In another industry first, Axolotl are excited to launch the award winning Axolotl Terracotta. 

Replicating the natural aesthetic of terracotta perfectly, Axolotl Terracotta is simpler and more cost effective than traditional processes. It retains the integrity of natural terracotta with variance in texture and colour, whilst enabling it to be utilised in designs never before considered possible.

The terracotta aesthetic can now be realised anywhere you may normally use aluminium, CFC sheeting or stainless steel, yet in virtually any size or shape. As a coating, it's easily integrated into architectural projects, as it can be bonded onto traditional building materials, standard shapes and forms.

Axolotl Terracotta is Australian produced and manufactured. It is offered in a range of colours and has unlimited design potential through being able to be individualised with Axolotl’s in-house ability to carve or etch almost any design in the surface.

Terracotta has long been a part of our built environment as a beautiful and timeless building product, used throughout the world by leading architects such as Renzo Piano. Now Axolotl Terracotta reinvents this classic beauty to be more cost and production effective, without losing any of its aesthetic qualities.

Feature Project: Nan Tien

A strong connection to the environment and a focus on spaces conducive to reflection are some of the Buddhist ideals behind the architecture of the new Nan Tien Institute, located in the Wollongong region of NSW.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the architecture of the building draws upon the Buddhist symbol of the lotus flower. “The building combines the functions of a contemporary learning environment with a destination for visitors to Nan Tien Temple, bringing the community together to reflect and celebrate Buddhist philosophy,” says Georgia Singleton, Woods Bagot Director and Global Sector Leader in Education, Science and Health.

Axolotl worked closely with specialist building company Hi-Tec to develop the stunning terracotta facade. Aluminium was chosen as the substrate as it enabled each blade to be articulated around an axis and locked in place - something impossible to achieve with standard terracotta. The blades subtly shift in direction adding a strong textural component to the building and when viewed from afar, conveys a contemporary lotus leaf.

The structure of the building was formed by grouping spaces into four distinct ‘pods’, creating a public space in between. The ‘pods’ are linked by active bridges, allowing for the movement throughout the building to be a journey comprised of moments, destinations and thresholds. The building also includes a library, common area with café, art gallery and academic facilities.

Axolotl was recently commissioned by designer Ben Wahrlich to create a piece for the 'Take a seat for Legacy' charity initiative, run by Temple and Webster and Legacy. Artists, designers and celebrities recreate a bentwood chair in their own unique way.

'Immortal' is a tribute towards the iconic bentwood chair. Coated in a textural golden hue of bronze and hand polished, it assumes a new identity as a sculptural art piece - like heroes of the past, who have been immortalised in bronze sculptures throughout history. - says Ben Wahrlich.
 
The reinvented chairs will all be auctioned at the Temple and Webster Auction later this month with all proceeds going to Legacy.

Natalie Hunfalvay

On the Bronze trend, the stunning garage door below is the result of a intimate collaboration between Axolotl’s in house design team and client, whereby a unique tree-line vista is recreated in a textural brushed bronze. The 3-Dimensional design is created by hand, replicating the trunks of trees, and is accentuated by the Florentine ageing that offers natural variation in colour, complementing the earthen aesthetic.

 

Axolotl Awards

Axolotl was recently awarded Best Design Manufacturing Company at the 2014 Sydney Design Awards. Anomaly also took out Best Product, in the Product Design – Homewares category for the Kintsugi vessels. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the architects, designers and artists, who have made it possible for us to achieve this distinguishing goal.

Each quarter Axolotl puts a series of questions to an industry luminary to gain an insight into both their talent and their feel for the future. This issue we drop another big name and introduce Alexander Tzannes from Alexander Tzannes Associates. Alec’s most recent work was recently completed at 484 New South head Road, Double Bay

What keeps you inspired?

A love of architecture, cities, people who make beautiful things and lead creative lives.

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

There isn’t one project in particular that I would like to highlight. I often have ordinary briefs and development frameworks with inherent conceptual or practical difficulties. I sometimes think back in these circumstances with a sense of achievement even though my role in the process is relatively invisible to my peers.

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

I have declined or resigned work and recommended other Architects who are more suited to the circumstances or the brief.

 Are there any architects whose work encapsulates your own ideals?

Major elements of the design culture of Moneo, Utzon, Guirgola and Wilkinson do so in relatively recent history. There are many facets of the work of Architects in a historical context that have provided knowledge and inspiration. I have travelled widely and understood the difference between experiencing actual buildings and the rhetoric or visual interpretation of buildings. I favour actual over virtual experience to form a better understanding of the ideas of Architects. I say that as I have also not

travelled to places such as Finland and consequently accept that there may be other Architects whose work I could equally admire but out of ignorance don’t include in this list. I also admire the work of many of my contemporaries in Sydney but am ‘too close’ to comment with objectivity. 

Did/do you have a mentor?

