharishi and had many interesting pieces. The wooden framed Akua’ba doll that

to help me. Trudy and her daughter Chloe are not “one size fits all” type designers, they

THE PRACTICES USED...

sits above the fireplace in the dining room,

really do listen and are absolutely

The versatility and ease of use of the

I found locally at the Eumundi markets.

committed to creating spaces that reflect

ROCKCOTE Natural Materials allowed the

Traditionally, these dolls are carried on the

your lifestyle and the way you want to

use of standard trowel hands and

back of women either hoping to conceive a

live, so that was fantastic in keeping the

tradesmen under Bob’s direction... the

child or to ensure the attractiveness of the

relaxed style Bob and I love so much.

results speak for themselves.

child being carried.

W H AT WA S YO U R

I originally invested in art back in the

Trudy and I worked closely to create the beautiful home we now have and I can’t

90s, following a win on the Melbourne

begin to describe the fun we had in

Cup; we were still living in the garage at

throwing around ideas along with her

the time while building. I didn’t want the

team. We used many pieces that Bob and I

money to go into my purse and be

already had and loved but incorporated a

frittered away so I bought that beautiful

lot of additional ones from furniture to

piece in our entry hall which is by a

home décor items. Life was made a lot

Melbourne Artist Greg Mallyon. I always

easier as Clo Studios have their own

loved Charles Blackman and was lucky

studio and warehouse so in a number of

enough to secure two ceramic oils and a

cases, I was able to go and see what I was

TELL US ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL

limited edition etching.

going to get without having to wait or

WALLS IN YOUR HOME ...

craft room” into a Gallery room, where

BUILDING PHILOSOPHY? Our whole aim and philosophy for our projects is that planning is everything and the plan is nothing. We proceeded as if in a kind of dance, with daily communication between ourselves and the tradespersons to fine tune the detail as we went along. This approach worked really well for us!

A R T W O R K S T H AT G R AC E T H E They have been collected during our travels, purchased locally and even

scrounged out of a friend’s rubbish bin, who thought his work wasn’t that great! The big horse that features in the sunroom was commissioned by the Maharishi of Udaipur in Rajasthan to celebrate the birth of his first daughter and I found that strung up in an Indian shop for people to go behind to change! The store owner had a wonderful

During the renovation, I turned a “junk/

guess at what it looked like. The real bonus though was that one day

many hours are now enjoyed laying in an

we went out to lunch with some work

old reupholstered lounge, reading and

mates and came home to find a whole

enjoying the art that was once lost to

new house; it was the greatest gift I

brightly coloured walls.

could’ve ever received. Trudy and the

WHO HELPED YOU WITH THE INTERIOR DESIGN?

team turned our combined vision into a reality in one day without me having to lift a finger, with style, beauty and

On the Sunshine Coast there are so many

timeless design. I know in many years to

talented designers and if I’d had to pick

come, the beautiful pieces we’ve invested

one, I would’ve struggled enormously but

in now, will still make us smile with joy

fortunately a great friend of mine, Trudy

way into the future.

Tozer from Clo Studios in Noosa, offered

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The Design / The Natural Artisan

" I ’ M C O N V I N C E D T H E C L AY W A L L S H AV E C O N T R I B U T E D TO M E S L E E P I N G B E T T E R . " WHICH ASPEC TS OF YOUR HOME

combined genius of Trudy from Clo

not only looks beautiful but it’s so smooth

Studios and Marco from Modern Nova, the

with its waxed finish and has a wonderful

That’s such a hard question to answer

cabinet makers. Trudy designed the

feel. Bob absolutely loved our old bar and

because I look at it every single day and

stunning wall unit that hides a TV and all

said I couldn’t knock it down unless I

love it so much. The joy I get from sitting

of our wifi equipment and Marco made it

came up with something better and so

in the big sunroom in our 27-year-old

come to life. I’m convinced the clay walls

when I saw a beautiful set of Indonesian

reupholstered lounge and looking through

have contributed largely to me sleeping so

doors, that gave me the answer. The

the kitchen to the luxe dining room makes

much better, with it cleaning the air. My

frame sits in the garden.

me burst with happiness. I love our

heart sings every time I’m in that room.

ARE YOU MOST HAPPY WITH?

bedroom, it’s so peaceful and inviting, a

The bar is also something that I can’t

wonderful place to escape thanks to the

help but touch every time I walk past, it

14 The Natural Artisan

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The Home / The Natural Artisan 1.

