GARDEN IN A BAG

Saw these brilliant Flat packed gardens at Design Made Trade last week. They come in small 600 x 300 x 400 sizes right up to 1200 x 1200 x400
Perfect for balconies, courtyards and when you are renting. Or to put closer to the back door for your cooking herbs
contact kif & katast for information

Even the packaging is simple and packs up neatly if you are moving or want to store for the future.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL URBAN HOUSE

WHEN A TERRACE HOUSE IS NOT A TERRACE HOUSE

This amazing renovation in Fitzroy by Melbourne by Architects Kavellaris Urban Design keeps the idea of tradition to compliment the surrounding houses and gives it a modern twist with its perforated exterior.
Photographer : Peter Bennetts

The solid glass ballustrade offers safety without compromising the view

The theme carries through in the interior doorsIf you have forgotten you are in the 'burbs'- maybe a little artwork to remind you where you are!

A WATER FEATURE TO IMPRESS

I have been working in a renovation at a private residence and have been literally working from the front yard, inside then to the backyard.
The transition from the garden to the front door is a real problem as the walkway is through the garage. To create a diversion and that all important 'wow' factor I approached h2O Designs to help us with the problem.
In this video, Part 1 takes us through the stages of what it takes before you get to that all important final product.
We are working on Part 2 now and I can tell you - the end result is amazing!!

FURNITEX & DESIGN AND DECORATION 2010

HANDSOME PRINTS display
at Design & Decoration for Materials Inspiration
(Curators- Marshall Design)

Whenever these events are on I go straight to the Vivid display where furniture and decor items by student, up & coming and established designers display innovative and exciting pieces.
This year was no exception in what it had to offer. I was lucky enough to chat with Damien Hipwell from Studio Hip who had two pieces on show, with the childrens chair and table set winning an award (cutely named 'strongman table and chairs!). Damien is a professional furniture maker and approaches his designs and manufacturing with high environmental and ethical standards.

I loved his Studio chair - a contemporary piece with influences of the retro furniture era . Damien is a true craftsman with a passion for his work - if you are looking for a unique piece Damien welcomes commissions - so look him up!

STRONG MAN! TABLE & CHAIRS

The other pieces that caught my eye where from students developing their design and manufacturing skills, so make sure you look out for these names in the future.

CURVITIOUS CREDENZA -by Hanzlah Ain - PerthMETAL CABINET by Kip Smith of UANDMI DesignsROCKING HORSE CONCEPT by Rob Miller - Victoria
(which also won and award)ZINE TABLE by Jade Mc Cormick WA

OBSESSION WITH PAPER ART

I'm sorry for more paper art- but I stumbled on this site and just had to share - enjoy!!!
SLASH: PAPER UNDER THE KNIFE
has just finished at MAD - NYC but here are some of the paper highlights

Chris Gilmour - Triumph over Good and Evil: or Dungeons and Dragons?
Photo: Ed Watkins

PAPERWORK #935G
Artist - Andreas Kocks
Pic -Ed Watkins

Chris Kenny's Grand Island, part of a series of "maps" depicting a fictional city:-
Looks more like a 3-D Google Earth?
Pic: Peter Gordan-Stables

Mia Pearlman InRush: Gives me a rush of excitment looking at it!
pic: Jason Mandella

Ferry Staverman, A Space Odesey: - I'm thinking more like a crafty version of tubular bells

MELBOURNE OPEN HOUSE-TOURS

My article in today's Melb Herald Sun is all about the Melbourne Open House Scheme. If you are planning to visit Melbourne on 24th & 25th July I totally recommend at least spending half a day looking at a few buildings to get an inside look on Melbourne.
I you live in our gorgeous city make sure you take time out of kids sport, work or GET OFF THE COUCH! to see the hidden architecture jewels of Melbourne.
Most have 15-20 guided tours to areas that aren't generally open to the public. All are free but booking is recommended.
Some great ones to visit are:-

271 Collins St
image - www.fitzroys.com.au

Council House - 240 Collins St
Images - © Copyright City of Melbourne 2010.

Melbourne Recital Hall

images from website

MELBOURNE OPEN HOUSE

Rarely do you get to see the depths of retail and commercial buildings but on July 24th-25th 2010 Melbourne is literally opening their doors!!
To kick the event off there is a speaker series on Tuesday July 5th - all sessions are free but it is best to book so you don't miss out. I will keep you posted on more of Melbourne Open House in the lead up to it. Stay posted!