I S S U E 1 7 // 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
BUILDING A
DREAM 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.20 CM Studio's Bellevue Hill project utilised ROCKCOTE Marrakesh throughout the home
W E LC O M E ISSUE NO.17 / CONTENTS 03 04 08 16 20 28
WELCOME THE PROJECT // THE TWEED HOUSE BY RAUNIK DESIGN THE DESIGN // HOUSE ACUTE BY MCK ARCHITECTS THE INFLUENCER // DANA TOMIĆ HUGHES OF YELLOWTRACE THE HOME // BELLEVUE HILL HOUSE BY CM STUDIO THE ARTISAN // MR AND MRS WHITE
COVER PHOTOGRAPH JOSHUA WHITE 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 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
Craftsmanship and artisanship are learned skills or trades not only governed by time limitations or budget constraints, but by exceptional quality of workmanship, attention to detail, and dedication to the pursuit of perfection. Welcome to the all new ROCKCOTE Natural Artisan magazine. Our focus is to showcase the work of the most talented people in our industry, and to highlight and celebrate their unique projects. Each issue we will bring you beautiful and carefully curated architecture, design and interiors that share an innate understanding and appreciation of the environment, along with materials and techniques to inspire. We hope you enjoy it. 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 17
/ The Natural Artisan
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The Project / The Natural Artisan
FLUID
LINES THE TWEED HOUSE, DURANBAH, QLD Challenging conventional concrete construction, this series of ROCKCOTE rendered pods create a unique home that celebrates the site's magnificent location overlooking Flagstaff beach. The organic curved forms beget a striking sculptural structure that echoes the shell-like flotsam that has washed ashore. We speak to architect Frank Ruinik. WORDS: NINA DORN
//
04 The Natural Artisan
P H OTO G R A P H Y: M AT T B A R R E T T
/
issue no 17
✖
LOVE THIS
This internal finish was achieved by using ROCKCOTE Smooth Sanding Patch
W H AT WA S T H E D E S I G N B R I E F ?
reverted to hand-drawn concept and
that celebrates a contrast with colours
The client has always loved organic,
construction details, as this proved a
and textures.
curved shapes. When he came across
better method of communicating the
some completed works by Mexican
curved forms.
YOU USE ROCKCOTE SMOOTH
W H AT C H A L L E N G E S D I D YO U
S E T I N T H E H O M E . W H AT W E R E
Architect Javier Senosiain, the client saw these curves and the potential for a future
SA N D I N G PATC H A N D S M O OT H
home. Javier was commissioned for an
ENCOUNTER WITH THIS BUILD?
T H E A DVA N TAG E S?
initial concept design, and subsequently
One of the first challenges was obtaining
The ROCKCOTE Smooth Sanding Patch
Raunik Design Group was engaged to
council approval for the design. The high
used internally and ROCKCOTE Smooth Set
develop this concept into reality. Raunik
profile site already had an existing
used externally gives a fantastic finish that
Design progressed the concept on from
approval for a much taller building, and
leaves people wondering how the structure
the initial concepts through to
council originally felt that it may have
was built. The ROCKCOTE Smooth
development approval, design
been an underdevelopment of the site.
Sanding Patch and ROCKCOTE Smooth Set
development, building approval and
Through design development, council
render technique avoided control joints
construction documentation.
eventually agreed that the proposed
and allowed for a clean homogenous finish
design would result in an iconic building
throughout the residence. Although the
W H AT W E R E S O M E E S S E N T I A L
that was worthy of such a prominent site.
main material – concrete – is used every
This was a unique project that presented
DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN ETHOS.
form required the material’s performance
challenges and opportunities at every
Raunik Design Group have traditionally
to be pushed beyond its normal use. The
turn. The most essential design
designed contemporary-modern projects
structural engineers, Odyssey Consulting,
considerations were regarding how to turn
using strong linear and geometric
were able to bring the unique form into a
the organic curved forms into a built
elements, so this new organic form was
reality and achieve the large curved
reality. The actual documentation and 3D
entering new design territory in terms of
structure with minimal internal columns.
modelling presented many challenges.
