Habitusliving.com

Surfaces Without Equal: The Many Sides of Austaron Surfaces
Habitus Gift Guides – The Scents and Sounds of Christmas
INDE.Awards 2022 Entries Officially Open
Earth and Glass House
The Functional Fusion of Prostoria

Surfaces Without Equal: The Many Sides of Austaron Surfaces

Posted: 30 Nov 2021 07:35 PM PST

Home interiors are often defined by their materials and surfaces. They not only provide an unlimited palette for creative expression, but they can also add functionality or make the space more sustainable. With a plethora of products on the market, designers have an almost infinite selection to choose from, but only a few truly expand what is possible with our built environment.

Leading the way is Austaron Surfaces, an Australian family owned company bringing together a range of beautiful, technologically-advanced surfaces and finishes that are the highest quality of their kind – all under one roof. From benchtops to wall cladding, exterior facades to landscape design, Austaron Surfaces help create beautiful projects by giving flexibility for both interior and exterior applications. Their product range includes world-leading brands that can flow through the whole residential space, either as standout features on their own, or co-existing together in a multitude of settings.

Staron® Solid Surfaces | Project by AM Interior Studio

One such brand is Staron Solid Surface, a versatile material made of a blend of pure mineral and premium acrylic resin that performs to high standards in the kitchen, bathroom or any other part of the home. Manufactured by Lotte Chemical, Staron can be thermoformed into curves, be carved and illuminated, and is available in more than 90 colours. Alongside its immense design flexibility, this solid surface solution is highly durable, hygienic, non-toxic, renewable, repairable and able to deliver a seam-free finish.

Mario Romano Walls

The theme of limitless design potential continues with Mario Romano Walls, a collection of multi-dimensional walls that allow designers to create next-level aesthetics inside a home with its intricate detailing, complexity and texture. Designs are created by renowned Mario Romano in California, then carved into Staron Solid Surfaces, these walls come to life with an innovative manufacturing and engineering process, involving the latest in parametric computing and CNC machining technology. Mario Romano Walls and Staron Solid Surface are both Silica free and Group 1 certified to room fire testing AS5637.1.

Mount Nebo Kitchen and Outdoor Living | Interior by Kim Duffin, Sublime Group | Fabricated by Solid Surface Innovations

With an extraordinary material composition that has no equivalent within its category, Acrylic Couture also has the potential to elevate the aesthetics of any residential project. Designers can create playful light installations, striking feature walls, kitchen splashbacks and more with this collection of acrylic glass panels that showcase premium quality and ethically-sourced metallic fabrics, decorative particulates and feathers encased in a crystal clear high-quality acrylic glass. Combined with dramatic lighting, this material can achieve intensely radiant effects due to special nanoparticles in the acrylic glass, delivering a design statement like no other.

Solar and Privacy Screening | Double Bay Residence II | SAOTA Architects in association with TKD Architects | Photography Adam Letch

Pushing the boundaries of what is stylistically possible, Kaynemaile Architectural Mesh is a transformative material that can be used for ceiling features, interior screening and exterior facade applications. Like all of Austaron's products, Kaynemaile Architectural Mesh excels, the mesh is unlike any other offering in the world, with its series of polycarbonate rings that seamlessly interlink to form a modern chainmail fabric. Bringing more flexibility to interior design, Kaynemaile can be used to divide spaces while its open weave maintains transparency and airflow. On building exteriors, its unique material structure allows it to be used to provide solar shading and sun protection. At the same time, its light weight, strength and high flexibility enable an endless range of design options.

Stewart House (aka 'Chain Mail') | Adam Taylor Architecture | Mount Maunganui, New Zealand | Photography: Marshall Masters

Bold yet functional, Austaron Surfaces innovative product offering, which is supported by excellent customer service and their wealth of technical expertise, is the complete package, ensuring that designers are only limited by their imagination.

Austaron Surfaces

austaronsurfaces.com

The post Surfaces Without Equal: The Many Sides of Austaron Surfaces appeared first on Habitusliving.com.

