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Issue 62 - Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62

Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62 is the first issue of the year and always a great time to put our best foot forward. With Adam Goodrum, the loveliest man in design, as Guest Editor, we draw on his insights as a furniture designer, artist and educator to look at the makers shaping our design world. Sustainability has never been more important, and increasingly this is a consideration from the start with projects designed to address their immediate environment as well as the longevity of the planet. From the coldest winters to the most tropical of summers, addressing how we live in the environment is crucial to creating the perfect home.

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Wonder has imbued its studio with a sense of residential conviviality
OfficesSaskia Neacsu

Wonder has imbued its studio with a sense of residential conviviality

New Zealand

With a debaucherous past, Wonder has remodelled this dubious site into its contemporary studio.


Wonder, a revered concept and interior design studio, has announced the opening of its contemporary studio. Spanning 170 square metres, the minimalistic fit-out draws inspiration from the original architecture of the site. Wonder focused on imbuing the workspace with a sense of residential conviviality for comfortability, creativity and productivity. “We needed a comfortable, inviting space to do our best work — a place that both excites and soothes,” says Buster, Director of Wonder.

With a debaucherous past – noteworthily once a brothel – the building has been remodelled into a workspace amalgamating creative practicality with a hospitable, lounge-like atmosphere. Housed in a character building, recently restored by Patterson Architects, the studio represents the quality craftsmanship found in New Zealand. The interior features a restrained palette of timber, plaster and sculptural elements, with each piece chosen for its tactile quality. “Our goal was to create a space that balances function and beauty — where every surface tells a story of the maker,” adds Buster. “We envisioned a studio where creativity flows naturally, and where our team and clients feel at ease.”

With the controversial decision to exclude a boardroom, a sofa suite by Sarah Ellison acts as the substitute for clients to sit, relax and liaise with the Wonder team. A dining table built by Woodwrights acts as a point for discussion, where colleagues can gather to discuss important matters. At the same time, desks are positioned close to one another to advance collaboration.

Related: Smac Studio has created a generous feeling of space

The studio is anchored by a vast six-meter ‘family’ table, handmade by the Wonder team, from timber milled on the Director’s family farm – a gathering point, where ideas are exchanged and brought to life. Above it hangs a commissioned glass artwork by regular studio collaborator Luke Jacomb, adding ebullience to the space.

A library of materials and finishes housed in a timber-lined alcove showcases the ever-evolving curatorial display of primary materials featured in ongoing projects, offering a foretaste of the design process and projects in progress.

Next up: Modern living behind a Neo-Georgian façade


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Saskia Neacsu

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170 square metresdesign studiointeriorInterior DesignNew ZealandPatterson ArchitectsSarah EllisonWonderWonder StudioWoodwrights


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Issue 62 - Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62

Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62 is the first issue of the year and always a great time to put our best foot forward. With Adam Goodrum, the loveliest man in design, as Guest Editor, we draw on his insights as a furniture designer, artist and educator to look at the makers shaping our design world. Sustainability has never been more important, and increasingly this is a consideration from the start with projects designed to address their immediate environment as well as the longevity of the planet. From the coldest winters to the most tropical of summers, addressing how we live in the environment is crucial to creating the perfect home.

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