I S S U E 2 2 / / 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
STYLE MADE
SIMPLE
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
6
READ THIS p.14 Adam Kane's
bridal flagship store design utilised ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster throughout
W E LC O M E ISSUE NO. 22 / CONTENTS 03 04 14 20 24 30
WELCOME THE HOME // THE YIK RESIDENCE BY JAYSON PATE ARCHITECTS THE DESIGN // MARIANA HARDWICK STORE BY ADAM KANE ARCHITECTS THE INFLUENCER // JASON CHONGUE // THE PLANT SOCIETY THE PROJECT // THE SLOW BY GEORGE GORROW THE ARTISAN // RONNY HELOU // ROCKCOTE ARTISAN
COVER PHOTOGRAPH TOM BLACHFORD 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
NOTE
There's a good reason why ROCKCOTE refer to people who work with our natural materials as Artisans. Working with natural building materials is a highly skilled process that requires a comprehensive knowledge of building systems, application techniques and an understanding of the products. But there’s a lot more than just technical knowledge to being an Artisan. The definition of an Artisan is as “a skilled craft worker who makes or creates things by hand that may be functional or strictly decorative. Artisans practice a craft and may through experience and aptitude reach the expressive levels of an artist.” This ethos is echoed in our interview on p.30 with ROCKCOTE Artisan Ronny Helou who chats to us about the benefits of using Natural Materials on his latest projects. From the minimal, understated design of the new Mariana Hardwick flagship store in Melbourne on p.14 by Adam Kane Architects to the tropical brutalism of Bali hotel The Slow on p.24, we can be certain of one thing; nothing can replace the emotion that you feel when discovering a handmade, artisinal creation, the experience of a unique work of art or immersing yourself in a truly original décor. This issue is therefore an invitation for you to explore, to discover and to enjoy...
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
issue no 22
/ The Natural Artisan
03
The Home / The Natural Artisan
EASY
LIVING
T H E Y I K R E S I D E N C E , M E R M A I D W AT E R S , Q L D This bold and beautiful home nestled between city and hinterland celebrates sunny days, laid back living and quiet contemplation. We speak to architect Jayson Pate about the project and the unique benefits he discovered using ROCKCOTE's Natural Materials.
WO R DS: N I N A D O R N // P H OTO G R A P H Y: A N DY M AC P H E R S O N
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THE
also available to the north-east. These
reading spaces for both parents and
parameters were carefully considered
children, away from the main living and
The home was designed as a holiday home
with the placing of particular rooms, their
entertaining areas.
for clients who are based overseas. The
glazing and how eave sizes and heights
brief was to create a stunning, yet
were designed.
YOU SPECIFIED THE ROCKCOTE
W H AT W E R E T H E S P EC I F I C
WHICH FINISHES DID YOU USE
BRIEF FOR THE HOME...
functional home that maximised the site's city skyline views and took full advantage of the cooling south easterly breezes. WHERE IS THE PROPERTY
LO C AT E D A N D H O W D O E S I T RESPOND TO THE LOCAL SURROUNDINGS?
The property is located in Mermaid
NEEDS INCLUDED FOR THE
P EO P L E T H AT O W N T H E H O M E ?
N AT U R A L M AT E R I A L S R A N G E . AND WHY?
Internally ROCKCOTE Marrakesh was
Being a holiday home, the clients
used in feature areas. Each Marrakesh
specifically wanted a home where both
application is unique and brings a natural
quiet relaxation and easy entertaining
beauty to a space. In this particular
could co-exist.
project, we chose to accentuate the
Knowing this, the home features
double height living space by running it
Waters, QLD. The site is a canal front
expansive living spaces that flow out onto
from floor to ceiling in the living room.
property to the east and has magnificent
a generous sized alfresco area, pool and
The ROCKCOTE Marrakesh draws the eye
views of the hinterland, over a man-made
lawn for the kids to kick a ball. The home
high into the space, emphasising the full
lake to the west. City skyline views are
also features a media room and study and
extent of the volume created.
04 The Natural Artisan
/
issue no 22
The Project / The Natural Artisan
issue no 20
/ The Natural Artisan
05
The H P room j eec t/ T / hTeh N e aNtautruarl aAl rAt irst a i sna n
6
06 The Natural Artisan
/
issue no 19
LOVE THIS
ROCKCOTE EcoStyle Low Sheen Paint in Triple Wood Smoked was used on the walls
The Project / The Natural Artisan
6
issue no 20
LOVE THIS
ROCKCOTE Marrakesh (Polished Finish) in Concrete was used to create a dramatic fireplace
/ The Natural Artisan
07
The Home / The Natural Artisan
" E A C H R O C K C O T E M A R R A K E S H A P P L I C AT I O N I S U N I Q U E A N D B R I N G S A N AT U R A L B E A U T Y TO A S PA C E . "
issue no 22
/ The Natural Artisan
11
HOW DOES THE DESIGN AND
FUNCTIONALITY OF THIS HOME ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE?