Habitus Gift Guides – The Scents and Sounds of Christmas

Posted: 30 Nov 2021 05:43 PM PST

We previously explored the sense of taste, looking at gift ideas for those who love cooking, hosting and dining. Now in our Habitus Gift Guides, we explore two senses that often spark a visceral response.

A waft of a special aroma can instantly transport you to another place and time, and this collection of olfactory products is aimed at those who know this all too well.

The Raconteur

As a perfumer focusing on Australian native botanicals, Craig Andrade, the man behind The Raconteur has captured the essence of a Christmas Down Under and packaged it up into two candles for the holiday season.

"Early morning ocean swims, finding treasures in mossy rockpools and being embraced by the thick salty haze of summer.

Long lunches, the sparkle of citrus, seagrass and crisp wild herbs. Cedarwood backgammon sets and afternoon siestas in shady hammocks under the sway of the nor' easter.

As the evening birds call, there's a meander through the coastal woodland heath as you take in the amber glow of twilight hour from your favourite rocky perch.

This is the magic scent of Xmas."

And if an experience is more appealing to a loved one, you can book perfume and candle making masterclasses at The Embassy, the new home of The Raconteur – and where the inspiration for journeying through the senses was sparked.

Find out more

Emilio by Markian

Something extra special for the candle lover is Emilio by Markian – including a wick trimmer and candle snuffer on a slab of Marblo. The set adds an elegant and practical touch to those who love the ritual of lighting candles.

Find out more

Ghostwares coffee pot

The waft of freshly brewed coffee is one of life's simple pleasures. Make the daily ceremony of it even more intoxicating with a handmade stoneware coffee pour over by Melbourne-based ceramic studio Ghostwares.

Find out more

Sphere Incense Burner by Addition Studio

Carved in solid travertine, the Sphere Incense Burner by Addition Studio makes a bold statement for a design lover in your life. Weighing a hefty three kilograms, the two domes can be either be placed in a sphere or inverse to create a sculptural and functional design piece.

Find out more

Kin North incense

Australian brand Kin North is bringing the skill of Japanese incense making to life, in collaboration with Tokyo Kodo. The grounding and nostalgic scent features cedar, vetiver, nutmeg and cinnamon to fill your home with warmth.

Find out more

Natch Essentials

An Australian skincare brand focused on all-natural ingredients, Natch Essentials has a full range of products that all smell incredible. Find hand creams, hand wash and more, all packaged beautifully – it's a no brainer gift idea for even the most difficult people to buy for.

Find out more

Vessels from Lightly

Vases and planters in all shapes, colours and sizes by Australian brand Lightly are perfect for the budding florist or arborist in your life. Having just the right container for a fresh bunch of flowers can make any arrangement special. And there is nothing quite like the pop of colour, and undeniable scent, of fresh flowers at home.

Find out more

WØRKS gift sets

Bringing together Australian and Danish design and sustainability, WØRKS is the brainchild of Suze Raymond and Christoffer Kjærgård. Focused on creating high-quality products for the body and home, the selection of gift sets makes a delightful present for the hard to buy person in your life.

Find out more

Sounds also have the power to transport, elevate mood and set just the right ambience.

Sonos portable speakers

An amazing stocking filler, Sonos is renowned for its audio systems and the same technology can be found in its portable speakers. Versatile and practical, the Sonos Move can stream music, audiobooks, radio and more. Add in long battery life and a weather-resistant design and it's the ultimate outdoor toy.

Find out more

Sony PS-HX500 record player

For the audiophile who also has an eye for design, the Sony turntable is sleek and minimalist. Not only does it deliver on looks, but also functionality having received the iF Gold Award in 2017. It's an elegant record player that you'll hear your favourite albums with sublime clarity.

Find out more

Beoplay A9 Speaker by Bang & Olufsen

A speaker that doesn't need to hide, the Beoplay A9 was designed to be on display. Another design icon from Bang & Olufsen, the speaker does more than exude good looks, it also comes packed with the tech credentials for smooth, clean sounds anywhere in your home.

Find out more

Nami Bed by Nau

For sound sleep – the Nami bed is part of the new collection released by Australian design brand Nau, designed by Tom Fereday. Strong lines and warm timber define the collection and the bed is easily a standout. Treat yourself and the quiet sleep that comes with a delightful space to rest your head at night.