aesthetic style. Although the building style
Experimenting with new software to
is unique, the design ethos behind it is
actually built by film set designers, who
achieve the desired outcome and working
consistent with our other coastal projects.
had the technology to import our 3D
with such organic shapes proved
Celebrating the site’s magnificent views,
model and cut the curved foam pieces,
a challenge to provide exact
large open-plan living and entertaining
which were then assembled on site piece
measurements. In many cases we actually
spaces, and a clean material palette
by piece. Curved steel reinforcing was laid
D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S ?
day in construction, our project’s unique
The formwork for the concrete was
and then sprayed with concrete.
06 The Natural Artisan
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issue no 17
The Project / The Natural Artisan
" T H E R O C K C O T E R E N D E R G A V E A F A N TA S T I C F I N I S H T H AT L E F T P E O P L E W O N D E R I N G H O W T H E S T R U C T U R E W A S B U I LT "
THE POINTY
END
THE HOUSE ACUTE, NSW Bold and beautiful, this brutalist-inspired home is located just outside of Sydney, where it sits like an abstract sculpture overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A tight parcel of land dictated the shape of this home, which features a much-loved communal space a roof terrace that surveys both bush and ocean views. WO R DS: A M Y CO L L I N S-WA L K E R // P H OTO G R A P H Y: B R E T T B OA R D M A N
The Design / The Natural Artisan
" A W E D G E- S H A P E D, A L M O S T FO R G OT T E N P A R C E L O F L A N D T H AT U LT I M AT E LY INFLUENCED THE SHAPE OF THE DESIGN"
The Design / The Natural Artisan
WHO LIVES IN THE HOME
master bedroom, however, flanks the rear
The home is a weekender that was
of the kitchen on the first floor meaning
designed for a family of six to escape their
when the home is occupied by one couple,
busy Sydney lives and the distraction that
they can live on a single level.
routine can bring. W H AT I S T H E P O S I T I O N I N G A B O U T T H E A R C H I T E C T:
OF THE HOUSE AND WHERE
W H AT WA S YO U R FAVO U R I T E PART OF TH E PROJ EC T ?
Definitely the ‘pointy end'. The site is
I S I T LO C AT E D?
a wedged-shaped, almost forgotten tight
Located at the edge of a coastal bluff,
parcel of land that ultimately influenced
What is the MCK design ethos?
close to the Pacific Ocean, the home is
the shape of the design. Being the first
Our ethos centres around design as
compact yet robust. The home orientates
property in the street and at the end of
itself towards the bush and ocean views
a steep incline, we knew the ‘pointy end’
face of constraint or adversity.
to the east and south and turns its back
would turn heads as people in their cars
on the street. The layout comprises two
swept past the site, and enjoyed that
connected pavilions that pivot over each
moment when the wedge shape of the
other at the tight end of the wedged
building suddenly appears impossibly thin.
STEVE KOOLLOOS
a process to create opportunity in the
Where do you find inspiration? Inspiration can come from a
completely random source; there
is often no formula to how it arrives.
shaped site, appearing to float above the native landscape.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL
W H AT WA S T H E D E S I G N B R I E F ?
The two concrete pavilions are made to
expect it and can often come from
The brief called for a weekender that was
contrast by adding a timber grained
as comfortable for a couple as it was for
formed texture to the top floor in contrast
before, or the lyrics of a song.
the entire family. The site was tight but
to the flat off-form finish of the ground
was also the first house in the street and
floor. Plate steel was introduced again to
closest to the ocean, so views and privacy
provide some fine edged hoods competing
were important design targets to aim for.
against the bulk and visual heaviness of
Being a weekender, the owners were also
the concrete. The exterior concrete is
looking for something that was easy care.
matched on the interior, but balanced by
People, context and existing conditions inform our design process, but true inspiration hits you when you least
something you saw travelling years
What are your influences? As much as my influences come from my architectural heroes, the big
thinkers like Niemeyer or Le Corbusier, I find great influence from the day to
day people in my life – my family, work colleagues and even my deceased
father. He was a builder who taught me
to draw and use my hands. I find myself
P O R T R A I T: L A U R A R E I D
on the ground floor entry level. The
AND HOW IS IT USED?
