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Iain Halliday | Axolotl Luminaries

Each quarter Axolotl will put a series of questions to an industry 'luminary' to get an insight into both their talent and their feel for the future. This issue we introduce Iain Halliday from Burley Katon Halliday. This Sydney based design firm needs no introduction with its work credited with redefining Sydney’s inner city landscape.

What keeps you inspired?

Travel, magazines, books, movies and good clients. 

What project do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?

It is hard to pick the 'greatest'. Favourites include:

  • Republic
  • Darley Street Thai
  • Bartlett Pennington House
  • Xavier Salon 1
  • Reynolds Apartment
  • Benny Yacht 

Have you ever refused to comply with a client request or design? If so, why? 

Yes but the reasons would be too complex to explain in this piece of writing, leaving us looking inflexible - a clichéd criticism that people level at architects and designers.

Are there any architects whose work encapsulates your own ideals?

There are many and their work is diverse like ours. Some architects we are particularly inspired by are:

  • Mies van der Rohe
  • Josef Hoffmann
  • Richard Neutra
  • Eero Saarinen

Did/do you have a mentor? 

Yes, George Freedman and David Katon.

Which Australian building excites you the most?

The Opera House; it is truly extraordinary still.

What do you see as key trends over the next couple of years in domestic or commercial design?

  • Increased use of moulded forms in materials such as acrylics and upholstery.
  • Increased use of strong and 'off beat' colours and finishes, and mixes of old + new furniture.
  • A greater cross-over between 'home' and 'work' environments as more people work from home and look for comfort in their work interiors combined with precision in their working interiors.

Which trend in architecture or design are you totally over?

'Chicken coop' architecture where many corrugated roof pavilions collide like a train accident.

Do you see a lot of development in Sydney over the next year or so?

Yes, I hope more and more and better and better.

Bushland Vista

 

A humble garage door and entry to a home located on Sydney Harbour have just been given a huge makeover thanks to the talents of Peter Campbell of Campbell BarnettGraham Day Garage Doors and Axolotl. The adventurous clients wanted to capitalise on the stunning harbour views beyond the garage property, as well as deviate from the traditional idea of a garage. 

In response, Peter devised a contemporary and multi-layered bushland image taken from trees on the property. The concept was enabled by the availability of Axolotl's unique processes and materials. First, the panels were precision cut to the design that allowed maximum visibility through, whilst concealing the customised frame. They were then applied with several layers of Axolotl Bronze in smooth, light and cast textures, to illustrate the layers of the contemporary bushland graphic.

As possible as it was, it wouldn't be true to say it was a simple project as it spanned over a year and involved in depth design discussions and meticulous planning. The efforts of the team did not go unrewarded however, as the result is an awe inspiring, captivating entry for this stunning home.

Grand Designs
Axolotl are very excited to be showcased on the next episode of Grand Designs Australia. The film crew came through earlier on this year to shoot the development of an outstanding entrance, that drove innovation in manufacturing as well as design. Grand Designs Australia episode 6 - "Forest Lodge Eco House", premiering tonight on Foxtel's Lifestyle Channel at 8.30PM.

Axolotl House + Anomaly
We have had a huge response so far for Anomaly, the pop up showroom is still open on the corner of Oxford and Palmer streets but won't be for long so be sure to head along to check out the range. We have also just updated the photo gallery's for Axolotl House thanks to the talents of Mark Donaldson of MDP, with more great shots still to come.

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New Beginnings

 

Axolotl, and Evostyle bring you Anomaly, a new era in furniture design. Anomaly represents only the most innovative Australian design through a showcase of unique furniture, homewares and lighting.

Select Australian architects and designers have rendered raw materials of concrete, timber and metal into an exciting, original design aesthetic not previously available in the local market. What they have created has only been made possible through the unique technologies offered by both Axolotl and Evostyle, who are already regarded as pioneers in surfaces and manufacturing.

Each product is carefully finished to the meticulous standards that reflect the craftsmanship and quality that will come to be synonymous with the brand. Each piece a conceptual anomaly in its intended surprise, whilst the irregularity and unique design markings in many of the pieces intended to give each object character that is so often missing in the mass manufactured. All pieces are intentionally, and proudly, Australian designed and manufactured.

The designers selected to launch the brand include David Caon, Matthew Sheargold, Philip Chia, Adam Cornish, David Knott, Facet Studio and Ben Wahrlich. New designs by emerging and established designers in a range of design fields will follow throughout the next 12 months and beyond. 