Otsumigaki in Natural White. 6 ROCKCOTE Drawing on the ancient traditions of lime and clay Japanese plaster, Otsumigaki provides a subtle elegance through its soft, smooth feel. Its presence in a room enlivens the senses and brings us back in touch with the natural world.

5. TH IS PAGE 1.

Puna Rug #1171 $990, pampa.com.au

Incausa Artsanal incense sticks - Palo Santo, $28, fallow.com.au

Tribal Timber Vases, $264, satara.com.au

Mele Stool, $379, uniqwafurniture.com.au

Ariston Chair in Natural, $850,

Diptyque Baies Scented Candle, $85, mrporter.com

Faraway Chandelier, $90, theminiaturetreasury.com.au

ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki in Natural White, rockcote.com.au

satara.com.au

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The Influencer / The Natural Artisan

POSITIVE

VIBES

RACHEL CASTLE, CASTLE AND THINGS There’s no denying Rachel Castle is one of our favourite influencers. With her whimsical and witty artworks, bright embroidery and colourful homewares her posts are always positive, sunny and clever - much like her. We chat about career, motherhood, social media and her love of all things hand-made. PHOTOGR APHY: CAITLIN MILLS

TELL US A LIT TLE ABOUT YOUR C A R E E R - W H E N D I D YO U TA K E THE BR AVE STEP OF SETTING UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

There was never a grand plan, never a plan of any kind at all really! I just started making things, drew up some bed

A LL YOU R D E SI G NS AR E SC R EEN PRI NTED BY YOU. H OW

I M P O R TA N T I S I T T H AT YO U H AV E

linen designs and had them made locally

THIS HANDS ON APPROACH?

I spent the first 15 years of my working

in Melbourne. I guess I had a LOT of

The handmade part of my business is

career in branding. My first job was at

experience in how to create a brand, and

always my focus. I struggle to apply

Country Road in the marketing

just had to let the creative process

enough time to it, but it is crucially

department, and from there I moved to

develop with a little bit of space.

important. Everything we do trickles

the UK and worked at The Conran Shop, organising all the catalogue shoots. We

down from the artwork, and as I get older W H AT W O U L D YO U R A DV I C E B E

I dream of the day I can just be in the

TO A YOUNG DESIGNER WHO

studio painting, sewing and print making!

companies including British Airways. I

BUSINESS?

HOW TRICKY WAS IT JUGGLING

was always involved in the direction of

I would ALWAYS advise any young

product and creative, but I wasn’t the one

designer to work in their industry first

A N Y C O P I N G S T R AT EG I E S?

actually creating the imagery. I loved my

before stepping out on their own. The

My husband has recently retired and it is

job and didn’t really feel any need to

actual design of a product is only a very

HEAVEN. The motherhood juggle was real.

change direction.

small part of bringing a product to

I had two big jobs to complete every single

market. I spend maybe 5% of my time

day for a decade and they don’t call it a

moved back to Australia that I found

actually designing. The rest is spent on

struggle for nothing! It was hard and I’m

myself at home alone with a very real

production, running the business, dealing

really glad its over! One of the best

urge to just ‘make things’. I fiddled

with clients and deadlines, leading my

decisions I made was to stay home with

around with embroidery, did a screen

team and marketing. Design is the simple

the childre and, I am so relieved in

printing class at TAFE and finally when I

bit. Learning best practice in all these

hindsight I did it. It was a tough decision

had the space to do my own thing,

other areas is best done from someone or

but there are many many years to work as

discovered I had quite a lot to say and do.

a company who know how to do it well.

they grow older, and their younger years

then started an agency called The Nest and developed projects for various

It wasn't until I had my children and

WANTS TO SET UP THEIR OWN

MOTHERHOOD WITH BUSINESS?

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LOVE THIS

Achieve a similar wall finish by using ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in its Natural Colour

IN HER SHOES A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RACHEL CASTLE

6:00am Wake in fright for all the things I

need to get done. Shower and straight in

the car - my husband sleeps in these days, lucky sod, so I try to be quiet and creep around so as not to wake him.

6.30 am Arrive at work, get a coffee, do all my emails and admin.

7am I like to start the day sewing, I watch

Netflix or some trashy TV for an hour, it's the slow easy part of my day and it's

addictive. Without it I feel rushed and flash by in a second, I wouldn’t have

photogenic! Our photographic content is

missed it for the world.

all loosely planned but the words are always done five minutes before I post…. I

HOW HAS SOCIAL MEDIA

SHAPED YOUR GROW TH AND DEVELOPMENT?

think this keeps me honest and real and not too stiff, because its always done on the fly, I don’t have time to hone anything

anxious.