FINISHES INSIDE THE HOME?
some clean white walls. We worked with TELL US ABOUT THE USE OF CONCRETE AS AN EXTERIOR AESTHETIC.
continually challenged by my children
The use of off-form unfinished concrete
without the constraints of the need to
aesthetic. Concrete was adopted early in
freedom is as innocent as it is inspiring.
Briony Fitzgerald on the interiors who added a coating of warmth throughout the interior with plywood, and punches of colour throughout the wet areas.
who effortlessly think and sketch
has given the home a genuine brutalist
understand structure and gravity. That
the process to offset the bushfire zone to
UNIQUE ROOF TERRACE.
the site’s south and to create a form that
Council gave us approval for the roof
could withstand the coastal elements.
terrace with no structure higher than a
What is your favourite project?
DESCRIBE THE HOME'S
handrail. The current design includes an
Every project where we get to witness
W H AT A R E SO M E O F T H E M O R E
metaphorically takes someone’s
The plan has been flipped such that the
directly from the main living level below.
primary living space is on the first floor
The roof terrace has become a really
where the views are more easily obtained
important break out space as the family
and bedroom accommodation is located
has grown.
that moment the architecture
breath away. Architecture's a powerful medium and is extremely rewarding in this respect.
U N I Q U E I N T E R I O R F E AT U R E S?
‘L’ shaped motorised roof-light that slides below handrail height to permit access
issue no 17
/ The Natural Artisan
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" C O N C R E T E W A S A D O P T E D E A R LY I N T H E P R O C E S S TO O F F S E T T H E B U S H F I R E ZO N E "
12 The Natural Artisan
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issue no 17
The Design / The Natural Artisan
1.
✖ ROCKCOTE Marrakesh (Polished Finish) 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.
3. 2.
6. 5.
7.
4. TH IS PAGE 1.
Ferm Living Kelim Rug in Squares, $599,
5.
2.
Ambit Pendant 40cm in Black, $535,
6.
Hank Vertical Chandelier, $148, top3.com.au
4.
Guest Chair by Swedese, $3,150,
Knot cushion by UMEMI, $229, fentonandfenton.com.au
simpleform.com.au 3.
MENU Salt and Pepper Bottle Grinders in Ash and Carbon, $129, designstuff.com.au
urbancouture.com.au
7.
ROCKCOTE Marrakesh Polished Decorative Effect in Concrete, rockcote.com.au
fredinternational.com.au
issue no 17
/ The Natural Artisan
13
The Influencer / The Natural Artisan
SOCIAL
SCENE DANA TOMIĆ HUGHES, YELLOW TR ACE Dana is the founder of Yellowtrace and Studio Yellowtrace, a design blog and interior design service. Her irreverent style and witty approach to design communication has seen her win awards, and gather tens of thousands of fans on social media. WORDS: NINA DORN
// P H OTO G R A P H Y: J O D U C K
YOU BEGAN YELLOW TR ACE IN
2010. DID YOU EXPEC T SOCIAL M E D I A T O B E C O M E S O H U G E LY
PORTRAIT PHOTO COURTESY OF JONES MAGAZINE
INFLUENTIAL?
thing feels like a huge deal when you’re first taking the leap. For me, starting Yellowtrace felt like a massive risk back then, and I was terrified of so many things.
I don’t necessarily feel social media
Other people’s judgement was at the very
exploded overnight. It was more like
top, but I’ve since then learned that every-
a slow creep until people eventually
one else is too caught up in their own crap
panicked and felt they suddenly had to be
to worry about what you’re doing. Try it,
on everything. With regards to Instagram
it’s absolutely liberating!
specifically, everything was so different when it first started, and it’s totally changed in nature since the beginning.