Find out more

Stay tuned as we journey through the senses with a range of products in the lead up to the festive season.

–

The post Habitus Gift Guides – The Scents and Sounds of Christmas appeared first on Habitusliving.com.

INDE.Awards 2022 Entries Officially Open

Posted: 30 Nov 2021 02:36 PM PST

Each year, the INDE.Awards provides a unique stage on which we can celebrate architecture and design's greatest achievements from the last 12 months. Encompassing the entire Indo-Pacific in its scope, the INDE.Awards are an opportunity to truly shine a light on the narratives, vernaculars and contexts that define us as a region, establishing a community brought together through the pursuit of design excellence.

In 2021, the Awards welcomed their highest number of entrants, including some of the most outstanding projects from all corners of our region. The winners, shortlisters and alumni were celebrated in a landmark digital gala, where the full extent of the INDE community – and its place in our growing industry – was on show.

Since then, our region has seen more evolution and more change, with social, environmental and geographical contexts shifting to create a space rich for architectural innovation and design finesse. It is against this background that the INDE.Awards returns for 2022 – ready to elevate the Indo Pacific's best onto the global stage.

And so – entries for the 2022 INDE.Awards are officially open!

If you or your team have worked across an outstanding and innovative project, we invite you to submit your work to the Awards and take your place in the INDE community.

The 2022 awards are open for entries from 29th November 2021 until 10th March 2022 and can be entered by projects completed between 10th July, 2020 and 10th March, 2022.

Enter now

2022 INDE.Awards categories include…

The Building

The Multi-Residential Building

The Health & Wellbeing Space

We will also be celebrating our annual Best of the Best Award, to be adjudicated by the 2022 Jury on a live judging day. More information on categories and category criteria can be found here.

The 2022 Program

For 2022, the INDE.Awards is proud to present its most diverse jury since the program's inception, with selections made to cover the region's unique local and regional contexts. The Awards will also have dedicated juries to assess entries in both The Object and The Graduate, where the specificity of those entrants will be met by an expert panel in the relevant fields.

The program will reach its crescendo on Thursday August 4th, with a black-tie Gala event in Melbourne, Australia and a simultaneous live stream sent across the globe.

The 2022 INDE.Summit

The 2022 INDE.Summit will be held as a virtual event on Wednesday August 3rd. More information, including the event schedule, speaker drop and ticket information, will be released soon!

Enter the INDE.Awards

Catch up on the 2021 Gala

The post INDE.Awards 2022 Entries Officially Open appeared first on Habitusliving.com.

Earth and Glass House

Posted: 30 Nov 2021 02:00 PM PST

With a generosity of space that promotes a calmness within and a particular symbiosis between the lush landscape and the built form, this home is a veritable oasis in the city.

Created as a weekend retreat to entertain friends and family, Earth and Glass House is the epitome of luxurious living. Located in a suburb of New Delhi, India, the home is substantial, situated on one half of a two-acre site.

The home has been built from three construction systems: load-bearing rammed earth walls, a mild steel framework, and exposed RCC slabs. Wrapping around the façade are hand-operable cedar fins that help with ventilation flow while diffusing the light. Designed by Sidhartha Talwar, principal of Studio Lotus, there is every type of amenity and facility in this home.

However it's the architecture and use of authentic and local materials that set this house apart. The principles of Vastu (a traditional Indian system of architecture) have been incorporated in the planning of the design.

The first view of the house from the driveway sets the impressive tone, where a monumental, ten-metre-long cantilevered volume rests on two V-shaped columns and a load-bearing rammed earth wall. Inside, the entrance is no less dramatic, with a double-height, sky-lit courtyard and helical staircase with handcrafted brass rail that dominates the ground floor.

Straight ahead the powder room, guest suite and study are situated at right angles to the public spaces comprising living and dining rooms, kitchen and utility areas. These entertaining rooms have been designed as a pavilion and there is a panoramic glazed wall that visually connects the outside with the inside.

