Photo Credit: Par Olofsson

The Lobster Chair is destined to become a Modern Classic with its egg shaped cosiness, protected by a beautiful wood exoskeleton. The shell is a laminated structure with walnut outer veneer.  The chrome plated steel base also allows full 360 degree rotation and provides a gentle bouncing sensation.  Inspired by the sea – the Lobster chair is wonderfully organic and original.

For more information visit Destination3000 on Bookmarc.

Designed by: Lund & Paarmann

The design seems to have sprouted from nature, and appears to open up like a flat-packed party decoration. Its beautiful fluid movement, which is a consistent trait present in Lovegrove’s contemporary designs, is unwavered.

Lovegrove Biophilia sketch

The house, flooded by light, is a gorgeous mix of sophisticated details, guarded by an infinity pool (also with a transparent structure) on a side and a marvelous garden on the other. The people responsible for accomplishing such a mesmerizing final result are the ones behind  JUO, an Australian, Perth-based design studio.  The living room is structured as a long (and transparent) corridor. The high ceilings and the glass walls create this perfect breezy atmosphere that enhances the feeling of freedom.

The Breust Residence is playful: striking shapes, contrasting materials were used in defining it. The two-story residence is spacious and luminous with incredible high ceilings, exhaling elegance (just take a look at the gorgeous copper-like circular bulbs hanging from the ceiling) but also piece of mind, due to the uncluttered décor. “The full height glazing not only maintains this main living area as an extension of the outdoors – with gardens and water on either side – but also allows for natural cross ventilation to cool the space efficiently and naturally without mechanical intervention or air conditioning. The view of water has been created through the use of glass to the side of the above ground lap pool, mimicking the extent of the volume between the two pavilions.”

src:freshome

Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins/ The Design Files

This distinctive home in Brisbane’s New Farm will probably need no introduction to Australian architecture aficionados. Known as the ‘D House’, it has been published widely, and has won many awards, including the Royal Australian  Institute of Architects National Award and The Robin Boyd Award for best residential architecture in 2000.

Having visited the home in person, I must say it’s easy to see why this clever little house has received so many accolades. There is a truly magical energy about this space. It unfolds like a little box of secrets – full of clever, understated design elements and a meticulous attention to detail. There’s a nod to Japanese architecture here, and 1950s modernism too – evident in the clean lines and elongated horizontal forms, the way light moves through the space throughout the day, the natural air flow, and the way each interior space connects to the outdoors. I love the succinctness and simplicity here – there is something so serene and calm about this layout, particularly the seamless transitions from interior to exterior spaces, which of course perfectly complement Brisbane’s amazing climate!

The D house is not a large home – it’s a modest, perfectly proportioned abode, designed by revered Brisbane architecture firm Donovan Hill, for their client and friend Geraldine Cleary, a researcher in health and social policy. Geraldine first purchased the property in 1991, subdividing it and re-building during Brisbane’s period of urban renewal in 1994.

As all architects and those who commission their services know, designing a new home from scratch is a very complex problem-solving puzzle! Considerations of scale, proportion, light, functionality and of course the dreaded council restrictions (!!) all come into play… and then on top of everything, it has to look good! When asked why she enlisted Donovan Hill to design her home, Geraldine explains –

‘I approached Timothy Hill, who I knew socially, because he was interested in my brief, which spoke to proportions of rooms, flexibility of use, management of light and heat, appreciation of the positives of living close to the activity of a busy street, council preference for ‘timber and tin workers cottage styles’ as the only markers of federation values at the time, as well as tight budgetary constraints!’ explains Geraldine.

‘Having lived in the 1897 cottage on the original block, I had been able to experience the deficiencies of the workers cottage for the climate, orientation, privacy, acoustics etc, even though the house was full of charm in other ways’ she says.Having lived in other buildings in other cities and countries, Geraldine was interested in heritage values, but wasn’t looking for a particular aesthetic from an architect. Instead, she says, her focus was on creating ‘a quality building – a flexible and enjoyable environment for me and others who might live here in the future’.  

To this end, Timothy was given a clever, articulate brief – specific in regards to the necessary functions of the home, but more open when it came to form and aesthetic decisions. The results speak for themselves.

When asked what she loves most about living here, it’s clear Geraldine is only too aware of the ‘specialness’ of her little haven. ‘I love returning home to the house everyday or after a trip away and opening the doors to experience the plan and the proportions, the lovely light and shadow, the views of the sky, the feeling of being in a sequestered zone while being so close to the activity of the street. I also love the way visitors enjoy the house’.

Looking through to the kitchen from lounge – bird sculpture on right ‘Swell’ by Michael Zavros, 2008.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Artwork in loungeroom, top shelf from left to right by Robyn Medec, Peter Harding. Next row – studies by Christopher Battersby and Shelly Kelly. ‘The wooden box is some sort of Japanese mould – not an artwork as such but a beautiful gift displayed as if it is an artwork’ says Geraldine.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

The Brisbane home of Geraldine Cleary.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Such a tight, clever floor plan and beautiful complementary materials give this home a sense of calm. Bird sculpture on right ‘Swell’ by Michael Zavros, 2008.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Seamless lines from exterior to interior.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Clever details.  The shot on the right shows the threshold from rear courtyard to interior – the pebbles and stone pavers continue from outside into the home.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bathroom details – so Japanese, I love it!  I kind of love the washing on the line outside too…!  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Master bedroom.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Bronze sculpture – ‘Trophy’ by Michael Zavros, 2010.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Exterior details.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Entrance.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Street view.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Street view through to lounge room.  Photography - Jared Fowler, Styling / Production – Lucy Feagins / The Design Files.

Gabriella Asztalos has created the perfect hugging chair. Embodying all of the traditional qualities of a hug – a circular shape,  softness and a cocoon like feeling, this chair is the ultimate cuddle buddy to be enjoyed by yourself or with your living breathing cuddle buddy.