9am Girls arrive so we all catch up and sort out who is doing what.

1pm- 6pm In theory I am in the studio

painting and print making. It is really difficult to get uninterrupted quiet time. It is

Social media has been the difference

or make it perfect, which keeps it fluid

between success and failure for my

and real.

definitely the happiest part of my day.

business. It was really just taking off as I

I listen to crime podcasts (they seem

HOW DO YOU SOURCE YOUR

to keep me more focussed like other

handful of stores, or god forbid opening

CONTENT?

genres can't!).

my own (I’ve never ever been tempted) I

It's always organic. We shoot our ranges

opened a 24/7 worldwide online store with

ourselves with our own stylists and

7pm Every week night for the past 19 years

direct access to my customers at all times

photographers, we do some content here

via social media. It was and still continues

in the studio as we go along, and then a

to be EVERYTHING to this small business.

small proportion we send out to

started, and instead of wholesaling to a

YOU HAVE 120 K FOLLOWERS ON I N S TA G R A M - W H AT S E T S YO U R CONTENT APART ?

collaboraters we like along the way for their input. YO U R M U S T- FO L L O W

Like anything I’d like to say a large

I N S TAG R A M AC C O U N T ?

amount of love and attention. I don’t post

@thedesignfiles

everyday, I don’t like the spam element of it, but I do love to engage with our

W H AT I S N E X T FO R YO U ?

customers here, and respond to all my

We’ve just launched Spring Summer and

own DM’s and comments daily. We think

it’s a really beautiful range of colour and

hard about our content, equally there’s a

fun teenage feels, I grew up in the 80s and

fine line here about overthinking it, and it

it’s a homage to all the gingham we wore

does help that the studio is now quite

back in the day!

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issue no 21

I have sat down at the dining table with my family for dinner. It's the only time we all

talk. I try not to go out mid-week because I like my home time with them a lot. I don't

eat all day - I know! - I just get too busy and so I literally gobble everything that is put in front of me at dinner.

8pm I do my Instagram and emails for a while and watch TV with my husband.

10.30pm I go to bed and read because

reading for me is life. I have a lifelong love for literature. I read anything and

everything. In bed with a good book and my little sausage dog - so lucky! 11pm Sleep and start again.

" T H E H A N D M A D E PA R T O F T H E B U S I N E S S I S A LW AY S T H E M A I N F O C U S F O R M E . " 2.

Above:

The Castle Grey Linen Range

Below:

"Bloom" artwork

Below left: Gorgeous bed linen and Far left:

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artwork in situ "Jumble Garden" artwork

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The Design / The Natural Artisan

CAFÉ

C U LT U R E P E R C Y P L U N K E T T C A F É , S Y D N E Y, N S W

A heritage listed cottage undergoes a radical transformation from interior designer Killing Matt Woods who advocates a localism methodology which mixes original and new architectural elements in order to create a timeless, classic and quintessentially Australian café. ABOUT KILLING MATT WOODS How is your studio structured?

PHOTOGR APHY: DAVE WHEELER

I’m a one-man band… I like the flexibility this offers me and I get to pick and

PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE BIT A B O U T T H E B R I E F. . .

choose my projects and dedicate myself foundation and understanding of the concept direction which is pivotal for me.

Percy’s is located in a heritage-listed

My strongest projects have always been

cottage in Penrith, which is about 75mins

forged in the concept development.

out of Sydney at the base of the Blue Mountains. Officially, it’s Australia’s 8th biggest city and Penrithians are a fiercely loyal bunch. Add to this that I’m a big

T H E H O U S E W A S B U I LT I N 1 8 6 6 . WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC

DESIGN PERIODS REFERENCED

advocate of Australian manufacturing and

THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT?

design, so one of the guiding design

The interior of the house was a mash of

principles was to source as much as

differing styles due to a disparate series of

possible from local makers and suppliers.

reno’s over the 150 years since its build, so

In addition to this “localism” concept,

the principal intent was to create a

to them wholeheartedly.

You are one of Sydney’s most prolific

interior designers. How did you break into this area?