Upstairs are three bedroom suites each with its own dressing room and ensuite. Interconnecting walkways and expansive garden terraces are set inbetween the bedrooms, which overlook the landscaped grounds below. Encapsulating the essence of the home, Talwar reflects, "The house converges around the idea of living in harmony with nature, facilitating fluid transitions and providing its residents with a sanctuary to unwind in and
connect with the outdoors."

While the architecture makes a grand statement with its sweeping exaggerated forms, the interior design is pared back and refined. Inside the focus turns to creating a more human scale with various bespoke and intimate places for relaxation for the residents.

The materiality of metal, timber and stone informs the colour palette and the earthy tones of caramels, browns and cream in cane and timber furnishings brings warmth to the interior design. Skylights and the long glazed wall allow light to penetrate and proximity to the green of the landscaping is ever-present.

Earth and Glass House is an extraordinary home with impressive features. The vision of the architect and the client has been realised through thoughtful and detailed execution, where handcrafted and artisanal elements shine through.

The post Earth and Glass House appeared first on Habitusliving.com.

The Functional Fusion of Prostoria

Posted: 30 Nov 2021 11:00 AM PST

Pushing the boundaries of design, while creating highly functional and covetable pieces, Croatian-based brand Prostoria continues to collaborate with designers and design collectives doing things a little differently.

Founded in 2010, Prostoria has been built on the tenet of innovation – always looking for unique ways to design products that catch the eye but more importantly hit the mark in terms of practicality.

With an unflinchingly courageous approach, Prostoria appoints designers and design collectives like Numen/ForUse, Grupa, Sanja Knezovic and Redesign – under the helm of its founder Tomislav Knevoz.

Some of the most iconic pieces to date include the Polygon and the Up-Lift Sofa Bed, both instantly recognisable with their bold geometric forms and versatility in application.

The latest to join the line-up is the Match Lounge, which will be in stock at Stylecraft from December 2021 and available in various configurations.

Let's take a look through these quirky designs that have made a splash on the world stage.

Match Lounge

The Match Lounge is the latest addition to the Prostoria fold. Modular in its design, it can be adapted to suit any given space, with an extensive range of configurations based on a single armchair through to a three-seat lounge. Designed by Sanja Knezovic, the Match is defined by its clean lines and elegant simplicity.

Up-Lift Sofa Bed

Not to be outdone, the Up-Lift Sofa Bed, designed by Redesign is an instantly recognisable piece in the Prostoria range. A lounge with an integrated sofa bed, the Up-Lift is highly functional and distinctive, breaking the mould for what is usually expected of sofa beds.

A simple flip of the backrest turns it from a curvaceous chair into a horizontal bed – no fumbling and creaky mechanics on this highly resolved piece.

Up-Lift is available as a single armchair, 1.5 and two-seater lounge, enabling a single, queen single or double bed module.

Umomoku Outdoor Collection

Bring a sense of solidity and groundedness to your outdoor setting with the Umomoku collection, designed by 3LHD. Available in an armchair, lounge, sun lounge and coffee table, the solid timber framing of the range is balanced by plush cushions.

Exuding a graphic quality, the frames are angular with square-cut forms and strong lines. A collection of outdoor fabrics can be used for the cushions, while timber species oiled for weather exposure make it suitable for outdoor use.

Monk Collection

Giving a nod to retro forms, but designed in a thoroughly modern way, the Monk Collection by Grupa uses bent plywood to create a floating effect from the seat to the backrest.

Available in a range of configurations, colourways, leg options and finishes, the Monk range brings versatility and style to any space.

Polygon Collection

An undeniable star of the Prostoria brand, the Polygon Collection, designed by Numen/ForUse, is defined by its geometric form and shifting details.

Triangular legs made in powdercoat steel create an orthogonal side view, which tessellates together like a series of hexagons and complex polygons.

Available in a multitude of options – textiles, armrests, finishes and powdercoat colours – it's a chair that stands out.

Polygon armchair is also available for outdoor usage in a choice of outdoor house fabrics and three solid timber armrest options. For external use, the mild steel frame is finished to a choice from ten powdercoat colours. A Polygon table is also available for indoor or outdoor usage, providing the perfect companion to the armchair.