The home design enhances the owners' quality of life by allowing them to relax
fixtures and home automation support
that were low maintenance, allowing the
simple living.
clients to leave the home for extended
WHICH DESIGN ELEMENTS ARE I M P O R TA N T I N C R E AT I N G A
periods, without stressing of what might need to be re-finished or replaced upon their return.
and enjoy their holiday periods in the
FUNCTIONAL HOME?
generous, functional spaces created. It
The key starting point to any functional
allows them to escape their busy
home is a well-designed floor plan. To
corporate lives and spend quality time
achieve this, clean lines and proportionate
THIS HOME?
with family, whilst enjoying the home that
spaces are a must. Generous hallway
Low maintenance material selections
takes full advantage of the Gold Coast’s
widths and stairs are also an important
included rendered, painted external walls,
ideal climate.
element. The flow of a home and the way
hand laid stone cladding, metal roofing,
one space interacts with the next is also key.
aluminium framed windows and doors
WHICH DESIGN ELEMENTS SUPPORT SIMPLE LIVING?
W H AT WA S YO U R M AT E R I A L
Everything from the functional floor plan,
S T R AT EGY ?
to the finishes selections, fittings and
The material strategy was to use finishes
12 The Natural Artisan
/
issue no 22
W H AT OT H E R B U I L D I N G
M AT E R I A L S W E R E U S E D I N
and a combination of tiled, composite timber and concreted external areas.
The Home / The Natural Artisan 1.
Marrakesh (Polished Finish) 6 ROCKCOTE in Concrete. Drawing inspiration from traditional Tadelakt and Moroccan plaster finishes, Marrakesh delivers a smooth, lustrous and luxurious finish. Here Marrakesh has been used to recreate the look of polished concrete, showing its power to create beautiful, contemporary spaces.
8.
8.
2. 3.
4.
4.
7.
6. 6.
6.
5.
TH IS PAGE 1. 2.
Round Matte Black Kitchen Mixer,
5.
Organic Bowl $198, satara.com.au
$349, meir.com.au
6.
Puna Floor cushion, $385,
thedesignhunter.com.au 3.
7.
Circus_750 Pendant Light, $7,800, resident.co.nz
Franklin Arm Chair in Desert Sand, $545, globewest.com.au
4.
pampa.com
Pride Rug in Ivory, $1,694,
8.
ROCKCOTE Marrakesh Polished
String Of Pearls In Concrete Pot, $24,
Decorative Effect in Concrete,
thedesignedit.com.au
rockcote.com.au
issue no 22
/ The Natural Artisan
13
The Design / The Natural Artisan
A SIMPLE
S PA C E
MARIANA HARDWICK STORE, MELBOURNE, VIC Set with the task of redefining bridal retail, Adam Kane Architects created a new, contemporary boutique in South Melbourne. Maximising the space, ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster walls gave a contemporary blanched aesthetic to this refined and elegant space.
W O R D S : N I N A D O R N // P H O T O G R A P H Y:T O M B L A C H F O R D
14 The Natural Artisan
/
issue no 22
The Project / The Natural Artisan
issue no 19
/ The Natural Artisan
13
The Design / The Natural Artisan
6
LOVE THIS
ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster walls applied by ROCKCOTE Artisan Gorni Cahani (see more of his work in issue #20)
The Design / The Natural Artisan
" R O C KC OT E V E N E T I A N P L A S T E R H A S A R E F I N E D, P U R E , A N D T I M E L E S S F E E L I T WA S T H E P E R F EC T O P T I O N TO U S E " W H AT WA S T H E C L I E N T ’ S
W H AT W E R E SO M E E S S E N T I A L
The Mariana Hardwick boutique is an
An immediate observation upon the first
the north, it was able to create a beautiful
iconic luxury bridal fashion designer
site visit (pre-design), was the north facing
mottled sheen which draws the user into
brand, and was looking to downsize to a
service yard. Whilst previously disused,
the space. It reflects the light, and changes
heritage Victorian hotel in the heart of
the architect saw this as an opportunity
reflectivity as you walk through. The
South Melbourne. Moving into a smaller
to turn this into a beautiful courtyard,
product also has a beautiful refined, pure,
space, it was critical for the brand to
for the rear of the boutique to open onto.