The Edge 2013 featured over 38 finalists, with a the judging panel of: Jan Henderson, Associate Publisher Archmedia; Lisa Green, Editor Australian House and Garden; Marc Schamburg, Director Alvisse and Schamvburg / Zenith Interiors; Ross Didier, Didier and Scott Lewis- Curator

The stellar line-up of creative talent – the winning designs and those of all the finalists, will be showcased throughout the Australian International Furniture Fair from 6-8 February 2013 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre.

The Edge 2013 Winners:

Commercial Award Winner: Ash Allen, with Dollop Light (feature image)

Ash Allen is based in Victoria. He has a Bachelor of Engineering / B. Arts (1996) and an MBA from La Trobe University (2003). Described by the judging panel as a “mature talent”, Ash exhibited at the London Design Festival in 2012 and has been invited to be part of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York in May this year.

‘Dollop’ is an organic pendant light made from earthenware slip casting, aesthetically inspired by a dollop of cream dripping off a ladle. The Low wattage LED light source in this piece is cleverly obscured from direct sight, by light bouncing off the highly reflective, glazed internal surfaces. It embodies Ash’s design philosophy of intuitive elegance and simplicity.

Green Award Winner: Toby Nowland, with Fold and Peg Stool

Toby Nowland has a Bachelor of Design (Product Innovation) from the University of South Australia, and is currently completing a Masters in Design.

Toby’s ‘Fold and Peg Stool’ was described by judges as a “smart use of sustainable material”.  It is made from EchoPanel, a material produced from recycled and recyclable PET. It’s constructed with a flat panel and timber pegs made from Tasmanian Oak. No adhesives needed! The fold around ‘tabs’ become pockets, where magazines and newspapers can easily slide into, increasing the stool’s usefulness.

Student Award Winner: Ben Brayshaw, with Clam Chair

Ben Brayshaw is a student in the  Associate Degree in Furniture Design at RMIT.

Inspired by the shell, Ben’s ‘Clam Chair’ opens and closes, with the inside padded with 19 small cushions. The Chair can be folded allowing people to carry the chair with them and is ideal for the park or beach. It is made from American walnut veneered hoop pine, plywood, flexible PVC and woolen felt upholstery. The chair also recently won the Australian Furniture of the Year Student Design Award for Victoria and Tasmania

Concept Award Winner: Stephanie Ng Hui Sien, with Halo Light

Stephanie is an industrial designer with a Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) from Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne. She also has a diploma in product design from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Kuala Lumpur.

Made from Polyurethane Resin, Halo light functions as a modular lighting system that can be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes. Described by the judges as “versatile and innovative”.

Set within the historic Gowings department store and heritage-listed State Theatre in the heart of Sydney’s central business district, the surrounding area is brimming with culture, art, fashion, cuisine and design, while still being within easy reach of sandy beaches.

Inside, the lower levels of both buildings are where the action is with the bar, street-side cafe and lounge spaces on the ground floor of Gowings department store. This connects to the first floor lobby in the adjacent State Theatre building.

These public spaces, envisioned as the main stage for locals and visitors to interact and mingle with the buildings’ rich heritage, plays with elements of the past along with an edgy contemporary design style. It does so by juxtaposing original facade features with graphic contemporary art, drops of drama and whimsicality through quirky pieces of furniture and pops of colour. The restaurant, bar and late night lounge are expected to attract Sydney’s hot and happening crowd, particularly those in the fashion and entertainment industries.

Although the two buildings were both completed in the late 1920s, stylistically they are very different. The State Theatre is one of only two surviving theatres in Sydney that are designed by Henry E. White and John Eberson, and mixes eclecticn elements of Gothic, Italian and art deco design. The Gowings department store, designed by Robertson & Marks in 1912, has a vast and open layout – big windows, high ceilings, wide corridors and sandstone cladding. The conversion of the upper floors into a bright and chic boutique hotel experience did not affect the State Theatre, or the lower retail levels of the Gowings building, which have remained unchanged.

Details such as the original gothic features of the department store and, original artworks and fixtures in the State Theatre by William Dobell and Charles Wheeler, two of Australia’s most significant artists from the ’20s, are being thoughtfully restored to their former glory.

With the façades of the buildings returned to their former glory, the inside has fought to retain its old world appeal, while celebrating new technology, distinctive art mediums and cutting edge emerging artists. To ensure impact on arrival, QT Sydney’s team of art consultants, designers and architects worked to bring the history and rich fabric of both buildings together through an energetic collection of original artwork and cutting edge graphics. Guests enter via the lobby of the State Theatre on the first floor, where the building’s theatrical past can be felt, with stage lights casting a glow over the reception and draping, heavy stage curtains leading them into the building.

The bold design of the hotel is set off by the historical features forming a space that serves not just as a lobby, but as a playground after dark. An imposing LED wall of digital art is a feature of the public areas within the hotel, adding a dramatic and intriguing display to these already enticing surroundings. Eclectic and quirky artefacts have been brought together from all around the world adding an unusual mix of interesting elements to the QT experience. Custom furniture, geometric patterns on the ceilings and floors and a splash of colours are some of the highlights of the QT design, with a bold use of black and white, Yves Klein blue, magenta and citron throughout.

Post: Archilovers

Alessandro Isola and Supriya Mankad of I M Lab have designed the Eroded Stools, made from cork.

The stools were designed for a wine testing room in the north east of italy. starting with the form of a pure cube the seat is excavated from a block of cork. The excavated seat finds its way down the back almost like a liquid has been poured on to it and flows down finding and making its own path. Given the main purpose of the space, purred wine is a corollary. The excavated part of the cube are then clad in fabric. More click here