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KBDi design 20ten finalists announced

2010-07-23T14:00:00.016+10:00

The state finalists for the Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute 'design20ten' awards have been announced. Winners will be announced at a gala evening held as part of the KBDi Annual Conference on 14 August. Good luck to all finalists and check back here for details of the winners after the event.

NSW Finalists
Small Kitchens: John Little/Gavin Hepper/Karl Noonan
Medium Kitchens: Joseph Ardita/Gavin Hepper/Elizabeth Luke
Large Kitchens: Geoff Little/John Little/Gloria Rose
Small Bathrooms: Bev Kahn/Karl Noonan/Karl Noonan
Large Bathrooms: Geoff Little/Karl Noonan/Elizabeth Luke

Qld Finalists
Small Kitchens: Kim Duffin/Elton Roep/Mal Corboy
Medium Kitchens: Kim Duffin/Mal Corboy/Darren James
Large Kitchens: Eileen Middleton/Ann Gillis/Lee Hardcastle
Small Bathrooms: Aimee Baddock/Eileen Middleton
Large Bathrooms: Allan Fry/Eileen Middleton

SA/WA Finalists
Medium Kitchens: Haris Bahityarov/Robert Bayly/Krystal Castle/Tony Warren
Large Kitchens: Haris Bahityarov/Bronwyn richards/Mike Schirmer/Paul Hutchison
Large Kitchens: Kordula Stuart/Maggie Milligan
Small Bathrooms: Eilza Rudkin/David Ellwood/Maggie Milligan
Large Bathrooms SA: Paul Hutchison/Eliza Rudkin
Large Bathrooms WA: David Ellwood/David Ellwood/Maggie Milligan

Vic/Tas Finalists
Small Kitchens: Patricia LaTorre/Patricia LaTorre/Lenka
Medim Kitchens Vic: Frank Iaria/Frank Iaria/Lindsay Williams/Albert Zarb
Large Kitchens Vic: Ed Mamrot/Frank Iaria/Markus Sawatzki
Small Bathrooms Vic: Owen Barnes/Owen Barnes/Royston Wilson
Large Bathrooms: Lenka/Royston Wilson

Unique Project Award
National Finalists: Catherine Young/Justin Putric/Karl Noonan

Most Outstanding KBDi Student in Kitchen Design
Finalists: Craig Johnson/Darren James/David Barr/Christine Gillam/Chenoa Watson

Most Outstanding KBDi Student in Bathroom Design
Finalists: Levi Skliwa/David Ellwood/Susan Wasley

Certified Designer of the Year
National Finalists: Mal Corboy/Royston Wilson/Woen Barnes/Darren James/Kim Duffin/Paul Hutchison

For more information visit www.kbdi.org.au

The future is clear

2010-07-20T15:01:00.008+10:00

This morning I attended the launch of a new toaster from Magimix. Named the "Vision" toaster, it is so called because of its revolutionary clear side panels that allow the user to view their toast as it cooks.

The toaster has been 15 years in the making with Magimix launching the new product approximately 18 months ago in France. Joining us at the launch this morning was Francois Picquerey, International Export Director for Magimix, who told us that the reason for the long time in development and production was because of Magimix's commitment to a quality product with the goal being to create consistency every time the toaster was used.

In addition to looking fabulous, the toaster has been designed to allow toasting of a wide variety of breads including bagels, crumpets, muffins, baguettes, Turkish breads and Indian breads. Our breakfast this morning was hosted by Gourmet Safaris' Maeve O'Meara and took place at the stunning Shangri La Hotel in Sydney's Rocks district, with its gorgeous views overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Visit http://www.magimix.com/ or speak to distributors Cambur on (03) 8787 4200. The Magimix Vision toaster will be available exclusively through David Jones in August and September and available in a wider range of outlets later in the year. The toaster retails for $499.

What do you think? Do you like the design? Would you buy one? Let us know your feedback.

AAA BLACK TALK: RICK JOY

2010-07-02T10:52:00.006+10:00

The Australian Architecture Association presents Rick Joy

Award winning American architect Rick Joy is renowned for this climate responsive and landscape sensitive work, based mostly in the desert region of Arizona. Using a robust palette of materials, including rammed earth, hardwoods and rusted steel, Joy’s work looks as much from the earth, as sitting within it. Joy’s practice predominantly includes residential work, with Tubac House being his most celebrated. Joy’s work has been both published and exhibited widely with a group of architectural experts recently choosing a Rick Joy house as one of five most influential and inspiring homes in recent times, alongside work by Rem Koolhaas and Shigeru Ban.

Rick will be talking at the Eastern Avenue Auditorium, University of Sydney on Monday 19th July 2010 and at the BMW Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne on Thursday 22nd July 2010. The Melbourne talk will be presented in association with Architectural Review Australia.

Book online now...

AAA Black Talk: Rick Joy - Sydney
Monday, July 19, 2010 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
AAA Black Talk: Rick Joy - Melbourne
Thursday, July 22, 2010 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

STATE ARCHITECTURE AWARDS ANNOUNCED

2010-07-01T14:58:00.006+10:00

The ACT, NSW, NT, Qld, Tas, Vic and WA state chapters of the Australian Institute of Architects recently announced their winning commercial, public and residential projects. SA is due to announce next week.

