This recently completed waterfront project in Sydney's Inner West, illustrates the creative new Axolotl coating techniques that make a statement of any entrance.

The client worked directly with our in-house design team, to select finishes and designs that complemented the natural stone and bronze elements already selected for the home. The door and side panel were finished with a contemporary lineal pattern and then coated with Treasury Bronze Pearl with a Lunar texture. Axolotl LINK glass, with a Seaweed pattern in Brown Rust, was chosen for the divider wall on the top level. It brings a soft diffused view from the lounge and a stunning feature for guests arriving from the lift. 

The results beautifully reflect the meticulous material selection and perfectly executed workmanship.

Axolotl Texture

The two entry doors displayed below, illustrate the combination of subtle or bold texture with Axolotl metals. The 3D pattern is finished in Treasury Bronze smooth pearl, the other in Black Graphite Viper.

Each quarter Axolotl puts a series of questions to an industry 'luminary' to get an insight into both their talent and their feel for the future. This issue we introduce Ed Lippmann from Lippmann Associates. This Sydney based design firm recently completed the Boy Charlton Pool in the Domain and has won numerous RAIA awards over the years. 

What keeps you inspired?

I'm always hankering for change, never content to keep doing the same thing again and again. So fresh ideas are really crucial. I just look at my children and their spontaneity, that's what real creativity is all about.

What project do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?

Every project tends to build on what came before and generally there's a kind of evolution occurring. So, its

difficult to say greatest. I always look forward to the next and newest challenges and achievements.

Have you ever refused to comply with a client request or design? If so, why?

In the early days I did that all the time. I was very keen to prove myself and often client's expectations were very different to what I had in mind. But good dialogue and communication was very important because even though, initially, there may be a sense that the architect is not listening, maybe, just maybe there's a better idea out there. Nowadays, clients come to expect that of me.

Are there any architects whose work encapsulates your own ideals?

There are many architects whose work I admire but Buckminster Fuller comes to mind, although not an architect, by training. But he was really a great visionary and his view of the world had such a profound influence on his designs. Houses that moved, three wheeled cars, geodesic domes to improve and protect the quality of the environment. He was an inventor, actually. I think architects should strive to be far more lateral than they sometimes become. 

Did/do you have a mentor?

There are many architects whose work has influenced me both locally and internationally. But I guess special pride and place must go to one's formative influences. I went to New York when I was 21 offering my services at Marcel Breuer's office, the great Bauhaus master. I couldn't really call Breuer a mentor as he was very old and barely active any more, but just being in his orbit was an overwhelming experience and I will always remember those days with great fondness.

Which Australian building excites you the most?

I know this is going to sound very cliche but the Sydney Opera House, of course. Let's face it there isn't anything else like it in Sydney, the world for that matter. What a spectacular site and what a great contribution to it.

What do you see as key trends over the next couple of years in domestic or commercial design? 

We will see a far greater emphasis on environmental considerations than in the past. Buildings which "breathe" rather than being hermetically sealed boxes, where the outside environment can become part of the interior. Light, air, that special ambience which comes with the sense of connection with the forces of nature. It's what Feng Shui was all about. The even more ancient Vedic science of Sthapatya Veda was even more switched onto that balance with nature. 

Which trend in architecture or design are you totally over?

That's a good question. I'd have to say Victoria or Federation style designs. They may have had relevance in

their day but they are so inappropriate in the twenty first century. Thank goodness the local councils are starting to give up on them!

Do you see a lot of development in Sydney over the next year or so?

There doesn't appear to be any major fluctuations either more or less but my work has changed significantly. I've just had a spell of designing many swimming pools and sporting complexes, some quite well known and much loved. The current workload tends to be heading into more public work, office developments and, of course still much housing. I'm looking forward to the year ahead.

2013 was a great year for Axolotl and full of firsts and finals.  

Highlights of firsts were the launch of our furniture brand Anomaly, as well as working with Grand Designs on the amazing Forest Lodge Eco House. Naturally, this is alongside all the creative and exciting projects by architects and designers which never cease to inspire. We sincerely look forward to working with you all again this year.

As for finals, we were shortlisted as one of three contenders from an international line-up to create two feature walls for Hong Kong airport. At this point in time, everything is crossed for success which will be an accolade not just for Axolotl and the many partner companies who have become part of this project, but also for Australian design and manufacturing.

The images here are of two recent projects completed late last year. This beautiful garage door has been carved with our Cortex pattern which has been coated in Bronze and naturally aged to a florentine patina, giving an authentic and commanding entry for this client.

Axolotl are the leaders in metal surface technology and offer several varied options in Rust alone, this second beautiful garage door features a naturally aged Marine Rust.