I was doing my masters in Sustainable

Architecture when I landed my first solo

job, Bloodwood in Newtown. Bloodwood got some attention in the design world

and slowly but surely the phone started

ringing. Ten years later, Bloodwood is still there - unchanged (no small feat in

Sydney’s hospitality environment) and so am I…

celebrating the heritage nature of the

cohesive whole, without referencing any

house was of primary importance and we

particular period.

How important is sustainability in

ROCKCOTE EARTHEN RENDER

It’s the key driving principle in my

decided that the principal aim of the new aesthetic development was to mix both original and new elements in order to create a timeless, classic and quintessentially Australian café.

W H AT D R AW S YO U TO T H E S E

N AT U R A L F I N I S H E S A N D W H Y ? I’m always aiming for authenticity in my

T Y P I C A L LY, H O W D O YO U B E G I N A PROJECT?

It always begins with getting a really solid

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WA S S P EC I F I E D T H R O U G H O U T.

issue no 21

work and honesty in material is one of my key design principles. I really enjoy the subtlety of textural changes and with a

the materials you specify?

specification. As much as possible I’m

trying to ensure that my materials are fit for purpose and as sustainable as possible.

Favourite project to date?

Ha-ha – they are all my children, and I love them all equally!

The Project / The Natural Artisan

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The Design / The Natural Artisan

LOVE THIS

ROCKCOTE Earthen Render provided a subtle textural contrast throughout the cafĂŠ

The Design / The Natural Artisan

LOVE THIS

ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki in Natural White helps create a relaxing space

0 10 8 The Natural Artisan

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" W I T H A P R O D U C T L I K E R O C KC OT E E A R T H E N R E N D E R T H E T E X T U R E S U B T LY CHANGES WITH THE SHIFTING LIGHT" product like ROCKCOTE Earthen Render, this subtly changes during the day, with the shifting light.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE

COLOUR SCHEME AND INTERIOR YOU SPECIFIED….

more contemporary green steel frames in the café; and finally into a green velvet upholstered seat in the dining room.

Overall I’ve created a series of aspirational HOW DOES THE PROJECT

RESPOND TO ITS HISTORY AND

rooms, as to create a different dining

DID YOU ENCOUNTER ANY

experience on each visit. Colour wise the

CHALLENGES?

interior is pretty muted, and as mentioned

Building is always a challenge and

The interior has been transformed into a

I took a more textural approach to all the

heritage listed sites always throw curve

series of intimate and “homely" spaces, in

finishes. The principal space where I break

balls. That said my business is 10 years

order to create the perfect environment

this rule is in the service corridor, which

old this year, so I’m pretty well versed at

for locals to settle in for a long breakfast

I’ve turned into a conservatory of sorts. It

adapting on the fly, so there was nothing

and lunch. To achieve this, a subtle and

sits in line with the entrance and it’s been

that springs to mind as an unusual

ethereal approach to materiality and

washed in greens and a floral motif. This

challenge.

finishes has been implemented, with

room’s purpose is to catch the eye on

interior walls, floors and ceilings featuring

entry and wills patrons into the deeper

slight variations in surface finish and

recesses of the space

LO C AT I O N O N A B U SY S T R E E T ?

texture as to give each room its own

As a counter balance the more

WHICH ASPECTS OF PERCY PLUNKET T ARE YOU MOST HAPPY WITH?

complimentary character. Three internal

traditional architectural elements the

I actually really loved working with the

walls have been removed; as to open up

Australian made lighting spec is much

clients! They’ve been my most passionate

and add volume to the spaces, however

more contemporary, with Volker Haug

and enthusiastic to date, and this comes

the “original” wall nibs have been retained,

doing most of the heavy lifting here. The

through in everything they do. Percy’s has

and new concrete lintels have been

furniture has been selected based on the

been incredibly successful and we’ve just

expressed, as to clearly indicate the

individual room aesthetic and aspirations

started work on a new venue for them,

original architectural footprint.

and transitions from traditional

which is at Orange Grove down by the

Bentwoods in the main dining space to the

Nepean river.

26 The Natural Artisan

issue no 21

LOVE THIS

ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki in Natural White helps create a relaxing space

LOVE THIS

ROCKCOTE Earthen Render imparts a textural warmth and authenticity to any space

LOVE THIS

Matt Woods specified ROCKCOTE Earthen Render to achieve this look throughout the project

The Design / The Natural Artisan

Earthen Render is the ideal natural clay render 6 ROCKCOTE for walls and feature areas in commercial developments or homes. The stunning natural aesthetic of Earthen Render imparts a textural warmth, honesty, and authenticity that brings a sense of relaxation and ease to any space. Earthen Render 8. contains no cement and is free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and dangerous chemicals and is fully recyclable which means it can be returned to the earth after use.