I worked closely with Andrew Andersons and Glenn Murcutt for a few years after graduation. Both helped me gain skills as well as define my direction and interests in architecture. I also learnt a lot from studying with Alex Cooper at Columbia and the American work of Aldo Guirgola with whom I also did a program of study.

Which Australian building excites you the most? 

There isn’t ‘one’. Different buildings have inspirational characteristics. The work of Barnett (eg the GPO before it was wrecked inside); Opera House; Wilkinson’s own house in Sydney; Ken Woolley’s Palm Beach House (and others); and rural or some suburban architecture from Le Plastrier, Murcutt and others).

I am generally unsympathetic to design culture that develops ideas appropriated from other disciplines. I look for an architecture that derives from a deep understanding of other architecture, the contextual environment, building, construction and social objectives.

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

My guess is that it will probably slow down for a few years.

Axolotl was recently requested by Distinctive Living Design to help create a thought provoking and meaningful tribute to the ANZAC's, which was launched as part of the ANZAC day commemorations this year. The poppies were made from hand beaten steel and Axolotl accentuated this feature by applying custom finish to the petals and a textural concrete to the stems.

Axolotl continue to be at the forefront of door design and gates and garage doors are no exception. The first example below, is a series of zinc gates with a double-screen design, that provides structural integrity and security whilst maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

The second is a textural nickel finish, applied to a garage door and entry door, that achieves consistency across the two different door materials.

View more gates and garage doors here.

Axolotl Awards

With an in-depth knowledge of design, processes and materials, Axolotl is often called upon to design and create awards that truly defy the status quo.

The NSW Creative Laureate award below, both designed and made by the Axolotl team, boasts a stunning copper warratah blossom, contrasted by the concrete base.

For over 10 years Axolotl has created the DesignEX awards, creating something new each year. This year the awards were cast in solid concrete, juxtaposed by silver and gold gilding.

For more great ideas for awards and other projects please get in touch.

Contemporary art installations have always been an integral part of Axolotl. It is therefore with great pleasure that today we launch AAP - Axolotl Art Projects, a dedicated consultancy to specifically project manage commissioned artworks. 

From concept through to a fully resolved piece, AAP partners with architects, designers, developers, councils and artists to be the key liaison for any scale of project.

AAP offers a unique full-service approach to commissioning artwork and creative design solutions, yet are flexible in their level of involvement and role in the art project. Axolotl's involvement can start and finish at any point in the production spectrum, including art strategy, artist selection, concept design, design development, engineering, documentation and fabrication.

With Axolotl's unique manufacturing abilities and palette of materials in metal, concrete, glass and timber, artists have a virtually unrestricted freedom to create works that they may not have originally thought possible.

Please visit our new website axolotlartprojects.com to see some of the stunning existing works or contact us to find out more.

Nestled under No1 Pacific Place, Chatswood is a thoroughfare that is above the ordinary.

Axolotl was commissioned by Mirvac Special Projects, to create a back-lit glass feature wall to run the length of the walkway. Artist Pamela See was called on to create the stunning artwork that adorns the glass who then implemented our unique palette of processes to execute the artwork to full effect. 

The Axolotl 'LINK' glass features an Axolotl Copper coating bonded to frosted laminated glass and then aged with a Verdigris patina. Pamela's artwork was then carved through the metal to allow subtle blades of light to penetrate the surface. The artwork continues through to custom designed, laser cut steel gates at both ends.

This walkway is in an area that could have easily been overlooked but is now thought of as the crown jewel of the development. It’s a testimony to how thoughtful art can define an area with a distinctive character and support a positive ecology in the life that works and lives within it.

This is the second successfully completed collaboration with Pamela See and Axolotl. The other being the widely acclaimed and award winning Chinatown Kiosk, we featured last year.

This recently completed waterfront project in Sydney's Inner West, illustrates the creative new Axolotl coating techniques that make a statement of any entrance.

The client worked directly with our in-house design team, to select finishes and designs that complemented the natural stone and bronze elements already selected for the home. The door and side panel were finished with a contemporary lineal pattern and then coated with Treasury Bronze Pearl with a Lunar texture. Axolotl LINK glass, with a Seaweed pattern in Brown Rust, was chosen for the divider wall on the top level. It brings a soft diffused view from the lounge and a stunning feature for guests arriving from the lift. 

The results beautifully reflect the meticulous material selection and perfectly executed workmanship.

Axolotl Texture

The two entry doors displayed below, illustrate the combination of subtle or bold texture with Axolotl metals. The 3D pattern is finished in Treasury Bronze smooth pearl, the other in Black Graphite Viper.

Each quarter Axolotl puts 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 Ed Lippmann from Lippmann Associates. This Sydney based design firm recently completed the Boy Charlton Pool in the Domain and has won numerous RAIA awards over the years. 

What keeps you inspired?

I'm always hankering for change, never content to keep doing the same thing again and again. So fresh ideas are really crucial. I just look at my children and their spontaneity, that's what real creativity is all about.