and timeless feel which was the perfect
maintain its luxury profile, whilst also
With the entrance on the south side of the
option for the client’s brief and product.
standing out from its countless
building, new garden-facing steel framed
competitors, through not just quality of
windows now provided not only a view
product, or better service, but through
through the building, but also created an
ASPECT OF THE PROJECT?
a more enjoyable user experience of the
opportunity for plaster walls to sheen and
Working on a bridal boutique, the
space and process.
shimmer from the back-lit garden. What
immediate thought was to use multiple
could have been a dark, ‘back of house’,
layers of white. The white ROCKCOTE
change room area, was now a beautifully
Venetian Plaster, white exposed aggregate
lit destination, which became the setting
concrete floors, white linen change rooms,
Taking inspiration from museums and
for the feature fitting rooms. These private,
white dresses, and of course the lighting.
European luxury boutiques, the use of a
circular spaces hero the boutique and
None of these materials are anything
simple yet refined palette paired with a
expertly set the stage for each bride who
‘new’, but we were able to layer them
new take on the ‘typical’ bridal store
enters, and aims to truly heighten the
throughout the space to create a sense
layout has resulted in a re-imagined
immediate experience of the fitting for
of balance and elegance, without simply
luxury shopping experience.
such a significant item of clothing.
being a plain white store.
ROCKCOTE VENETIAN PLASTER
W H AT A R E SO M E O F T H E M O R E
ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster. These were
W E R E T H E A DVA N TAG E S?
The ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster walls
carefully chosen to create a stunning
The architect believes to maximise the
cast reflections throughout the showroom,
foundation, whilst also allowing for the
experience of the ROCKCOTE Venetian
enchantingly bringing the foliage from
collection of gracefully beautiful gowns to
Plaster’s properties, the material should
outside in, and punctuating the all-white
truly shine.
be lit from the opposite viewing angle. By
interior with fleeting moments of green.
VISION FOR THE PROJECT?
HOW DID YOU BRING THIS CONCEPT TO LIFE?
An elegantly minimal and refined palette has been utilised through materials such as white concrete, and
D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S?
WA S U S E D T H R O U G H O U T. W H AT
having the entrance and reception area at the south, and having the walls lit from
W H AT WA S YO U R FAVO U R I T E
U N I Q U E I N T E R I O R F E AT U R E S?
issue no 22
/ The Natural Artisan
17
The Design / The Natural Artisan
A B O U T T H E A R C H I T E C T: ADAM KANE How did Adam Kane Architects come about?
Founded in 2015 Adam Kane
Architects is a Melbourne based architecture and interior design
practice that primarily focuses on
single residential projects. Regardless of scale, setting or budget, Adam and his team work to design spaces that
are specifically tailored to each client’s unique needs and desires.
Describe your design philosophy...
Our design philosophy is founded in a timeless elegance, and pared back
without unnecessary ornamentation. Where do you find inspiration?
Inspiration is all around us, from the
macro to the micro. Whether it be a
design aesthetic, an attention to detail and level of craftsmanship, or the
people we meet, each day brings an opportunity to be inspired.
What are your influences?
Examples of architecture throughout western Europe such as Spain and
Belgium have always aligned with the
office’s aesthetic. Designs of restraint, with texture and emotion so as to ensure they are not sterile.
What is your favourite project? Each of our projects is special for
different reasons. The relationships
that we form with each client, getting to know them and their families, how they live and what they like. Each
project has its own challenges, but that is what we love. Being able to deliver
the perfect product for each client that exceeds their expectations.
18 The Natural Artisan
/
issue no 20
The Design / The Natural Artisan
6
LOVE THIS
Using ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster helped avoid an "overly feminine" aesthetic inside with its monochrome tones.
The Influencer / The Natural Artisan
LIVING
GREEN JASON CHONGUE, THE PLANT SOCIETY
We chat to influencer Jason Chongue - a Melbourne-based architect, interior designer and plant cultivator whose love for all things green led him to launch The Plant Society - an online social network for gardeners, offering help and information on must-have trends in the plant world. Jason's incredible plant collection and unique interiors have been featured heavily across the Australian media and on international blogs. WORDS: NINA DORN
//
PHOTOGR APHY: ARMELLE HABIB
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT
INDOOR PL ANTS ARE ENJOYING
HOW HAS SOCIAL MEDIA
Basically The Plant Society are
ARE YOUR TOP 3 TRENDING
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT?