7. 6.

TH IS PAGE 1.

French Linen Napkins in Blush, $39.95 for a

2. 3.

Tropez Coffee Table in White Stone/Black,

WW Dining Chair in Oak, $745, hayche.com

$649, ozdesignfurniture.com.au

Swimsuit in Penny Sand, $139, winkisuits.com

The Broadsheet Sydney Cookbook, $49.99, yellowoctopus.com.au

The Lord Chandelier by Rubn Lighting $xxxx, fredinternational.com.au

set of 4, ilovelinen.com.au

Earl Grey Tea, $44, maydetea.com

ROCKCOTE Earthen Render rockcote.com.au

issue no 21

/ The Natural Artisan

The Artisan / The Natural Artisan

TEXTURAL

TRADE GORNI CAHANI , ROCKCOTE ARTISAN

For any artisan there’s an acknowledgment of the craft as something much more than a trade - there is an intimate relationship between them, the products and the tools used to create unique and beautiful finishes. We chat to ROCKCOTE Artisan Gorni Cahani about his appreciation for Natural Materials and the joy and wellbeing these finishes bring his clients. P H OTO G R A P H Y: TO M B L AC H FO R D // J E F F C R OW

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A ROCKCOTE ARTISAN?

Since 2015 so almost five years W H AT D O E S I T TA K E TO BECOME AN ARTISAN?

Well aside from the course (ROCKCOTE Natural Materials Workshop for

on a wall. The ability to create something

Otsumigaki – every job I do with that

beautiful was definitely a motivator in

finish, clients always remind me how

mastering decorative finishes and

much they love walking along the wall

specialising in that area.

and rubbing it - it's a great product!

DOES WORKING WITH

YO U R W O R K H A S F E AT U R E D

M AT E R I A L S B R I N G A S E N S E O F

W H I C H H AV E B E E N T H E S TA N D

R O C KC OT E N AT U R A L

IN SOME AMAZING PROJECTS,

Applicators) which is a solid foundation in

WELLBEING?

how to apply the product, being an

It certainly brings a sense of wellbeing to

One of my favourite projects I did was the

artisan involves continually using the

my clients. They choose natural products

White Rabbit Brewery in Geelong. It was a

products and getting to know how they

for a range of reasons and I’ve come to

few years ago now and one of the first big

work, set and how to manage client's

learn over the years that those who are

commercial projects I did but I think the

expectations around the finishes they

interested in natural products are

colour, the setting and finish was

desire.

definitely concerned about the

phenomenal. It's also down the road from

environment and their family’s

where I live so I can go visit and get

wellbeing in the home – aesthetics also

nostalgic whenever I want.

DID YOU EVER SEE YOURSELF MOVING INTO SUCH A

plays a huge role in the reason why they

SPECIALISED TRADE?

choose ROCKCOTE.

I started on commercial building sites rendering and was happy doing that for

W H AT A R E YO U R FAVO U R I T E

OUTS FOR YOU?

I also did an amazing job in Thirteen Beach in Victoria which is referred to as The Copper House. The house was a masterpiece with curves everywhere from

many years. When I was approached by a

M AT E R I A L S TO W O R K W I T H ?

client to do a bathroom using waterproof

I will always have an appreciation for

house is covered in ROCKCOTE

finishes, it definitely made me think there

ROCKCOTE Marrakesh but I also love the

Otsumigaki and Marrakesh and is a

was more to life than just throwing mud

smooth velvet finish of ROCKCOTE

project I will always be proud of.

30 The Natural Artisan

issue no 21

bedrooms to bathrooms to staircases. The

LOVE THIS

Gorni's artisan skills on display at Kathmandu's Melbourne store using ROCKCOTE Clay Plaster DĂŠcor

Above top and bottom: ROCKCOTE Venetian plaster walls applied by Gorni combined with concrete floors and grey marble fixtures helped Australian practice Adam Kane Architects avoid an "overly feminine" aesthetic inside a retail space in Melbourne.

issue no 21

/ The Natural Artisan

To learn more about the ROCKCOTE product range or find your nearest Australian or New Zealand Distributor contact: phone: email:

1300 736 668

enquiries@rockcote.com.au www.rockcote.com.au