All award recipients are now in the running for National Architecture Awards, which will be announced in late October.

Australian Institute of Architects
www.architecture.com.au

Salvado Residence by Bates Smart + Madeleine Blanchfield Architects.
Photographer: Tyrone Branigan

AUSTRALIAN CAPTITAL TERRITORY
Presenting this year’s awards, jury chair Bruce Townsend said: “This year the jury has selected a number of smaller projects for recognition. Despite their small budgets and scope, these projects have successfully investigated solutions for achievable ways of living in a more sustainable, albeit simpler way. These projects stand out in the context of our modern-day preoccupation with more, bigger, faster and only occasionally better! When everything else is telling us to up-size, these projects demonstrate a sustainable approach to consumption with spaces that will be rewarding for life.”

Honouring the H House, the jury said: “The jury believes that H-House is an important project. The result is a wonderful living environment that has resulted from a series of extremely fine judgements in regard to subtraction and addition, scale, light, materiality, form and program.”

NEW SOUTH WALES
The state’s top public architecture prize, the Sulman Award, was presented to the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link, Intermediate Stations, by HASSELL. Presenting the award, the jury said: “The four stations that make up the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link set a new benchmark for transport design in Australia. They are an elegant and innovative integration of engineering and architecture, where technical challenges and complexities have inspired rather than constrained the outcome.”
A public architecture award was also presented to the Surry Hills Library and Community Centre by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt), which emerged as this year’s most honoured project — also taking out the Milo Dunphy Award for Sustainable Architecture and the John Verge Award for Interior Architecture.

H House by Nino Bellantonio, AiL Studio &
Joanna Nelson Architect.
Photographer: Tim Thomas

NORTHERN TERRITORY
A university building successfully bringing a modernist approach to tropical architecture has been awarded the two top honours at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2010 NT Architecture Awards.
In presenting the awards, 2010 NT Awards Chairman John Mainwaring said, “The controversial decision to choose modernist typology over the contemporary Darwin vernacular for this key building on the CDU campus has paid off. The impressive scale of the exterior and internal public spaces combines successfully with a permeability and democracy of access and movement that establish it as a true public facility, and serve to reflect the vision and values of Charles Darwin University.”
The Award for Residential Architecture – Houses was presented to The Pink House by Build Up Design, described by the jury as “a prototype for tropical suburban housing, designed to suit smaller blocks. It draws on the topology of Darwin’s government-built, high-set houses from the 1950s to the 1970s. This contemporary tropical home takes the best nostalgic design elements from old Darwin and blends them with modern architectural design utilising standard construction systems of the suburbs.”

QUEENSLAND
Commenting on this year’s entries, Mr Brannigan said: “It’s commendable to see such a high proportion of projects entered into the public architecture category across the state, a trend that reflects the growing confidence of government organisations and regional councils in working with architects on key projects.” Speaking on the quality of this year’s entries, he added: “The jury has noted that it’s very obvious the best results are being seen in projects where architects have been employed at every stage of the process, from concept through to end of construction.”
Leading the regional charge was this year’s top public architecture winner, with the F.D.G Stanley Award for Public Architecture going to the Ipswich Justice Precinct by Cox Rayner Architects with ABM Architects (ABM Cox Rayner). Presenting the award, Mr Brannigan said: “Located on the edge of the Ipswich CBD, this court building engages with the public domain in a number of ways and makes the interaction of the community with the justice system highly visible and accessible.” In a multiple win for Ipswich Justice Precinct, it also received this year’s Art and Architecture Prize and the G.H.M. Addison Award for Interior Architecture.

TASMANIA
A regional building described as a “spectacular icon for imaginative civic regeneration and community identity” has taken out the highest accolade at this year’s Australian Institute of Architects’ 2010 Tasmanian Architecture Awards. The Alan C Walker Award for Public Architecture was presented to the Makers’ Workshop by Terroir. Presenting the award, Jury Chair Ian Moore said: “The project incorporates and reinterprets two key regional activities — an emerging creative crafts industry associated with Burnie’s paper manufacturing and a centre for local rural and pioneering heritage — as a single visitors’ centre with a robust approach to context, form and materiality.
“This is architecture with an arresting attitude to vision; looking out pointedly at different aspects of its setting — port, town, hinterland, ocean and built context — just as it demands to be looked at from different vantage points, distances and times of day and night. Completed on a stringent budget within 15 months from initial briefing, the Makers’ Workshop is a testament to lucid architectural intent and direction.”
In another win, the conversion of an 1840s stone barn into a contemporary studio residence, the Strangio House by Maria Gigney Architects, was awarded the Roy Sharrington Smith Award for Heritage and a Small Project Architecture Award. The jury said: “The Strangio House at West Hobart epitomises the principles of The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance (The Burra Charter) while confidently balancing the challenges of contemporary occupation. This unambiguously modern refurbishment, sensitively placed within existing heritage fabric, appears as robust as its environ, yet retains a perceived element of mobility, as if ready to be introduced to an equally deserving locale.”