I N W H AT WAYS H A S SO C I A L MEDIA BENEFITED THE
It is now a publishing platform in its own
DESIGN PROFESSION?
right, and I have a bit of a love/ hate
Social media has levelled the playing field
relationship with it, if I’m 100% honest.
and democratised the design profession. It
Hang on, what was your question?
has never been easier to access good
D I D TH E FAC T SOCIAL M ED IA
WASN'T AS POPULAR MAKE IT EASIER TO LAUNCH?
content, or connect with clients, suppliers and collaborators. On the flip side, it has created a huge amount of hype and noise, which makes it more difficult to focus.
Not at all. If you think about it – every-
issue no 17
/ The Natural Artisan
15
The Influencer / The Natural Artisan
" I ’ V E L E A R N E D TO T R U S T M Y I N T U I T I O N I M P L I C I T LY " HOW DO YOU EDIT ALL THE
W H AT ' S T H E B E S T C O U N T RY
IN HER SHOES
V I E W O N A D A I LY B A S I S ?
I N S P I R AT I O N ?
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DANA
AMAZING VISUALS YOU MUST
TO VISIT FOR DESIGN
It’s taken me years of practice, discipline
Probably Denmark, where design is
and perfecting my decision-making skills.
fundamental woven into the very day.
Although it may sound frivolous when I say that I chose content for Yellowtrace
DO YOU HAVE A
TOMIĆ HUGHES 6:40am: I hit snooze, scan emails & social media, then rush like mad to my Pilates class because I spent too long on
quickly and spontaneously, I’ve learned to
FAVOU RITE H OTEL?
trust my intuition implicitly which has
The favourite two hotels I’ve stayed in
also developed from practicing as an
so far are The Upper House in Hong Kong
interior designer for more than a decade.
and Katamama in Bali. Like, OMG!
and my vitamins.
I N YO U R O P I N I O N , W H AT A R E
HOW WAS THE TRANSITION
together almost every day. Then we grab a
I N S TAG R A M AC C O U N T S?
ARCHITECTURE FIRM TO
T H E T O P 3 M U S T- FO L L O W
FROM A COMMERCIAL
My most favourite accounts have nothing
WORKING SOLO?
to do with design and architecture, but
Thrilling, liberating and terrifying. There
I do love following @ad_magazine,
were so many unknowns, I literally had no
@cntraveler and @nasa.
idea how anything would work - and whether it would work at all - but you
W H AT ’ S T H E B I G G E S T
OPPORTUNIT Y TO YOU AS A DESIGN INFLUENCER?
never know what you’re made of until you put yourself into a situation where you just have to work things out.
It’s taken a lot of hard work to build a platform I’m very proud of today, and it
W H AT A R E YO U R D E S I G N
the phone.
8:10am: Shower, get dressed, look for
keys, drink some crazy healthy green juice 8:40am: Nick and I walk our son to school coffee on our way to the studio and call that our ‘directors meeting’.
9:15am: I plan my agenda and catch up
with the team. I’m always super strict with my time otherwise I’d get nothing done.
10:45 am: Eat a handful of nuts cause I’m starving (I’m really into tamari almonds at the moment!). Then more emails, phone calls and stuff.
1:30pm: Lunch, which I try not to eat at my
desk as much as possible. I often fail at this. 2:00pm Afternoons are usually pure
creation. I could be researching, writing,
takes even more hard work to maintain it.
PREDICTIONS FOR 2019?
But I hope to be able to continue
Design that embraces technology - and
propagating good design, presenting the
New Look Yellowtrace. Watch this space!
talk, writing one of my regular magazine
W H AT I S YO U R FAVO U R I T E
7:30pm Dinner at home then wrestling
best of the best, and also remind other designers why they got into this profession in the first place. Because I know for
ARTISAN-PRODUCED DESIGN
editing, conceptualising, working on
presentation for new business, preparing a columns, going off on a shoot etc.
with our son’s homework and bedtime
a fact it’s easy to forget this with the
OR PRODUCT?
routine. Usually have a glass of red on the
pressures of the daily grind.
I love the work of Melbourne-based
9:00pm Try not to fall asleep during said
stone mason and artist Steven John Clark, FAVOU RITE BU I LD I N G?
aka Den holm.
Pantheon (Roman temple in Rome). It's the only building that makes me cry.