Finally, we have started the year creating profiles on Pinterest and Instagram (Axolotl & Anomaly), enabling you to save images for design inspiration and to stay in tune with what we are up to. We have also set up a new Anomaly Facebook page, and make sure to keep updated with recent Axolotl projects by liking our Axolotl Facebook page.

Whilst we are unable to disclose our design for the Hong Kong airport due to confidentiality agreements, we can let you know that it is an exciting cutting edge technology, made specifically for this project.

Every now and then a project comes along that resonates deeper into the human mind and heart. That delves into the grey area between art and design, and becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

Earlier this year, Chris Knierim and Belinda Mason, approached Axolotl to help create an entry for their home, a small terrace in Sydney's inner west. Belinda, a well know photographer, had captured an aerial shot of their home and surrounding suburbs in a helicopter, with the idea to recreate the image using Axolotl's processes.

Axolotl then carved the image into the door, replicating the fine detail of the houses, cars and trees. Finally, the door and panel was coated in an aged aluminium. The overall effect is as if the door was carved from a solid aluminium block.

What was realised is a totally unique, and personal design that celebrates the owners love of their home and family from the outside in.

It is also a wonderful example of the endless possibilities when using Axolotl processes.

The home was recently featured on the latest season of Grand Designs Australia and Axolotl was privileged to be featured on the episode. We're also excited that Axolotl House will be featured in Grand Designs magazine, in February next year.

INSIDE: IDEA Awards

The IDEA awards for 2013 was held in Melbourne recently. Axolotl, for the third year in a row, was again called on to make the awards for this prestigious event. The team devised a trophy hewn from Tasmanian Oak, coupled with an aged Bronze TimberLINK, applied in a geometric pattern. Axolotl would like to extend our congratulations to the IDEA Awards team and to all the winners this year.

Each quarter Axolotl will put a series of questions to an industry 'luminary' to get an insight into both their talent and their feel for the future. This issue we introduce Iain Halliday from Burley Katon Halliday. This Sydney based design firm needs no introduction with its work credited with redefining Sydney’s inner city landscape.

What keeps you inspired?

Travel, magazines, books, movies and good clients. 

What project do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?

It is hard to pick the 'greatest'. Favourites include:

• Republic
• Darley Street Thai
• Bartlett Pennington House
• Xavier Salon 1
• Reynolds Apartment
• Benny Yacht 

Have you ever refused to comply with a client request or design? If so, why? 

Yes but the reasons would be too complex to explain in this piece of writing, leaving us looking inflexible - a clichéd criticism that people level at architects and designers.

Are there any architects whose work encapsulates your own ideals?

There are many and their work is diverse like ours. Some architects we are particularly inspired by are:

• Mies van der Rohe
• Josef Hoffmann
• Richard Neutra
• Eero Saarinen

Did/do you have a mentor? 

Yes, George Freedman and David Katon.

Which Australian building excites you the most?

The Opera House; it is truly extraordinary still.

What do you see as key trends over the next couple of years in domestic or commercial design?

• Increased use of moulded forms in materials such as acrylics and upholstery.
• Increased use of strong and 'off beat' colours and finishes, and mixes of old + new furniture.
• A greater cross-over between 'home' and 'work' environments as more people work from home and look for comfort in their work interiors combined with precision in their working interiors.

Which trend in architecture or design are you totally over?

'Chicken coop' architecture where many corrugated roof pavilions collide like a train accident.

Do you see a lot of development in Sydney over the next year or so?

Yes, I hope more and more and better and better.

A humble garage door and entry to a home located on Sydney Harbour have just been given a huge makeover thanks to the talents of Peter Campbell of Campbell Barnett, Graham Day Garage Doors and Axolotl. The adventurous clients wanted to capitalise on the stunning harbour views beyond the garage property, as well as deviate from the traditional idea of a garage. 

In response, Peter devised a contemporary and multi-layered bushland image taken from trees on the property. The concept was enabled by the availability of Axolotl's unique processes and materials. First, the panels were precision cut to the design that allowed maximum visibility through, whilst concealing the customised frame. They were then applied with several layers of Axolotl Bronze in smooth, light and cast textures, to illustrate the layers of the contemporary bushland graphic.

As possible as it was, it wouldn't be true to say it was a simple project as it spanned over a year and involved in depth design discussions and meticulous planning. The efforts of the team did not go unrewarded however, as the result is an awe inspiring, captivating entry for this stunning home.

Grand Designs
Axolotl are very excited to be showcased on the next episode of Grand Designs Australia. The film crew came through earlier on this year to shoot the development of an outstanding entrance, that drove innovation in manufacturing as well as design. Grand Designs Australia episode 6 - "Forest Lodge Eco House", premiering tonight on Foxtel's Lifestyle Channel at 8.30PM.