T H E P L A N T SO C I E T Y. . .
A H U G E R E S U R G E N C E - W H AT
SHAPED THE PLANT SOCIETY’S
ambassadors for all things green. With
PLANTS FOR 2020?
studios and stores in Melbourne and
I am in awe about the love people have for
The Plant Society to launch itself and pass
Sydney, we promote positive and open
indoor and urban greenery! My three
on our message and knowledge. I find
conversations around gardening.
favourite plants this season are:
myself balancing online communication
Epipremnum aureum (Devil’s Ivy)
with building relationships in person, and
inspire you to nurture greenery in your
Peperomia (Radiator Plant)
within communities. This balance allows
home and help motivate a greener city.
Strelitzia Nicolai (Bird of Paradise)
me and the team to network as one would
YOU HAVE A NEW BOOK –
W H AT I S T H E B I G G E S T
Basically I explain and simplify how to
AN INFLUENCER?
curate and look after plants in small
It’s been fantastic writing and styling my
urban spaces. I provide a practical and
books. I’ve been so amazed how many
personal guide to creating urban gardens
people around the world have engaged
CITY FOR PLANT INSPO?
and styling with plants, perfect for a
and sent messages telling me how it has
Amsterdam. I toured with the book last
range of environments and climates,
helped them nurture plants but also style
year and was blown away by the plant
inside or out.
their space to make it feel more homely.
love in this city. With windows filled with
Through our outposts we hope to
"GREEN" – TELL US MORE…
OPPORTUNIT Y TO YOU AS
Social media has been a great platform for
in the real world. We are always conscious that communities exist not online in digital media but in real life, so we need to connect and nurture in all ways possible. WH I CH IS YOU R FAVOU RITE
issue no 22
/ The Natural Artisan
21
TOP 10 TIPS FOR HAPPY AND HEALTHY PLANTS 1/ PLAN WELL. Plan out the overall look you
are wanting to achieve. This might include how many plants, where they will go and the style you envisage.
2 / DON’T BE CHARMED BY LOOKS. We all
make the mistake of choosing plants purely by how they look. It’s more
important to choose plants by the natural lighting conditions they require.
3 / KNOW WHO YOU ARE AS A GARDENER. If
you are nervous about gardening, then
choose plants that are easy to care for and low maintenance.
4 / FOCUS ON THE FUNDAMENTALS. Plants
are alive. They thrive off the fundamentals
of water, light and nutrition. Focus on these and you can't go wrong,
greenery it was hard not to fall in love with plant life in Amsterdam. YOU HAVE A 60.8K FOLLOWING O N I N S TAG R A M . W H AT S E T S YOU R CONTENT APART ?
T O P 3 M U S T- FO L L O W I N S TAG R A M PAG E S?
@heathernetteking - Heather is epic and I’m such a fan. Not only is she the most amazing person but her interiors are so rich in texture and colour.
Our growth in following has been
@studiohearhear – Rena’s interiors and
amazing. I always select every photo and
plant love are relatable and calming.
make sure it’s a vignette I love and that it
@clairetakacs – Amazing landscapes
helps followers with styling and the
captured worldwide. An instant breath of
selection of plants you might try at home.
fresh air.
Each photo has to reflect me and what I love. In a world where there is so much to
W H AT I S N E X T FO R YO U ?
take in, we keep our philosophy at heart
We’re excited to open another Outpost in
with everything we do.
Sydney in the next month. For me this
HOW DO YOU SOURCE YOUR
year is about pause and reflection. We have grown tremendously over the
I N S TAG R A M C O N T E N T ?
last few years and this year I want to
We take every photo ourselves as a team
spend quality time with The Plant Society
or work with our close photographers to
family and really work on perfecting what
make every image personal. Every product,
we do.
object, scene and indoor jungle are our
comes to gardening. The plant world is on a journey of its own so make sure to slow down and enjoy the process.
6 / CARE FREQUENTLY. Check in on your
plants regularly - my tip is every week. 7 / DON’T PANIC. When you have plant
problems, don’t panic! Try to systematically pinpoint the problem. Like humans, plant illnesses take time to resolve.
8 / SPEAK UP. Always ask for advice! With a
multitude of plant types, you’ll always need help from family, friends, neighbors and online plant friends.
9 / BE YOURSELF. DON’T FALL FOR FADS. You
don’t have to follow the trends but instead focus on plants that relate to you.