The inaugural launch held in Darlinghurst was embraced by the local design community.  "I was very impressed with the high standard, quality, design, and manufacture. It certainly sets a tone for the international scene." said Darren Palmer."The market has been in need of this type of innovation for some time." 

To see the Anomaly range please visit the Anomaly pop up showroom – 104 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst (cnr Palmer St) until 15 November, open Monday to Friday 10-5pm. For further information on Anomaly please visit the Anomaly website at anomaly.com.au

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Axolotl Concrete Kitchen

 

Hard lines and soft texture are the defining point for this new kitchen for a client in Sydney's North. Created using a combination of our innovative Axolotl concrete surfaces on the benchtop and splashback it's easy to see how much potential is realised when shrugging off the constraints of traditional concrete construction. 

The end result is original and simple in its execution, but exudes contemporary design in one of the most important rooms in the home. The splashback has been created by taking a single CFC sheet and bonding it with Concrete Slate in a lunar texture. The same process is used to create the bench, with the vertical surface featuring an abstract design carved directly into the MDF before the Concrete Shale is bonded. 

The simple execution of these finishes truly portray the versatility of the Axolotl Concrete range whilst retaining the beauty and integrity of solid concrete. 

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Axolotl Solid

 

Axolotl Solid is a new extension of the Axolotl offer. Sheet metals are now able to be patinated in a variety of different colours, from verdi gris, florentine and pearl. Axolotl Solid metals, such as copper, brass, aluminium, mild steel and stainless steel are available in a variety of thicknesses and can be used where sheet metal is required in lieu of our decorative metal coatings. This range offers architects and designers the ability to specify pre-aged panels on a new build or renovation, avoiding bright and inconsistent 'fresh' metal, while ensuring the characteristics of the solid metal are retained.

The recently completed, 
Fender Katsalidis designed 4NC building in Canberra (pictured here), was a great opportunity to launch Axolotl's latest benchmark in aged metals. Axolotl was sought out to provide an aged finish on copper sheeting that was applied to the 8 metre high blades, which became the feature piece in the centre of the building. The copper theme was carried throughout the building, also being applied to several walls and ceilings. Axolotl worked alongside Lend LeaseCBS and Micos in creating a lasting impression on the Canberra landscape. 

The pre-aged copper finish works so well as it gives an established patina to new projects.  The organic nature of the ageing process enables an intended inconsistency in the panels, just as the material would do naturally if left for several years. It also works well in high traffic areas as it prevents marks such as fingerprints and offers the ability to topcoat the copper for further protection.

 A full set of samples will be shown in our next e-card, alongside our other exciting developments in glass, concrete, metal and timber.

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Axolotl Custom Entry Doors.

 

This hand selected range of entrance doors and garage doors complement our metal coatings both in style and execution. The door above utilises our signature Doric design, which beautifully displays a graphite finish both in smooth and cast textures. Complementing this is a graphite garage door - using the same material in a pitted texture, juxtaposed by the stark white render surrounds.

Axolotl's processes make it simple to achieve a highly personalised statement entry piece by simply adding a strong aging technique or custom etched design. Or, as illustrated in the sixth image a custom made handle, coated in bronze pearl, is all that is required to set this entry feature apart.

To keep you inspired our brand new glass and concrete brochures are now available to be downloaded from our products page.

In other exciting news, Axolotl are very pleased to announce that we are setting up a factory in Dubai to service the GCC region, and will be operational from August. Please contact Dubai Metal Axolotl JV for any enquiries axolotl@dubaimetal.net.

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Introducing Axolotl House - Corymbia

 

We are excited to introduce our next venture into the world of stylish living with the launch of Axolotl House in the Hunter Valley.
Corymbia is a private guesthouse set high on the hill surrounded by ancient Angophoras and Corymbias with views through Eucalypts and over the vineyards. Located only 160 kilometres or 2 hours drive north of Sydney near the township of Broke.

The homestead was hand-built over five years by one of the founding brothers of Axolotl, Kim Torma. Nestled into rocks at the high end of the 100-acre property, it is private and serene. Every adobe (mud-brick) was sourced from the property and made by hand. The mud-brick construction and meticulous carpentry are perfectly complemented by eclectic artwork, creating an ambiance which attracts many return visitors. Of course, the design is enhanced throughout with work by Axolotl.

From the moment you are welcomed with farm fresh eggs and wine, to the last glance back as you leave the property you will be under Corymbia's spell.

For more information on Corymbia please visit the Axolotl House website.

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Chocolate, Concrete & Kilns.

