Months after the originally scheduled date of November 2020, the IDEA 2020 Gala party finally went ahead on Friday 19th February 2021.
The event was in doubt only days before when a 5-day snap lockdown for Melbourne threatened to force yet another delay. However, thankfully Melbourne was emancipated just in time for the party to go ahead and for the Australian design community to let their hair down.
Jeremy Bull of Alexander & Co., Simone Haag and Andrew Parr of SJB were all on the panel of industry-leading professionals that judged this year’s IDEA and were in attendance, along with Axolotl’s co-founder Kris Torma.
inside editor Elisa Scarton awarded COX this year’s Editors’ Medal for Tedesca while the winning hospitality category was awarded to Alexander & CO. for Glorietta.
The overall winner was Private Residence by Richards Stanisich. This classic mid-century residence, originally designed by Harry Seidler and built in 1958 is a tribute to ’50s modernism in Sydney, also won the night’s Residential Single award. Richards Stanisich were understandably unable to attend in person. Thanks to the ingenuity of the organisers, and in keeping with the zeitgeist, they were able to accept their awards via video link.
Axolotl has been supporting the IDEA awards for over 10 years and we are once again proud and honoured to produce the handcrafted trophies for this important celebration of Australian design. We look forward to many years of collaboration in the future. Watch the story behind the process and production of the IDEA 2020 trophies in this short clip we’ve put together.
How do you create a warm and inviting ambience within a large lobby with the intention to encourage people to meet and congregate? It takes a number of considerations and the designers at Gray Puksand show us how it’s done, with the help of Axolotl applied metal, in their recently completed renewal of the entry foyer at 55 Clarence Street in Sydney.
Axolotl applied Gold Bronze in a smooth finish is featured across the walls of the lobby. The hand-polished treatment injects warmth and visual softness working as the perfect anchoring backdrop to the dynamic space. The Axolotl treatment was also bonded to the vertical blades behind the reception desk, where Gray Puksand have used recessed uplighting to wash over the blades, highlighting the warmth and variation of the surface.
Gray Puksand share with us their intention for the space; “the desired design outcome was to create a space that acts as a destination within the building rather than a thoroughfare. Each setting within the lobby creates opportunities to spark serendipitous encounters, provoking opportunities to meet and work, through carefully curated pieces with integrated power and technology “
The concept and design direction as described by Gray Puksand for their recent project; "The renewal of 55 Clarence Street draws inspiration from the unique scape of Sydney’s Clarence Street, evoking a sense of sophistication with an edge. The space is designed to activate the area, create artful ambience and a welcoming feeling."
We love Gray Puksand and the brilliant work they are constantly putting out, we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
The use of bronze in interior design and architecture is back in a big way. We are seeing Bronze used in so many different ways, be it landscape design, exterior facades, doors or interior feature walls and joinery, instantly injecting warmth and a natural rawness. So this month we shine a spotlight on Axolotl Bronze applied metal surfaces.
Through a proprietary technique perfected over years of research and development, Axolotl are able to bond our applied Bronze surface to virtually any substrate whether it be flat panels, compound curves, routered designs or three-dimensional forms. Using real metal allows us to develop patinas over the surface as though it were forged of solid metal.
We’ve put together a range of images below showcasing the versatility of Axolotl Bronze. Through literally thousands of combinations of our textures, patterns and patinas, this chameleon-like surface treatment would add sophisticated warmth to any project. Get in touch with us to explore the opportunities to use Axolotl Bronze in you next project.
As we draw close to the end of 2020, we would like to take this opportunity to thank not only our talented team, but also the brilliant architects, designers, builders and renovators who have worked with us this year.
We are especially grateful to have been able to continue creating such beautiful pieces with you all in 2020. Thank you for making our favourite moments of the year possible, and for being part of this incredible community. It has been a challenging year for everyone worldwide, and we wish relief, health and happiness for all.