10 / ALWAYS EXPERIMENT. A great gardener
always pushes the boundaries of what they grow. It’s great to try new plant types to challenge your skill set.
very own projects.
22 The Natural Artisan
5 / TAKE IT SLOW. There is no rush when it
/
issue no 22
" I A M I N AW E A B O U T T H E LOV E P EO P L E H AV E FO R I N D O O R A N D U R B A N G R E E N E R Y " 2.
Above: The Dining room displays pops
of green thanks to just a few
from Jason’s impressive indoor
plant collection, sourced from
local growers.
Left:
Fresh herbs straight home
from the market.
Far left: Kitchens often provide a
bright space for many indoor
varieties.
issue no 22
/ The Natural Artisan
23
The Project / The Natural Artisan
S LO W
DOWN
THE SLOW, CHANGGU, BALI
Founded by designer George Gorrow this stunning hotel is a celebration of laid back living. At a glimpse the spaces could be described as ‘tropical brutalism’ – but looking deeper there’s a wealth of influences from minimalism to traditional Indonesian craftsmanship. Natively-sourced, sustainable timber and stone form the foundation of the design, paired with locally made furniture and crafts. WORDS: NINA DORN
// P H OTO G R A P H Y: TO M M A S O R I VA
issue no 20
/ The Natural Artisan
25
The Project / The Natural Artisan
6
LOVE THIS
The Slow uses locally sourced stone, use ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in Natural White for a similar vibe
YOU R C AREER WAS I N FASH I ON (AS CO-FOUNDER OF KSUBI) WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO DESIGN A HOTEL?
We spent a lot of our time on the road, and with that came experiencing so many hotels. Some places I used to get excited to return to because the hotel experience itself was equally as interesting and fun as the location. Hotels for me when done right were unique, intimate all-encompassing experiences. It’s similar to when we put on a fashion show back in the day, where everyone was involved, the entry, the seating, the music, the set, the girls and then the finale, these were my favourite moments in fashion, where we could give someone a complete experience - that’s what always made me interested in doing a hotel. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE SLOW AND ITS CONCEPT?
It’s a small boutique hotel situated on the west coast of Bali, about 300 meters from some of Bali’s most fun all-rounder waves. The hotel itself consists of 15 large suites, and the venue home to mine and my wife’s personal art collection. The restaurant is a similar concept, curated dishes with a local spin, headed up by chef Dan Medcalf. Our gallery, which is a partnership with China Heights Gallery in Sydney is an interactive pop-up space that showcases artist and products. And our music which is a huge part of what we do is curated by our friends Reverberation Radio from California.
26 The Natural Artisan
/
issue no 22
"THE DESIGN IS WARM MINIMALISM... THERE’S AN ABUNDANCE OF TEXTURE, S I M P L I C I T Y A N D O P E N N E S S T O T H E S PA C E . " W H E R E I S T H E S LO W LO C AT E D
AND WERE THERE ANY SPECIFIC D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S?
Our venue is very intimate and we pride
house by Cisco & The Sun. Our glassware
ourselves on our service. We encourage
comes courtesy of local Bali mums that
unplugging - checking in to The Slow and
collect and repurpose discarded bottles.
The design works with the surrounding
checking out of your normal life. Our over-
environment, using a mixture of screens
sized suites are meant to allow relaxation
over the entire building which funnels the
and to help clear your mind - we don’t
cooling sea breeze. The design was based
have desks or TVs but we have a dial that
BUILD AND PROCESS?
around looking inward, creating internal
plays you 24hr curated music. We try to
Yes of course but that’s all part of the
gardens, and multiple spaces for you to
take away decisions for you and curate a
process of creating something.
venture through.
sensory stay that is unique.
YOU DESCRIBE THE DESIGN AS
T E L L U S A B O U T I N I T I AT I V E S
It’s brutalist in form and materials. The
I M PAC T O N T H E I S L A N D A N D AT
‘ T R O P I C A L B R U TA L I S M ’. . .
TO M I N I M I S E E N V I R O N M E N TA L
DID YOU ENCOUNTER ANY
CHALLENGES WITH THE SLOW’S
WHICH ASPECTS OF THE SLOW ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I’m most proud of the entire project itself - to have the idea realised and completed
design could also be described as warm
THE HOTEL...
minimalism as there’s an abundance of
We use zero plastic, grey water usage. The
very new to me and nice to see something
texture, simplicity and openness to the
design of the hotel is natural cooling and
permanent in a world of impermanence,
space.
made using 3 types of local sand, while
and even something that can evolve, like a
floors are concrete and utilise local river
living breathing thing. The Slow has seen
stones. The furniture is primarily made
so many transformations already in its
from recycled teak, and other recycled
first 3 years.