VICTORIA
The Melbourne Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre by joint venture architects, Woods Bagot and NH Architecture has been honoured with the 2010 Victorian Architecture Medal for successfully crossing design boundaries and taking out awards in four categories: the William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, the Steel Architecture Award, an award for Sustainable Architecture and the esteemed Melbourne Prize.
The top award for commercial architecture, the Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award, went to Wood Marsh Architects for the Port Phillip Estate Winery. Described by the jury as being like “an archaeological artefact revealed by drifting sands, the rammed earth walls of Port Phillip Estate winery spiral from the earth and heighten anticipation of what lies below.”
The stunning Lyon HouseMuseum has won the Harold Desbrowe-Annear Award for Residential Architecture. Lyon Housemuseum is a family home that has been designed around an extensive collection of art. A function of the Housemuseum is to share the art collection with the community via public access. The success of the project has been the delicate and confident weaving of a sensitive family home through the towering galleries and spaces, says the jury.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Perth’s Saint Mary’s Cathedral by Peter M. Quinn Architect was announced the winner of the state’s top public architecture prize, the George Temple Pool Award. In presenting the award, the jury said: “The completion of St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth is a major civic work that has been lovingly executed by a sole practitioner. Such an endeavour over a considerable period has required a complete commitment to the one project.”
In a strong year for single residential architecture, with 11 awards and commendations presented, this year’s major award for residential architecture, the Marshall Clifton Award for Residential Architecture— Houses, was presented to a compact, low-maintenance beach house at Cottesloe designed for a retired couple — the Salvado Street Residence by Bates Smart + Madeleine Blanchfield Architects. The jury said: “Generous and delightful spaces are created from the modest footprint of two pavilions, one open and the other private, and linked by an internal courtyard; it’s a very successful response to local climate and the marine environment. The special ambience of this building is in part due to the careful and controlled selection of natural local materials that have been crafted together with great skill and meticulous detailing. The resulting delightful home is understated and not at all ostentatious.”

New Board for the AAA

2010-06-30T14:16:00.007+10:00

Last night at the Annual General Meeting of The Australian Architecture Association (AAA) a new Board and Committee was elected.

Held at the Seidler apartment in Milsons Point, Sydney the Annual General Meeting was attended by more than 30 members who unanimously voted-in the new Board, giving them a vote of confidence to move ahead with their ambitions to create a more positive and ambitious agenda for the year ahead.

Re-elected to the board was the current President, architect Angelo Candalepas with the new Vice-President, interior designer and magazine editor of Luxury Home Design magazine, Kate St James, FDIA who is also one of the volunteer tour guides for the AAA. The Secretary, architect David McCrae was re-elected as was the Treasurer, architect Vincent Lam.

Committee members elected are Annette Dearing, one of the founding Directors of the AAA, architecture graduate and CPA, Robert Morley and Dinosaur Designs' Liane Rossler.

The new committee acknowledged that there were difficult but exciting times ahead for the AAA as they strive to create a higher profile for the organisation with increased public awareness of its tours, lectures, seminars and events which will continue to support and promote architecture to the wider community.

“Our first challenge is to obtain increased funding through sponsorships and events, which will enable us to provide a higher standard of service to our members,” said President, Angelo Candalepas.

The AAA was established in 2004 as a not for profit organisation to promote the understanding of both local and world architecture in Australia. It offers talks by internationally renowned architects in its Black Talk series and conducts regular walking and bus/car tours showcasing important buildings and architecture of Sydney, architecturally significant suburbs of Surry Hills and Castlecrag as well as Sydney Bar tours, Harbour cruises and Blue Mountains tours all led by volunteer tour leaders.

In 2006, the Australian Architecture Association started the annual Sydney Architecture Festival on World Architecture Day, the first Monday of every October, with the Australian Institute of Architects and the New South Wales Architects Registration Board.

For more information on AAA tours and events visit: http://www.architecture.org.au

Michelangelo's Kitchen

2010-06-03T10:31:00.012+10:00

Arriving at Sydney’s Doltone House for the Hettich Michelangelo’s Kitchen event (held on Thursday 20th May), we were greeted by a row of cute Italian Vespas lining the walkway that runs alongside the venue. At the far end stood a gleaming, black Ferrari and we were serenaded by Italian music as we gorged on sumptuous canapés and enjoyed the view.

Hettich had obviously gone all-out for this stunning event and it was a great opportunity to catch up with industry associates who had flown in from all corners of the country for the function.

We chatted and snacked and sipped and listened until the doors opened to a magical world full of mood and mystery — and more food! Two buffets — hot and cold — kept guests busy while waiters roamed with the all-important drinks trays.

Centred in the room was a long catwalk that held the promise of further entertainment with two silver "statues" perched at well-spaced intervals.

The theme was a celebration of Italian design and style, hence the reference to Michelangelo who was light-years ahead of his time, and the guest speaker was internationally renowned designer Mal Corboy, fresh from his trip to Eurocucina.