Axolotl House + Anomaly
We have had a huge response so far for Anomaly, the pop up showroom is still open on the corner of Oxford and Palmer streets but won't be for long so be sure to head along to check out the range. We have also just updated the photo gallery's for Axolotl House thanks to the talents of Mark Donaldson of MDP, with more great shots still to come.

Axolotl, and Evostyle bring you Anomaly, a new era in furniture design. Anomaly represents only the most innovative Australian design through a showcase of unique furniture, homewares and lighting.

Select Australian architects and designers have rendered raw materials of concrete, timber and metal into an exciting, original design aesthetic not previously available in the local market. What they have created has only been made possible through the unique technologies offered by both Axolotl and Evostyle, who are already regarded as pioneers in surfaces and manufacturing.

Each product is carefully finished to the meticulous standards that reflect the craftsmanship and quality that will come to be synonymous with the brand. Each piece a conceptual anomaly in its intended surprise, whilst the irregularity and unique design markings in many of the pieces intended to give each object character that is so often missing in the mass manufactured. All pieces are intentionally, and proudly, Australian designed and manufactured.

The designers selected to launch the brand include David Caon, Matthew Sheargold, Philip Chia, Adam Cornish, David Knott, Facet Studio and Ben Wahrlich. New designs by emerging and established designers in a range of design fields will follow throughout the next 12 months and beyond. 

The inaugural launch held in Darlinghurst was embraced by the local design community.  "I was very impressed with the high standard, quality, design, and manufacture. It certainly sets a tone for the international scene." said Darren Palmer."The market has been in need of this type of innovation for some time." 

To see the Anomaly range please visit the Anomaly pop up showroom – 104 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst (cnr Palmer St) until 15 November, open Monday to Friday 10-5pm. For further information on Anomaly please visit the Anomaly website at anomaly.com.au

Hard lines and soft texture are the defining point for this new kitchen for a client in Sydney's North. Created using a combination of our innovative Axolotl concrete surfaces on the benchtop and splashback it's easy to see how much potential is realised when shrugging off the constraints of traditional concrete construction. 

The end result is original and simple in its execution, but exudes contemporary design in one of the most important rooms in the home. The splashback has been created by taking a single CFC sheet and bonding it with Concrete Slate in a lunar texture. The same process is used to create the bench, with the vertical surface featuring an abstract design carved directly into the MDF before the Concrete Shale is bonded. 

The simple execution of these finishes truly portray the versatility of the Axolotl Concrete range whilst retaining the beauty and integrity of solid concrete. 

Axolotl Solid is a new extension of the Axolotl offer. Sheet metals are now able to be patinated in a variety of different colours, from verdi gris, florentine and pearl. Axolotl Solid metals, such as copper, brass, aluminium, mild steel and stainless steel are available in a variety of thicknesses and can be used where sheet metal is required in lieu of our decorative metal coatings. This range offers architects and designers the ability to specify pre-aged panels on a new build or renovation, avoiding bright and inconsistent 'fresh' metal, while ensuring the characteristics of the solid metal are retained.

The recently completed, Fender Katsalidis designed 4NC building in Canberra (pictured here), was a great opportunity to launch Axolotl's latest benchmark in aged metals. Axolotl was sought out to provide an aged finish on copper sheeting that was applied to the 8 metre high blades, which became the feature piece in the centre of the building. The copper theme was carried throughout the building, also being applied to several walls and ceilings. Axolotl worked alongside Lend Lease, CBS and Micos in creating a lasting impression on the Canberra landscape. 

The pre-aged copper finish works so well as it gives an established patina to new projects.  The organic nature of the ageing process enables an intended inconsistency in the panels, just as the material would do naturally if left for several years. It also works well in high traffic areas as it prevents marks such as fingerprints and offers the ability to topcoat the copper for further protection.

 A full set of samples will be shown in our next e-card, alongside our other exciting developments in glass, concrete, metal and timber.

This hand selected range of entrance doors and garage doors complement our metal coatings both in style and execution. The door above utilises our signature Doric design, which beautifully displays a graphite finish both in smooth and cast textures. Complementing this is a graphite garage door - using the same material in a pitted texture, juxtaposed by the stark white render surrounds.

Axolotl's processes make it simple to achieve a highly personalised statement entry piece by simply adding a strong aging technique or custom etched design. Or, as illustrated in the sixth image a custom made handle, coated in bronze pearl, is all that is required to set this entry feature apart.

To keep you inspired our brand new glass and concrete brochures are now available to be downloaded from our products page.

In other exciting news, Axolotl are very pleased to announce that we are setting up a factory in Dubai to service the GCC region, and will be operational from August. Please contact Dubai Metal Axolotl JV for any enquiries axolotl@dubaimetal.net.