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Issue 61 - Vintage Modern Issue

Issue 61

Vintage Modern Issue

The breadth and scope of Habitus has always been extraordinary. With how we live at heart of every issue, we have stepped it up with Guest Editor David Flack of Flack Studio shaking the ‘how’ and looking at new ways to make a house a home. With Vintage Modern as the issues theme, we look at the way iconic design has stayed with us, how daring pieces from the past can add the wow factor and how architecture and good design defy the pigeon hole of their era.

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Evolving Axolotl: Unique solutions crafted with care
FinishesJuliet Taylor

Evolving Axolotl: Unique solutions crafted with care

The story of Axolotl begins in 1995 with the launch of a modest range of semi-precious architectural finishes. Since then, Axolotl has become a crucial part of Australia’s design ecosystem – supporting Australian creatives with quality, innovative solutions.


Today, Axolotl works hand-in-hand with leading architects, designers and artists to create unique pieces which challenge standard material and fabrication processes. Australian run, Australian designed and Australian made by in-house artisans, the company provides crucial support to Australia’s design community.

As one of the most diverse and exciting companies in Australian design and fabrication, Axolotls rapid expansion from architectural finishes into glass, concrete, terracotta and many other decorative processes came as no surprise. The business is now a design house which drives innovative solutions for art, object and architectural designs that push boundaries.

Terracotta garage door | Project by Built

The flexibility of Axolotl’s creative team is astounding. One of their recent projects includes the striking Terracotta garage door pictured above, which features a specially developed finish created to tie in beautifully with the red brick façade. Working closely with the architect-turned-artist owner, Axolotl suggested terracotta as a lightweight surface treatment solution which could work on the motorised garage door with weight capacity – and even developed multiple custom terracotta samples to experiment with tone and texture for the project.

AES architectural artwork | Custom artwork by Marcus Piper commissioned by Bijl Architecture

Another project which allowed the characteristic Axolotl ingenuity to shine was their collaboration with artist Marcus Piper in the creation of the AES architectural artwork. AES was crafted using a combination of various innovative techniques, including a hand-polished and patinated Axolotl Bronze surface, precision machining and ultra-fine 3D printing.

Curved bronze fireplace | Commissioned by Nina Maya Interiors | Photography by Felix Forest

Finally, Residence R & Pavilion House by Nina Maya Interiors provided Axolotl’s creative team with an exceptional opportunity to incorporate fluid sculptural forms and art into their designs. The curved fireplace in Residence R appears as a seamless structure of bronze thanks to the ingenuity of Axolotl’s applied metal treatments. Axolotl has also done similar work with glass, collaborating once again with Marcus Piper to create the seamless Triptych glass artwork, and the Halito disc artwork which features custom processes to the front and back planes of flat glass – imbuing the piece with striking depth.

Halito disc artwork | Custom artwork by Marcus Piper

Axolotl focuses on high quality, real and recycled materials which have superior functionality and multiple applications. Unique, handmade solutions created through collaboration are a staple of the Axolotl ethos. Discover more about the evolution of Axolotl here.

Axolotl

axolotl.com.au


About the Author

Juliet Taylor

Juliet Taylor is one of the leading content writers for Indesign Media Asia Pacific where she publishes weekly research articles across multiple platforms. She graduated from the Australian National University in 2021, with a strong portfolio of academic writing as well as writing for entertainment. Her specialty is in media and philosophy, though she shares a passion for interior design with the Indesign Media conglomerate. Her work with Indesign Media covers a broad range of subjects including interior design trends, architectural advancements, materials and the evolution of modern construction, products and processes for a healthier home, and the proper care of flora. Juliet writes for both residential and commercial audiences and over the past year working with Indesign Media has produced research articles in the hundreds for architects and interior design enthusiasts alike.

Tags

AES architectural artworkarchitectural finishesAustralia’s design ecosystemAxolotlDesign Housedesign solutionsfabricationHabitus House of the Year PartnersurfacesTerracotta garage door


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Issue 61 - Vintage Modern Issue

Issue 61

Vintage Modern Issue

The breadth and scope of Habitus has always been extraordinary. With how we live at heart of every issue, we have stepped it up with Guest Editor David Flack of Flack Studio shaking the ‘how’ and looking at new ways to make a house a home. With Vintage Modern as the issues theme, we look at the way iconic design has stayed with us, how daring pieces from the past can add the wow factor and how architecture and good design defy the pigeon hole of their era.

Order Issue