After a quick introduction by Hettich’s Richard Abela, managing director for Australia & New Zealand, it was down to business with Mal taking us through his impressions of Eurocucina. In particular, Mal showed us that a number of classic kitchen elements from centuries ago, are still being reflected (albeit in their modern equivalents) in the kitchens we design today. It was a fascinating journey both through history and through the design showcase.

As someone who also attended Eurocucina, it was a great opportunity for me to revisit the show and I always enjoy hearing Mal speak.

At the conclusion of Mal's presentation the catwalk came to life with a stunning parade from high-end Italian label Varino. The "wow"s could be heard from every corner of the room as we soaked up the visual indulgence of this display.

As a branding exercise, they don’t come much better than this. A wonderful night was had by all and, thanks to Hettich, we were all able to experience the wonders of Eurocucina courtesy of Mal’s expertise.

For more information visit http://www.hettich.com.au/ or http://www.cosmit.it/

FUTURE DESIGN TRENDS

2010-05-28T10:37:00.011+10:00

According to Decorex trend forecasters, Victoria Redshaw and Shelley Pond from Scarlet Opus, as the latest Sex and the City 2 film release contains exciting desert and lively marketplace scenes filmed in Morocco (made to look like Abu Dhabi), it's anticipated that the exotic and glamorous Bedouin style of the 'girls' will make its way from the world of fashion into our homes.

Inspiration can also be found in the cultural melting pot that is Istanbul – European Capital of Culture 2010 – with it wonderful architecture, crafts and colours.

This trend is all about a sense of escapism and adding a touch of the exotic into your life! It’s a fusion of old Moorish and Ottoman influences with a modern twist which results in an intensely stimulating style that also has a wonderful chill-out factor; a sophisticated yet informal look working with a warm colour palette of sandy terracotta shades and dark spices with intense blue accents and elements of bronze.

Shelley and Victoria advise that to create an exotic bohemian look in your own home use low-level seating and long cushions to give a relaxed 'Hookah' lounge vibe. Additionally, rugs, Ikat designs in fabrics and cushions and rich warm tones will set the scene.

As we enter the cooler months here in Australia, I think these colours and this style of decorating - with rugs, Ikat designs and rich warm tones - will work perfectly with our style of living.

I have chosen the colours shown here to represent this look from the Dulux range, which include the following:

Spice of Life
Velvet Rose
Kangaroo Pouch
Summerday Blue
Oasis Spring
Raw Cotton
Benevolence

You can find these colours on the Dulux website:
www.dulux.com.au

For more information on Decorex, London 2010 visit:
www.decorex.com

LUXURY HOME DESIGN AT THE HIA SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE HOME SHOWS

2010-05-20T16:32:00.008+10:00

This year, Luxury Home Design was the official Media Partner with the HIA Home Shows in Melbourne and Sydney.

Our stand was located adjacent to The Design Precinct, which returned to inspire visitors with all the latest trends for their home interiors. Presenting series V were six fresh, innovative and cutting-edge designers from Sydney who took to the challenge of creating International Style rooms, which you can also see here on my Blog.

Sincere thanks must go to those suppliers who helped make our stand a "stand out"! With vibrant red walls painted in Dulux Red Clown and fabulous Ystavat wallpaper by Marrimeko from Inhabit, the stand was hard to miss. The stylish furniture was supplied by Interstudio and the lighting was by Inlite.

Special thanks to Simon Hodgson who organised the L-shaped counter for us(had it made by Artline Kitchens and delivered to site) - he even ended up doing all the installation himself as the scheduled installers became delayed on another job - this was a full-days work for him and we really appreciated his assistance.

Our magazines were eagerly snapped up by enthusiastic homeowners and we had sold out of all our titles by lunch time on Sunday - thanks to Shaun and Hannah for their superb service.

Apart from the Design Forum, my favourite part of the show was the gloss Ferrari red Alex. Steinbach Sync-a-Vision baby grand piano - at a cool $40,000 this piano was a statement piece (which also played its own music and DVDs) and would look fabulous in my living room...

I can dream can't I?

Best in Show

2010-05-20T11:51:00.012+10:00

The HIA Sydney Home Show finished with a flourish last Sunday with massive crowds packing the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre. 275 exhibitors displayed a range of products and services for more than 26,500 visitors.

One exhibitor, Apollo Kitchens was awarded Best Stand (19-49m2) for its display of a European-inspired space, complete with electronic lift up systems, drawer pull out units and a gorgeous display of open shelving. The espresso machine on the stand was working overtime as visitors enjoyed the revitalising effects of a lovely brew.

Apollo Kitchens is a family-run and -owned business that has operated in Sydney since 1968 and is involved in myriad projects including residential, commercial, developments and office fit-outs. Two conveniently located showrooms - one in Smithfield and one in Beresfield - make it easy for the company to service both the Sydney and Newcastle markets.