HOW DOES THE PROJECT
ALLOW GUESTS TO ENJOY A “SLOW ESCAPE”?
28 The Natural Artisan
material, while our ceramics are made in-
/
issue no 22
is a huge achievement. It was something
The Project / The Natural Artisan
6 ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in Natural White.
Natural, graceful and versatile, Marrakesh is a traditional lime plaster that allows the artisan to create a wide range of decorative and functional finishes. Drawing on traditional Tadelakt and Moroccan plaster finishes, Marrakesh delivers a smooth, lustrous look with an unrivalled soft, elegant appearance for decorative finishes.
1.
3. 7.
2.
3.
4.
5.
5. 4.
7. 5.
8. TH IS PAGE 1.
Moroccan Leather Pouf Cover, Tan Brown
5.
2.
Tan Nubuck Sandals, $110,
6.
Mele Stool, $379, uniqwafurniture.com.au
4.
Masakela Oversized Lounger, $1599.00, uniqwafurniture.com.au
Washup Botanical Hand Wash, $29.95, ashleyandco.co
palmairasandalsaustralia.com.au 3.
Grey Potted Prickly Pear Cactus, $31.95, templeandwebster.com.au
$142.95, Zanui.com.au
6.
7.
HK Living Pendant Lamp in Black, $599, houseoforange.com.au
8.
ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in Natural White, rockcote.com.au
issue no 22
/ The Natural Artisan
29
The Artisan / The Natural Artisan
C R E AT I V E
S PA C E RONNY HELOU, ROCKCOTE ARTISAN
For any artisan there’s an acknowledgment of the craft as something much more than a trade - there is an intimate relationship betweeen them, the products and the tools used to create unique and beautiful finishes. We chat to ROCKCOTE Artisan Ronny Helou. WORDS: NINA DORN
// P H OTO G R A P H Y: A N L I E T T E C H E N
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A ROCKCOTE ARTISAN?
I don’t know the exact year but I attended the first ever ROCKOTE training workshop
Solutions in 2005 and have been working
and Brasserie in Newport is a favourite.
to perfect my skills ever since.
Working with a team of designers and
DOES WORKING WITH ROCKCOTE
stylists to set the tone and theme was a really rewarding experience.
that was held in Sydney at TAFE.
N AT U R A L M AT E R I A L S B R I N G A
W H AT D I D T H E A R T I SA N
Yes, there is certainly something
T R A I N I N G I N VO LV E ?
WALL SOLUTIONS?
therapeutic about working with natural
At Creative Wall Solutions we will
There were a few components to the
materials. At Creative Wall Solutions we
continue to remain focused on the
course. There was a theory component
often refer to what we do as art rather
protection and sustainability of quality
which was really insightful and then an
than a trade – there is a real sense of
workmanship. We see a lot of work out
introduction to the ROCKCOTE materials.
creativity - creating environments that
there that doesn’t really live up to what a
We also did a practical learning day that
inspire people’s senses and set the mood.
true artisan strives for and we really want
allowed us to work with and experiment
SENSE OF WELLBEING?
with the products.
W H AT A R E YO U R FAVO U R I T E
H A D YO U A LWAYS B E E N
It would have to be ROCKCOTE
INTERESTED IN LEARNING A
M AT E R I A L S TO W O R K W I T H ? Marrakesh. I remember the first time I
W H AT N E X T FO R C R E AT I V E
to ensure that we work to protect the artisan trade. WHICH TRENDS DO YOU SEE
INFLUENCING WALL FINISHES
SKILLED TRADE?
travelled to Morocco and fell in love with
IN 2020?
In 2003 I started working with my brother
the riads in Marrakesh. Now I get to use
Sustainable living is certainly the trend at
-in-law who is a renderer. I was surprised
this versatile product to create stunning
present, so I see the demand for natural
at how much I enjoyed working with my
spaces in people’s homes.
clay finishes, such as ROCKCOTE Clay
hands. I also became passionate about perfecting my skills and getting the best
WH I CH ARE YOU R FAVOU RITE
possible outcome for the client. From
P R OJ EC T S TO DAT E ?
there, I decided to set up Creative Wall
From a commercial perspective, Bert’s Bar
Décor really taking off this year. It’s great because it’s the kind of work we love doing!
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