16 The Natural Artisan
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issue no 17
go. Because I’m worth it.
bedtime routine, but I often do cause I’m exhausted.
11:00pm Is my ideal bedtime, but I’m not that lucky most nights…
✖
LOVE THIS Achieve a similar
finish with ROCKCOTE Clay or Ecostyle Paint
Williams Burton Leopardi Studio in Adelaide
Below:
Malababa Flagship in Madrid by Ciszak Dalmas
and Matteo Ferrari
Right:
Hotel National des Arts et Metiers_Paris by Raphael Navot
2.
CHRISTOPHER MORRISON, ASIER RUA , JÉRÔME GALL AND
Above:
issue no 17
/ The Natural Artisan
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18 The Natural Artisan
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issue no 17
The Home / The Natural Artisan
SUMMER
DREAMS T H E B E L L E V U E H I L L H O U S E , S Y D N E Y, N S W With tropical plant life and expansive white-washed spaces, this airy home captures the feeling of a languid summer day on the Mediterranean. We speak to Megan Burns, Director of CM Studio, who transformed this French-style home into an exotic oasis. 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 S O N S M A RT
W H AT WA S T H E C L I E N T ' S
VISION FOR THE PROJECT?
M E E T T H E A R C H I T E C T: MEGAN BURNS
retained much of the front façade, and just painting the house white with
Our client had a really clear vision for the
How did CM Studio come about?
a beautiful tactile lime wash transformed
project. She wanted to create a home that
the home. We extended the property to
CM Studio started straight after I
had a relaxed holiday vibe with Mediterra-
the rear to allow a more open-planned
nean influences. She chose CM Studio
kitchen space, spilling out to the external
because we work with a layered natural
casual dining areas. We adjusted the
palette and detail our projects simply.
existing stairs and introduced a walk-in
While there were aesthetic elements -
pantry that our client sourced some
such as influences from European holiday
beautiful shutters for. All the surfaces
houses – in essence the owner
were refinished, and all the bathrooms
was looking for a sophisticated, natural
completely gutted. The landscaping was
palette using textured, organic materials
updated introducing palm trees, michelia
and open planned spaces for relaxation
albas and a lot of textural succulents.
finished studying architecture. I had worked in firms overseas and in
Sydney while completing my degree,
and this really cemented my desire to focus on single dwelling residential
projects and own my own business. How would you describe your design philosophy? There are a number of factors that shape a project, including site
constraints, council conditions and
and entertaining. HOW DID YOU BRING THIS CONCEPT TO LIFE?
the clients’ wish list. We do not
ROCKCOTE MARRAKESH
subscribe to a particular style or look.
PLASTER EFFECT WAS USED
What we do focus on is a layered
T H R O U G H O U T. T E L L U S M O R E . . .
The house was not particularly old, it had
Our client loved the Moroccan tadelakt
been built in the last 15 years or so. We
look and had mentioned it in an early
natural palette and simple detailing. No matter what the 'style' is of our projects this is a common thread.
issue no 17
/ The Natural Artisan
19
The Home / The Natural Artisan
✖
LOVE THIS
CM Studio specified ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in its Natural Colour to achieve this look throughout the home
issue no 17
/ The Natural Artisan
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The Home / The Natural Artisan
design meeting. We had no idea what it
The pine boards were painted white and in
flow through the house. There are lots of
was, so we met with Sydney-based plaster
some of the bathrooms and balconies we
really special features in the kitchen,
artist Peter Holmes and quickly got up to
introduced small terracotta bricks that
including shelves for styling and
speed. We used ROCKCOTE Marrakesh to
were laid in a herringbone pattern. All the
displaying as well as the large island that
achieve the look throughout, with a
joinery doors were made from recycled
is not only a functional work space, but
combination of smooth and rough
oregon and painted white. This introduced
big enough for food display. There is also
textures to create depth. The contrast
a really lovely quality of hand-made,
a bar area off the kitchen window, so you
between rough and smooth is particularly
natural materials which complemented
relax outdoors and be served from the
evident in the powder room, for example,
the ROCKCOTE Marrakesh effect. Those
inside for special events or dinner parties.
where the imported Italian marble sink
two materials really speak to each other,
rests on a smooth floating bench against a
particularly in the kitchen. Our client
rough wall. Most of the kitchen is smooth,
styled the home with a muted palette that
which we built using Hebel. We were using
works effortlessly with the subtle tones of
PLEASED WITH?
ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in ways that had
finishes and spaces.
Honestly, the fact that when you go
never been seen before, such as the floors of the bathrooms. It worked well; it’s a
WHICH ASPECT OF THE
PROPERT Y ARE YOU MOST
through the gates you just feel transportT H E H O M E C L E A R LY H A S
ed. It does feel like a holiday home and
really beautiful finish.
A FO C U S O N E N T E R TA I N I N G ,
W H AT W E R E SO M E O F T H E
Our client loves entertaining and that was
It’s just a lovely sanctuary for my client
OTHER UNIQUE FINISHES USED?
a big driver for renovating the kitchen. We
and her girls to enjoy.
We used a really subtle palette internally.
expanded it out to the rear to improve the
22 The Natural Artisan
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issue no 17
HOW DID YOU ACHIEVE THIS?
has such a calm and relaxing vibe about it, but it's within 15 minutes of the city.
THE PRODUCT ROCKCOTE MARRAKESH
Translating to ‘massage with stone’ in Arabic, Tadelakt is a traditional lime plaster method originating from
Morocco in the eleventh century.
Smooth and elegant, it’s often used as a finish on feature walls, sculpted bedheads, handcrafted dado rails,
fireplace surrounds and entry areas. Sydney-based plaster artisan Peter Holmes used the ROCKCOTE
Marrakesh significantly throughout
this home. From the open kitchen to each of the four bathrooms, the
ROCKCOTE Marrakesh finish on the walls creates a natural, organic and
smooth surface to complement the rustic feel of the space.
" W E W E R E U S I N G R O C KC OT E M A R R A K E S H I N W A Y S T H AT H A D N E V E R B E E N S E E N B E F O R E "
The Home / The Natural Artisan
✖ ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in its Natural
1.
Colour. For the ultimate in versatility Marrakesh can be used in its raw state or tinted to a wide range of colours using oxides. The seamless and sensuous form of Marrakesh evokes a timeless sense of style and grace, reminiscent of traditional Tadelakt and Moroccan plaster finishes. 2.
3.
4.
4.
6.
5.
7.
TH IS PAGE 1.
Carly Wall Hanging in Large, $329,
4.
2.
ROCKCOTE Marrakesh in its Natural Colour,
5.
Leaf Supply: A Guide to Keeping Happy House Plants, $49.99, thedesignedit.com.au
rockcote.com.au 3.
Faux Cactus in White Ceramic Pot, $94, templeandwebster.com.au
zanui.com.au
Santa Maria Novella Nostalgia Cologne,
6.
The Spencer Boater, $79, lackofcolour.com.au
$180, mensbiz.com.au
7.
HK Living Rattan Egg Chair in Natural Bohemian, $899, norsu.com.au
issue no 17
/ The Natural Artisan
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The Artisan / The Natural Artisan
S M O OT H
SAILING MR AND MRS WHITE FURNITURE DESIGNERS Cutting his artisanal teeth in the precision-focussed shipwright trade, Nathan White of Mr and Mrs White talks furniture design and shopfitting - the kind that’s delivered with a special blend of elegance and humility. W O R D S : S A L LY PAT E R S O N //
PHOTOGR APHY: JOSHUA WHITE
TA K E U S B AC K TO YO U R
HOW DID MR AND MRS WHITE
SKILLS WERE HONED.
INTO BEING?
TR AINING AND WHERE YOUR
FURNITURE DESIGN COME
I started with a shipwright apprenticeship
My wife Sasha and I were newlyweds
for four years. There is very minimal room
living in a small apartment. She was a
for error as a shipwright - if you’re
student and I was an apprentice, so we
a couple of millimetres out you could
decided to make what we could for our
throw the whole boat out!
home - Sasha on the sewing machine
So you have to really focus on the smaller
her grandmother gave her, and me
things, the detail. I use a lot of what
making furniture.