A variety of Home Shows across Australia are organised by Exhibitions and Events Australia and Everything Exhibitions and Events in partnership with the HIA (Housing Industry Association). The next Home Show is scheduled for Brisbane from 30 July to 1 August. For more information follow the links below.

http://www.hiahomeshows.com.au/

http://www.apollokitchens.com.au/

Images courtesy Apollo Kitchens

DREAMWEAVER DESIGN AWARDS

2010-05-20T09:19:00.006+10:00

The Dreamweaver Design competition, now in it's seventh year, has become a major part of the curriculum for RMIT University's final year Textile Design students. The Award aims to highlight Australian Textile Design, and specifically the talent of our young Australian Textile Designers, which is of world standard. In addition, the Award endeavours to expose the great ability we have to manufacture and produce fabrics and furniture for the Australian furnishing industry that are sold and distributed not only locally, but throughout the world.

The winner of this year's Award will receive a fully paid trip to Belgium to visit the major textiles trade show, MoOD (formerly Decosit), with accommodation and airfares paid by Warwick Fabrics.

Entrants for the award must design a woven upholstery fabric suitable for domestic furniture and present their concept to a panel of industry representatives. Three finalists will be selected during the first round of judging on 9th June. These three finalists will then work with the Warwick design team before visiting Beaulieu Pacific Textiles to have their fabric commercially woven. The woven designs will then be manufactured into a piece of upholstered furniture by Colby Furniture, Molmic and Nicholls Design prior to the final round of judging which will take place on 21st July during which the winner will be determined.

With entries for the 2010 Dreamweaver Design Award closing on 8th June, students have less than a month to finalise and submit their entries.

The winner will be announced at the 2010 Dreamweaver Design Award Presentation on August 4th 2010 at the Warwick Fabrics Showroom in Collingwood.

(Fabrics shown here designed by Laura Labrin, Dreamweaver Design Award Winner 2009)

www.warwick.com.au

Design Institute of Australia Design Gallery opens in Melbourne

2010-05-19T12:34:00.006+10:00

The Design Institute of Australia - Australia's only professional, multi-disciplinary design organisation - recently celebrated the opening of its new Design Gallery, a modern, public exhibition space at 175 Collins Street, Melbourne. The Design Gallery will host a continuing series of design-related displays and exhibits throughout the year.

City of Melbourne Councillor, Jennifer Kanis,opened the Design Gallery, describing it as “an exciting space for Australia’s designers”.

Geoff Fitzpatrick, DIA Director – Strategy commented “the Design Institute of Australia’s Design Gallery provides an opportunity to exhibit a range of design projects across multiple disciplines from throughout Australia. The gallery will focus on the work of students initially and expand at a future time to encompass post graduate work and mid and late career designers. It will present work in both two dimensional and three dimensional formats”.

The inaugural exhibition, 'Tomorrow's Design Today', features the stimulating design work of finalists and category winners from the recently completed 2010 Australasian Student Design Awards (ASDA). Now in its 15th year, ASDA is a multidisciplinary awards program that attracts an exceptional range, depth and quality of entries from some forty tertiary educational institutions throughout Australia and New Zealand. The design disciplines represented are Interior Design, Interior Decoration, Exhibition/Design Design, Visual Design, Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Textile Design, Jewellery Design and Fashion Design.

The Design Gallery is located at the Design Institute of Australia on Level 1, 175 Collins Street, Melbourne. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10am – 4pm.

Design Institute of Australia
The DIA is the voice of professional design in Australia and has been actively improving the community recognition and status of designers since 1947. The DIA is the only multidisciplinary organisation representing designers in Australia. The organisation promotes the value of design and designers to industry, business, government and the community. The DIA provides a vibrant networking base on a state, national and international level. Through its international affiliations, the DIA links its members with designers in over 40 countries.

For more information: Phone: 1300 888 056
The ASDA Finalist Entries are also available to view at:
www.design.org.au/asda

PRETTY IN PINK!

2010-05-18T14:25:00.006+10:00

Pink is my second favourite colour (after red!) so when I found this house I was inspired. The house is the residence of architect Simone Micheli and family, located in beautiful part of Florence, Italy. It is not only an amazing design it shows how the architect has created a living space to reflect her passion for "ethical luxury".

Architect Simone Micheli said “the new luxury does not mean immobility or habit, but rather freedom and movement. It is a light and stirring thought, at any moment we are able to choose where and how to live and to reinvent the environment we live in. As for architecture the new luxury is related to the idea of regaining the beauties and the truth of our daily life together with our inner feelings”.

Whatever you may think of the pink house, you'd have to agree that the philosopy of ethical luxury is one that should be incorporated into every project.

For more information visit: http://www.simonemicheli.com/casasimone.htm

Photography by Juergen Eheim

HIA HOME SHOW DESIGN PRECINCT

2010-05-17T13:58:00.013+10:00

Donna Burrell - Liquid Colour, Newcastle. Showcasing Tokyo

Congratulations to Liquid Colour for winning the Best Stand in the Design Precinct (sponsored by Luxury Home Design magazine) at the HIA Home Show in Sydney on the weekend.