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

Every project tends to build on what came before and generally there's a kind of evolution occurring. So, its

difficult to say greatest. I always look forward to the next and newest challenges and achievements.

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

In the early days I did that all the time. I was very keen to prove myself and often client's expectations were very different to what I had in mind. But good dialogue and communication was very important because even though, initially, there may be a sense that the architect is not listening, maybe, just maybe there's a better idea out there. Nowadays, clients come to expect that of me.

Are there any architects whose work encapsulates your own ideals?

There are many architects whose work I admire but Buckminster Fuller comes to mind, although not an architect, by training. But he was really a great visionary and his view of the world had such a profound influence on his designs. Houses that moved, three wheeled cars, geodesic domes to improve and protect the quality of the environment. He was an inventor, actually. I think architects should strive to be far more lateral than they sometimes become. 

Did/do you have a mentor?

There are many architects whose work has influenced me both locally and internationally. But I guess special pride and place must go to one's formative influences. I went to New York when I was 21 offering my services at Marcel Breuer's office, the great Bauhaus master. I couldn't really call Breuer a mentor as he was very old and barely active any more, but just being in his orbit was an overwhelming experience and I will always remember those days with great fondness.

Which Australian building excites you the most?

I know this is going to sound very cliche but the Sydney Opera House, of course. Let's face it there isn't anything else like it in Sydney, the world for that matter. What a spectacular site and what a great contribution to it.

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

We will see a far greater emphasis on environmental considerations than in the past. Buildings which "breathe" rather than being hermetically sealed boxes, where the outside environment can become part of the interior. Light, air, that special ambience which comes with the sense of connection with the forces of nature. It's what Feng Shui was all about. The even more ancient Vedic science of Sthapatya Veda was even more switched onto that balance with nature. 

Which trend in architecture or design are you totally over?

That's a good question. I'd have to say Victoria or Federation style designs. They may have had relevance in

their day but they are so inappropriate in the twenty first century. Thank goodness the local councils are starting to give up on them!

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

There doesn't appear to be any major fluctuations either more or less but my work has changed significantly. I've just had a spell of designing many swimming pools and sporting complexes, some quite well known and much loved. The current workload tends to be heading into more public work, office developments and, of course still much housing. I'm looking forward to the year ahead.

2013 was a great year for Axolotl and full of firsts and finals.  

Highlights of firsts were the launch of our furniture brand Anomaly, as well as working with Grand Designs on the amazing Forest Lodge Eco House. Naturally, this is alongside all the creative and exciting projects by architects and designers which never cease to inspire. We sincerely look forward to working with you all again this year.

As for finals, we were shortlisted as one of three contenders from an international line-up to create two feature walls for Hong Kong airport. At this point in time, everything is crossed for success which will be an accolade not just for Axolotl and the many partner companies who have become part of this project, but also for Australian design and manufacturing.

The images here are of two recent projects completed late last year. This beautiful garage door has been carved with our Cortex pattern which has been coated in Bronze and naturally aged to a florentine patina, giving an authentic and commanding entry for this client.

Axolotl are the leaders in metal surface technology and offer several varied options in Rust alone, this second beautiful garage door features a naturally aged Marine Rust.

Finally, we have started the year creating profiles on Pinterest and Instagram (Axolotl & Anomaly), enabling you to save images for design inspiration and to stay in tune with what we are up to. We have also set up a new Anomaly Facebook page, and make sure to keep updated with recent Axolotl projects by liking our Axolotl Facebook page.

Whilst we are unable to disclose our design for the Hong Kong airport due to confidentiality agreements, we can let you know that it is an exciting cutting edge technology, made specifically for this project.

Every now and then a project comes along that resonates deeper into the human mind and heart. That delves into the grey area between art and design, and becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

Earlier this year, Chris Knierim and Belinda Mason, approached Axolotl to help create an entry for their home, a small terrace in Sydney's inner west. Belinda, a well know photographer, had captured an aerial shot of their home and surrounding suburbs in a helicopter, with the idea to recreate the image using Axolotl's processes.

Axolotl then carved the image into the door, replicating the fine detail of the houses, cars and trees. Finally, the door and panel was coated in an aged aluminium. The overall effect is as if the door was carved from a solid aluminium block.

What was realised is a totally unique, and personal design that celebrates the owners love of their home and family from the outside in.

It is also a wonderful example of the endless possibilities when using Axolotl processes.

The home was recently featured on the latest season of Grand Designs Australia and Axolotl was privileged to be featured on the episode. We're also excited that Axolotl House will be featured in Grand Designs magazine, in February next year.

INSIDE: IDEA Awards

The IDEA awards for 2013 was held in Melbourne recently. Axolotl, for the third year in a row, was again called on to make the awards for this prestigious event. The team devised a trophy hewn from Tasmanian Oak, coupled with an aged Bronze TimberLINK, applied in a geometric pattern. Axolotl would like to extend our congratulations to the IDEA Awards team and to all the winners this year.