I learnt in the boats in making our
It involved being clever in what we
furniture, in terms of structure. Our
created because it was such a small space,
designs are honest and simple, but we
but we really took pride in what we were
want them to be made to an exceptional
pulling together. Family and friends
level of quality. After the shipwright
started noticing and before long we were
apprenticeship I went into cabinet making
selling a few things. We rented a small
and learnt even more skills that had an
factory inside a factory and I’d go there
application in furniture craftsmanship.
after hours and do little jobs on the side.
issue no 17
/ The Natural Artisan
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✖
LOVE THIS
Get a similar finish using ROCKCOTE Otsumigaki in its Natural Colour
WAS IT DAUNTING LAUNCHING
W H AT I S YO U R FAVO U R I T E
M AT E R I A L TO W O R K W I T H ?
THE WHITE HOUSE M A N LY, N S W
Yes! When we finally moved to the larger
Oak will always be a good, staple, go-to
Sasha, tell us about your new Manly
premises we did it without having a lot
timber so we’ll always keep that. We have
store. How did you shape it to suit
of work lined up, but we thought if we
been doing a lot with walnut lately, in
your needs?
secured the factory we’d be able to take on
some settings it works really well and it’s
more work. Looking back it was probably
a reliable material to work with. Maple
the scariest thing we’ve ever done, but
features in our range also, and we started
we’ve learnt that if we want to keep
using ash when we were doing the shop fit
growing we have to make those big
out for Assembly Label and it’s continued
decisions and leaps.
into our collections.
W H AT I N S P I R E S YO U R
W H AT OT H E R S H O P F I T O U T S
One of the things we love about Japanese
We’ve done 10 stores for Assembly Label
Why the location?
design is their quality of craftsmanship
now, and each one has involved something
The area has become a design
and their detail-focus to joins. We’re also
fresh and unique in the design. This year,
drawn to the Scandinavian aesthetic for
Sasha designed the new Paddington store
its clean simplicity and practicality. We’ve
for Bondi Wash. It’s a really exciting store
always tended to design as if it’s for our
with a lot of cool, quirky pieces in there
home - thinking of a space and designing
and a decadent mix of oak, green onyx
to suit it. In a way we’re going back to
and brass. That was a really tricky but fun
where it all began when we were fitting
project - lots of curves, counters made
out our own apartment - creating pieces
from solid timber and detailing. The whole
Any plans to expand?
to live with that are functional but at the
project really drew on the relationship
same time very beautiful and timeless.
with the boat building.
Definitely! We’re really enjoying Manly,
A SIDE BUSINESS?
HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON?
FURNITURE DESIGNS?
30 The Natural Artisan
/
issue no 17
It’s in a beautiful old building full of
hidden gems, like the timber flooring we unearthed. We stripped the space back to basics, created a central archway,
sanded the floors down and applied a beautiful textured paint. The counter and wall unit are the only fixed pieces,
the rest is our free-standing furniture and soft furnishings.
destination with a strong creative
community including our neighbours Assembly Label and now The Horse. Also, Nathan and our first daughter
Selah were born in Manly, so it seemed perfect for our vision of creating
a shopfront that feels like a home.
but would love to expand to Melbourne.
The Artisan / The Natural Artisan
issue no 17
/ The Natural Artisan
31
ROCKCOTE is the natural choice for those with a deep appreciation for outstanding design, quality, performance and beauty.
For almost 40 years ROCKCOTE has created award-winning people safe paints, renders and finishes for residential and commercial building projects. Proudly designed and manufactured in Australia, ROCKCOTE’s range of over 100 products has been borne from a profound respect for Mother Nature, along with ancient knowledge and traditional skills. When combined with ROCKCOTE’s reputation for innovation, the result is naturally beautiful spaces that honour our planet and its people.
To speak with ROCKCOTE’s fully qualified Interior Designer or find your nearest Australian or New Zealand Distributor contact: phone:
1300 736 668
email:
enquiries@rockcote.com.au
www.rockcote.com.au