Row 1. Detail of “A time to reflect” by Rive Roshan x Axolotl. Using our mica surface on glass dome forms as part of the “Hybrid” exhibition 2020, at the Power House Museum MAAS. Photography by Zan Wimberley | Skipping Stones by artist Jade Oakley, featuring Axolotl formed Marblezone glass and carved concrete pebbles. Photography by Silversalt Photography | Nickel Pseudo Smooth Black Florentine counter for J84 Café by Mirvac. Joinery by Prestige Joinery | “A time to reflect” by Rive Roshan x Axolotl. Photography by Zan Wimberley | Gold Bronze Smooth feature walls for the 55 Clarence St lobby refurbishment by FDC Group. Photography by Fretwell Photography
Row 2. Bronze Black Florentine tactile braille model for Hyde Craft Barracks. Model and photography by Modelcraft | Square Splice 3D embossed double door in Gold Bronze Black Florentine. Photography by Creative Property Marketing | Natus Ex Igne artwork by Jane Cavanough for Arkadia Apartments, featuring custom Miro glass. Photography by Simon Wood | Skipping Stones by artist Jade Oakley. Close up of carved concrete pebbles. Photography by Silversalt | Design Development in glass and metal for the “Homily to Country” artwork by JR for the upcoming Triennial 2020 exhibition by the National Gallery of Victoria
Row 3. Metal screen production for the “Homily to Country” artwork by JR for the upcoming Triennial 2020 exhibition by the National Gallery of Victoria | Detail of “A time to reflect” by Rive Roshan x Axolotl. Photography by Zan Wimberley | Gold Bronze Smooth feature walls for the 55 Clarence St lobby refurbishment by FDC Group. Photography by Fretwell Photography | Axolotl Hot Rolled Steel balustrade for SBA Midland WA project | Detail of 3D custom wall artwork commission in Nickel Black Florentine
You asked for it and Axolotl has delivered. We are super excited to introduce the latest additions to the Axolotl Applied Metal collection, Blackened Steel & Hot Rolled Steel.
As with our existing Axolotl applied treatments, these new metal surfaces can be applied to almost any substrate and are suitable for both interior and exterior applications. Meticulously polished and aged by hand, the end result emulates the industrial aesthetic of solid blackened steel without having to negotiate the issues associated with excessive weight and fabrication limitations.
There are limitless opportunities for the application of these two new finishes including balustrades, as shown above in the SBA Midland WA project, feature walls, facades, joinery and doors to name a few.
Blackened Steel
Hot Rolled Steel with Lineal Cutback
Hot Rolled Steel with custom cutback
For further information on how you can incorporate Blackened Steel and Hot Rolled Steel into your project, or for information on any of the Axolotl product range, visit our website, send us an email, or call us on 02 9666 1207 to make an appointment to visit our showroom.
Long time Axolotl collaborator and friend, artist Jade Oakley, recently completed this playful site specific installation titled Skipping Stones, in collaboration with Creative Road and Axolotl Art Projects (AAP). Spanning the forecourt of a residential development at Lachlan’s Line in Sydney, the 19 metre long installation consists of 22 hand cast concrete stones scattered around a reflective creek. A custom designed metal element in the centre bridges across the creek, which trickles between 2 bespoke metal grates.
Under Jade’s direction ochre was hand mixed into the cement creating a blending of colour on the surface of the stones. Jade’s hand drawn sketches, depicting native fauna found in nearby Lane Cove National Park, were carved by Axolotl into the surface of each of the cast concrete stones. The oversized pebbles, varying in size from 300mm long to 1500mm long, each sit on a ‘halo’ of Axolotl formed glass precision-cut panels, illuminated by subterranean lighting designed and programmed to glow intermittently in a rhythm inspired by the first large raindrops of a summer storm.
AAP was engaged by Jade Oakley and Creative Road to assist with various aspects of the design and documentation from the overall layout down to the detail of the metal bridge element ensuring compliance with local government regulation. The prototype incorporated and tested the install methodology of all of the elements that make up Skipping Stones, including custom formed glass, a custom carved concrete pebble, LED lighting, extruded framing and Stoneset.
In the artist’s words “There is a strong tactile quality to Skipping Stones. The concrete is lovingly polished, so that it is smooth and delicious to touch, a joy to sit on when warmed by the sun. The arrangement of stones encourages interaction with the public; children use them as stepping stones, jumping from one to the next. People sit on them, and use the sculpture as a gathering place.”
Skipping Stones evokes memories of water, play and interaction. The work encourages interaction especially for children and creates strong ties with the local landscape.
Natus Ex Igne, Latin for born of fire, is the latest collaboration between Axolotl Art Projects and Artist, Jane Cavanough. This striking exterior sculpture sits nestled between the buildings of Arkadia, a recently completed multi-residential development in the Sydney Park precinct. Jane worked closely with the teams at DKO Architecture and Oculus Landscape Architecture, alongside Guppy Associates Art Management, to develop the concept for the site-specific artwork. A grouping of three tapering corten steel cones, the sculpture references the sentinel smokestacks that highlight the skyline from the former Sydney Brickworks, located in neighbouring Sydney Park.
Axolotl Art Projects was engaged to produce three bespoke complex glass shapes adorning the large conical forms. Jane selected Axolotl MIRO low iron acid-etched laminated glass, incorporating a custom print designed in collaboration with local artist, Philippa Playford, onto a clear interlayer. The bold combination of line and colour resembles the glow of fire and rings of smoke. When illuminated at night, the translucency of the glass provides a transmissive barrier allowing the internal lighting to emit a soft glow and provide a further dimension to the sculpture.