 

2013 has been a busy few months so far for Axolotl, with the launch of Axolotl Timber and brand new Website, we have still managed to complete a range of exciting projects that we have added to our eclectic portfolio. 

Tiffanys have recently completed the Bondi Junction Westfield - our third Tiffany project where Axolotl have played an integral part. Working with the Tiffany design team, we produced a range of glass blades incorporating the Tiffany wheat leaf design that was executed in silver leaf and then laminated between two sheets of starphire glass. The blades majestically surround the centrepiece diamond cabinet.

The Lindt café in Sydney's CBD, designed by Rolf Ockert was another project featuring Axolotl Glass. This time using Miro curved glass, laminated with a chocolate and gold mirrored banding as seen in the image below.

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The head office of Melbourne's John Holland  underwent a new fitout, with design by ‪Fu‪turespace. It boasts another great use of Axolotl concrete on the Fluted blade walls, surrounding the elevators. The space emphasises a great use of texture, soft furnishings and colour.

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Bronze Verdegris Garden Features

We were very impressed with the final result of these huge planters and water features, coated in Bronze then aged with a Florentine and Verdegris Patina. Our coatings have really transform the aesthetic of the raw GFC, to create a unique and authentic finish that seamlessly blends into the environment. 

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Warburton Art Project

Since 1993 Kiln formed glass has been an important medium of expression for Ngaanyatjarra People involved in the‪ Warburton Artist Program in the Warburton Ranges, Western Australia.

Recognising the importance of this venture, which encourages creativity in the region, we are pleased to announce that artist Warren Langley has donated one of the large glass forming kilns used by Axolotl. The Ngaanyatjarra community share a similar passion for expression in glass, and we are pleased to be a part of encouraging further development of their glass making.

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An Anomaly + Axolotl House

In line with our commitment to not just meet needs - but to create them, we will soon be launching our next venture in design - a new undertaking under a different banner, bringing a blend of contemporary and traditional materials which will really shake up the market. In parallel, we are also working on a new Axolotl retreat in the Hunter Valley which will be available as a private guesthouse. More information in upcoming e-cards.

A Great Sight

 

After 18 years at the forefront of innovation in the metal coatings business, we have now evolved into a world leading architectural product manufacturer. With our expansion into glass, concrete and timber and our constant commitment to innovation, we are undefined by process or product as we continue to invent surface solutions for any design challenge.

To celebrate our commitment to innovation, we are excited to announce the launch of our brand new website. Our new site will be much easier to navigate with the latest swatches and images of completed work. It will also include our blog where we can update you with our latest projects and new designs.

In other news, Axolotl are very pleased to announce that we are setting up a factory in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam commencing early April. If you would like to get in contact with us in Vietnam, you can email us at vietnam@axolotl-group.com

If you'd like more information on Axolotl, contact us on: info@axolotl.com.au or +612 9666 1207, or visit our Showroom at 6/73 Beauchamp rd, Matraville NSW, 2036.

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Sam Marshall | Axolotl Luminaries

Each quarter Axolotl puts a series of questions to an industry luminary to an insight into both their talent and their feel for the future. This issue we introduce Sam Marshall from Architect Marshall. Sam’s contemporary designs have won him numerous awards over the years, recognition for what we are sure you will agree is an enormous talent.

What keeps you inspired?

The amazing world around me, people’s ability to continue to innovate when it seems everything has been created, the optimism of the 1960’s and especially contemporary art.

What project do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?

Having a beautiful wife and two beautiful daughters.

Have you ever refused to comply with a client request or design? If so, why?

All the time. If it wasn’t that way, clients wouldn’t employ architects.

Are there any architects whose work encapsulates your own ideals?

Many but not all in one person.

Did/do you have a mentor?

George Freeman pointed me in the right direction, opening my eyes to masterful articulation of space, light and materials, that anything is possible and to be ever creative is all important.

Which Australian building excites you the most?

Yike! I think Australia Square Tower by Harry Seidler is a cracker that will continue to last the test of time. It is elegant, well proportioned, structurally innovative, and generous and democratic like no other at street level. It gave Sydney its only public Calder sculpture, Corb tapestry and now stunning Sol Lewitt mural. It’s construction method was innovative and it also brought Nervi to Australia.

What do you see as key trends over the next couple of years in domestic or commercial design?

Demand for unique expression.

Which trend in architecture or design are you totally over?

Slats and train smash architecture.

Do you see a lot of development in Sydney over the next year or so? Property development?

Yes – it’s a great place to live.