Congratulations to all the designers who took part; for me, it was the best part of the show and next year I'd like to see even more designers take part - to show what can be achieved by employing the services of professionals.

This year's theme was "International Cities" and each stand was designed to reflect that look. Cities included Tokyo, Toronto, New York, London, Copenhagen and Berlin showing that style transcends all cultures and that design is diverse no matter what the 'trends'.

The designers who took part were:

Barbara Bromley - Bromley & Tate Interiors
Charles Pryor - Baxter Creative
Kelly Ross - 3 of Diamonds
Donna Burrell - Liquid Colour
Habitat Living
Orson & Blake

Thanks goes to them all and to all their suppliers who gave support to ensure the Design Precinct was a huge success.

Barbara Bromley - Bromley & Tate Interiors, Artarmon. Showcasing Toronto, Canada

Charles Pryor - Baxter Creative, Sydney. Showcasing London

Kelly Ross - 3 of Diamonds, Sydney. Showcasing Berlin

Orson & Blake, Woollahra. Showcasing New York

Habitat Living, Newcastle. Showcasing Copenhagen

For more information on the homeshow and the interior designers involved visit the website:
www.sydneyhomeshow.com.au/design.htm#profile

DIA Welcomes South Australian Design Commissioner

2010-05-04T11:35:00.003+10:00

The appointment of South Australia's first ever Commissioner for Integrated Design has been greeted with enthusiasm by the Design Institute of Australia – Australia's only multidisciplinary, professional design body.

The new Commissioner is Professor Laura Lee, Professor of Architecture at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh USA, recent SA 'Thinker in Residence' and highly regarded internationally as an architect, teacher and participant in various professional associations, committees, accreditation boards and panels.

Professor Lee has also taught at the Higher Institute of Architecture in Antwerp, Belgium; the Royal Danish Academy in Copenhagen, Denmark; and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland.

An Honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Professor Lee's work focuses on the development and implementation of integrated design strategies and collaborative programs between the academy, government, industry and the profession.

She has been appointed as Commissioner for a term of three years, commencing on July 1st 2010.

Joanne Cys, National President of the DIA, herself a South Australian resident and design academic welcomed the appointment and said that under Professor Lee’s oversight, the new South Australian Commission for Integrated Design would have the best possible start. “Laura Lee’s multi-disciplinary understanding of design will enable the effective operation of the Commission for Integrated Design and allow it to harness the benefits all areas of design can bring to South Australia.”

DIA HALL OF FAME

2010-05-03T14:26:00.005+10:00

Recently the Design Institute of Australia - Australia's only professional, multi-disciplinary design organisation - inducted six new notable designers as members of The DIA Hall of Fame for 2009 at The Treasury Club, Sydney Town Hall, on Friday April 23. The formal announcement was made at the private cocktail function and then later celebrated at the Interior Design Awards Dinner at the Sydney Town Hall. The new members are Derek Wrigley, and Fred Ward [posthumously] from ACT, Alma Maccallum, David Davenport, Donald Goodwin and Edward Healy from New South Wales.

In making the announcement, Joanne Cys, National President of the Design Institute, explained that, “The Hall of Fame was established in 1995 as part of the Victorian Design Awards to highlight the work of Victorian designers, at all career levels and over a broad range of design disciplines. The program highlights the significant contribution made to Australia’s economic and cultural development by a dynamic design profession. In 2006 the program became national and included designers throughout Australia”, she said.

AUSTRALIA'S FIRST ZERO-EMISSIONS HOME

2010-04-29T11:32:00.003+10:00

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry The Honourable Richard Marles MP launched Australia’s first zero-emissions home today at Laurimar in Melbourne’s north east, setting a precedent for sustainable living in Australia.

The AusZEH demonstration home will set a precedent for sustainable living and building practice in Australia and is expected to use up to 70 per cent less energy than a traditional home of similar size.

Designed and constructed by leading Australian builder Henley Property Group in consultation with CSIRO, Delfin Lend Lease and Sustainability Victoria, the home will be able to produce enough ‘zero-emission’ renewable energy on-site to supply all the operating energy needs of the household so its net total CO2 or other greenhouse gas emissions is zero.

Zero emissions is achieved through a combination of energy efficiency and demand reduction measures, on-site renewable energy supply and the application of a home energy management system, and not through any carbon offset programs.

The home’s performance will be evaluated against other homes within Laurimar to gauge the success of the project and help identify key areas for further improvement.

Delfin Lend Lease chief executive officer Toni Milis said the project proved zero-emission housing could be affordable and designed for ordinary families today and for tomorrow’s generation.

“Delfin Lend Lease has a national commitment to being sustainable, so we’re proud to have been involved in the development of the zero-emission house, the first of its kind in Australia,” Ms Milis said.

“Families right across our 25 communities are telling us they want to be green and they want to reduce their carbon footprint, but they want it to be affordable.

“The home will now be open as a display home and we will search for a family to occupy the home for six months while CSIRO monitors the home’s emissions.