Natus Ex Igne’s elegant paired back conical tapering forms have a quiet and powerful clarity that connects both with past local history and present day acknowledging the architectural selection of recycled bricks as the main external material of the surrounding buildings.
Fabricated in three different sizes, the corten steel sculptures animate the space around them for contemplation and interaction. The largest cone, standing three metres, features a hollowed out scalloped core, resembling the shadow of a former chimney. The horizontal cone provides a tension and playfulness when confronted with a large aperture of glass designed to further extend the metaphor of fire.
Axolotl has recently updated our operations in line with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions by the Australian federal and state governments. It is our number one priority to continue to keep our employees, clients, families and communities healthy and safe.
Our showroom is now open by appointment only, please contact us on 02 9666 1207 or at info@axolotl.com.au to arrange a visit.
Please note the following conditions for all visitors to our showroom and factory, these measures have been put in place so we can ensure a safe work environment for all Axolotl employees and we appreciate your cooperation:
- a mask must be worn at all times during your visit, Axolotl can provide masks if required. - all Axolotl employees meeting with visitors will also wear a mask for the duration of the visit to minimise any risk to you - hand sanisiter is to be used on arrival - visits must be kept to a maximum of 15 minutes - social distancing must be observed, please keep at least 1.5m apart - bathroom facilities will not be made available for the use of visitors
For those of you in isolation or who prefer to stay at home, we are happy to assist you over the phone and via email, and have embraced video chat technologies including FaceTime, Skype and Zoom to enable us to "virtually" show you through our showroom and our myriad samples. We know it's important to see and feel our surfaces for yourself and will continue to Express Post samples out daily on request.
Our factory and warehouse operations are continuing as usual, while strictly adhering to social distancing guidelines. Our factory hours of operation for deliveries and collections remain unchanged, Mon - Thurs 7am - 3pm, Fri 7am - 1.45pm.
We have implemented the following hygiene procedures to ensure your safety and ours: - we no longer require a signature for deliveries and collections, just your name and contact number, to minimise the spread through transfer via pens or paper - our EFTPOS machine is wiped clean with disinfecting wipes both before and after your PIN is required. - strict adherence to the 1.5m social distancing guidelines at all times
We respectfully ask that all visitors follow these guidelines when delivering to or collecting items from our factory.
If you would like to arrange an appointment for either a physical or virtual visit or if you have any queries at all please feel free to contact us on 02 9666 1207 or at info@axolotl.com.au
Surface: Bronze Florentine 3D Printed Concentric Design
Doors have long been a hero product of Axolotl, showcasing our creativity and extensive range of surfaces. Now with the ability to 3D print almost any design onto your door, no matter how intricate, practically anything is possible. 3D printing is available for doors and panels in sizes up to 2400 x 1600mm and aligned with the imagination of homeowners and professional designers, it is proving a major disruptor in the design world.
Axolotl makes it simple to achieve a highly personalised, statement entry-piece whether intricate or unadorned, aged or polished, rust or concrete. In fact we are increasingly seeing our doors less as a utilitarian item and more as a point of functional sculpture to add architectural detail, colour, texture – and value - to a home.
Axolotl continues to lead the market in contemporary surfaces and our range of doors exemplify our unique product. All doors we create are custom designed by our in-house team of designers in ongoing consultation with our clients, allowing you complete control and ownership over the process. This inclusive collaboration produces stunning results, such as those shown below.
Surface: Gold Bronze Florentine 3D Printed Splice Design Photo: Nicole England
Surface: Aluminium Antique 3D Printed Custom Aerial Photo Design
Surface: Nickel Florentine 3D Printed Prism Design
Find more door inspiration in our gallery here, and for more information on our treatments and how they can be used on your next project visit our showroom or website, or call the office today on 02 9666 1207.
Working in collaboration with Art Pharmacy, Axolotl recently completed this stunning artwork by artist Chris Yee. Situated in Hay Street in Chinatown, Sydney, the artwork celebrates the Tumbalong site, exploring the rich industrial and cultural heritage of the area. The artwork comprises of eight glass panels printed with the colourful graphic on the internal faces, and Graphite inlay on the front.
Check out the video below of the artist explaining more about the artwork and his process.
Image Jodie Barker
Image Jodie Barker
Complementing this artwork is the nearby Chinatown kiosk by artist Pamela See in collaboration with Frost*. Featuring lantern-like curved glass panels produced by Axolotl in 2010 using similar technology, Axolotl artworks now bookend the Chinatown district.
Head down to Chinatown, Sydney to join in the Lunar New Year festivities from 25th January, and while you’re there be sure to check out these striking installations in person (hot tip: see them after dark).