“By investing in a scientific trial, we are making sure that zero-emission housing is a reality for all Australians and that it’s designed and delivered in the best possible and most affordable way, so it can be rolled out across Australia

“We congratulate CSIRO, Sustainability Victoria and Henley Property Group for their efforts in reducing emissions.”

The project is part of the CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship’s Low Emission Distributed Energy research program, which focuses on developing low-emission technologies and solutions for a quick response to climate change.

Impressions of Eurocucina

2010-04-19T17:49:00.004+10:00

By now you would all have heard that we are stuck in Milan with the explosion of the volcano in Iceland so I'm going to be here a bit longer than anticipated.

I thought that now would be a good opportunity to rethink all that I saw at Eurocucina and in Milan and try to encapsulate that within a few themes. It's very interesting talking to the variety of people within the travelling group as all have picked up on different aspects of the show, depending on their experience and interests. So it makes for some great conversations as everyone expresses their impressions and ideas.

From my perspective, there were a few things that stood out straight away.

Repeat of the cantilevered benchtops that were seen 2 years ago but more natural wood tones being used
Hidden work spaces - areas allocated for prep or work space that are designed to be hidden behind doors which open then slot back into the cabinetry to keep them out of the way (and can close to hide the mess)
We saw lots of cupboards with stainless steel interiors, giving them an industrial appearance that was hidden behind the door. Saw this particularly behind lift-up units
Cube systems - lots of boxes of different widths and heights used together to make a feature of a space
More soft boundaries - using pieces to create a border between the kitchen and the adjoining room but making it a "soft" boundary ie. a more open structure to allow light and air to flow through (not a solid wall or structure)
Plenty of custom hoods that integrate the same materials used in the kitchen such as benchtop or door finishes
Some lovely curves - particularly on island benches to soften what is sometimes a very bulky item
More handles than I would have expected to see and, when used, very chunky
Lots of lighting features, particularly within cabinets with LED lighting strips and similar
And some lovely use of pressed stainless steel units that incorporate a sink, cooktop and drainer in one piece.

Eurocucina Appliances

2010-04-16T16:39:00.002+10:00

Another packed day at Eurocucina with a lunch organised by Smeg at its stand in the section known as FTK or Technology for the Kitchen. After a quick bite we were taken on a tour of the stand where we had an opportunity to view the brand new range of Smeg appliances, on show for the first time.

These appliances are the result of 2 years collaboration with designer Marc Newson. Marc's main concept for the appliances was to ensure their simplicity - not just in use, but in design. At this stage the range will be available in Australia in three finishes - stainless steel, black and white - with the opportunity to potentially introduce some of the colour finishes at a later stage.

The range includes ovens, induction cooktops and gas cooktops, with some very cool linear hobs which are also brand new. Visit www.smeg.com.au to view more of this range.

Further updates later today once I get to the show...

Eurocucina

2010-04-15T20:19:00.002+10:00

After a long (and eventful) trip through the Swiss Alps yesterday, we finally arrived at our hotel in Como much later than planned so I was only able to spend a couple of hours at Eurocucina. Today we have a full day planned and I am looking forward to what I will see.

This morning, thanks to the Sydney Mobalpa team, I had an interview scheduled at the stand with Guillaume Malaise, the export manager for the Australian region. I was also lucky enough to spend some time with designer Antoine Fritsch from Fritsch Associates. Antoine has designed one of the kitchens featured prominently on the Mobalpa stand and one that is due in production later this year.

The design is called Iris and it is beautiful to view. Cabinets of bamboo are off set by a lovely thin Corian top with the sink and cooktop elements in a gorgeous flower pattern. I cannot upload images from where I am but take a look here www.mobalpa.com and search for Iris to see the range of combinations available.

Antoine says the inspiration for this design as to maximise the natural materials used and display a "lightness" within the design. A thick Corian base flows from side to side in a design reminiscent of a boat with a very thin benchtop above into which are set the sink and cooktop elements. The large base allows the cabinets to "float" from the ground. The lower cabinets are separated from the benchtop to allow accessories to be attached that can move along the length of the bench and be positioned where of most benefit to the homeowner.

Atop the island bench sits a custom rangehood that reflects the same natural design elements, very reminiscent of a water drop, and also includes colour and material elements to help it blend into the kitchen space.

The use of bamboo on the lower cabinets allows the designer to make the handles almost "disappear" with a horizontal system of panels that is irregular by design - "in the same way that nature is regular but not perfect" in Antoine's words.

Lunch with Smeg now and an interview at Snaidero this afternoon so look out for more updates soon.

So, what's in it for Blum?

2010-04-13T23:38:00.002+10:00

The tour that I'm on with Blum is just one of many that are held throughout the year and includes kitchen and interior designers from around the world. I asked Australian Business Development Manager, Ron Redman, what value Blum sees in these tours, particularly given that they represent a massive investment of time, effort and money for the company.

"It's all about the relationship with the customer," he told me. "The better understanding our customers have about Blum and what we are trying to do, the better relationship we have with them. The company is extremely proud of our products, processes and services and we want to communicate that".

Ron firmly believes that a better understanding of Blum products, particularly the Dynamic Space concept, serves the designer or reseller extremely well. If they can speak with confidence about the product, this is a great sales tool to show the homeowner the extent of their product knowledge and the concept of functionality.

This week, to co-incide with Eurocucina, Blum will be hosting more than 700 people from around the world with most staying for 2-3 days in Austria and enjoying the hospitality on offer.

Although I am not a designer, I can appreciate the professionalism that this company exhibits and it's a real treat for me to be able to understand the "back end" of this company, not just focus on the products and what they do.

Day Two

2010-04-13T23:22:00.003+10:00

After an exhausting day yesterday, it was nice to have a slower pace today. This morning we visited Plant 7 which houses the main logistics and shipping centre as well as the most amazing automatic warehousing system I have ever seen. To be fair, I haven't seen that many warehouses in operation but the pure scope of this operation has to be seen to be believed.

A massive central warehouse sits here and is completely run by technology. Pallets upon pallets of products are sorted, collected, distributed, packed and sent all around the world. The computer even is in charge of working out which products are used the most often and placing these products in the most relevant and easy-to-reach spots!

Afterwards, we visited the Blum Dynamic Space showroom in Dornbirn. This is a consumer space, where homeowners or kitchen designers can come and experience the Dynamic Space concept in a very real environment. In addition to a number of kitchen set-ups to display the Dynamic Space concept, Blum has kitted out the showroom with moveable pieces so that homeowners can put together the kitchen that has been designed for them and see, in a very real situation, how well the kitchen will work. The drawers are filled with items so the homeowner can "make" dinner and see how easy it is to access certain items and determine if any sections or areas need to be relocated. What a great idea!

Blum Plant Tours

2010-04-13T16:36:00.003+10:00

Day one with Blum proved very interesting and quite tiring but I feel very priveleged to have seen the extent of the company's operation and feel I have a much better understanding of its goals and background. Plant 5 was an amazing space to see. this is where many os the small steel and plastic components are made. To give you some idea of the scope of this plant, they go through 4500 tonnes of steel here every month and in Plant 3, where the drawer runners are made, they use 15000 tonnes of steel. MORE SOON...

DAY ONE

2010-04-13T03:18:00.004+10:00

What an amazing day with Blum. Yesterday we were treated to a day of sightseeing through some of the most picturesque countryside I've ever seen and a ride up into the Austrian Alps. There was even snow! today we spent the whole day touring a variety of Blum factories, warehouses and admin centres. It's this type of visit that gives you such a great insight into the scope of the operation both here and overseas. MORE LATER....

Technology for the Kitchen

2010-04-07T15:33:00.007+10:00

A very special event, called FTK (Technology for the Kitchen), is held concurrently with Eurocucina at the Milan Fairgrounds. An opportunity for appliance companies to showcase new designs as well as exciting new prototypes, this year the organisers are expecting 25 major business to exhibit.

Some of the names on display are well known to Australians - including the likes of Gaggenau, Neff, Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux, Elica, Franke, Miele and Smeg. Close to 7000 square metres of exhitibion space will be packed with the latest in gadgets and gizmos to showcase what is on offer for the future. Pictured here is “Gravity” from InDesit, a wall-mounted system of co-ordinated appliances with power-assisted opening and positioning and automatic module weight control for optimum ergonomic comfort that was on display two years ago (and one of my personal favourites).

Designed as a showcase for innovative technology, the focus is mainly on built-in appliances but also includes rangehoods.

When I visited Eurocucina two years ago, it was FTK that really made an immediate impression on my jet-lagged, sensory-overloaded brain. Some of the concept appliances on display were simply amazing and it was a real treat to be able to view and touch a number of prototype appliances.

The products exhibited at FTK are required to display a number of key elements such as the design component, eco-compatibility, ergonomics and ease of use. Having been given a sneak peek by a couple of companies into what will be on display this year, I can't wait to get to the fair and take a look for myself.

http://www.cosmit.it/tool/home.php?l=en&s=0,2,67,73,1045,1065

http://www.indesit.com/

First stop - Austria!

2010-04-06T15:43:00.005+10:00

First stop on my whirlwind trip to Eurocucina is Austria - home of Blum's head office in Vorarlberg.

I'll be spending two packed days with the folk from Blum, touring a number of the six factories and seeing much of the operation in action. Some of the technology in place has to be seen to be believed. Many of the warehouse functions, for example, are fully automated with self-driving vehicles to pick and deliver items as needed.

What I find fascinating is that, in order to create many of the products it produces, Blum also designs and manufactures the technology and machinery needed. Meaning that, as well as holding numerous world-wide patents on its products, it also holds patents on the machinery needed to produce them.

It might interest you to know that Blum was originally founded in 1952 by Julius Blum, an iron fitter and blacksmith, who had quickly progressed to the production of hinges by 1958. Still family-owned and -run, Blum boasts close to 5000 employees world-wide and its products have won numerous international design awards.

I'm hoping to meet with a variety of people at Blum and will definitely be asking about new product releases scheduled for Australia later this year...check back for more when I'm on the ground.

http://www.blum.com/au/en/index.php