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Following 20 years of practising design across a range of sectors and project sizes, Michelle Attard made the decision to go ‘back to her roots’ and relive her passion for design. Established in 2015, MAD Studio allowed Michelle the opportunity to work closely with clients to develop intimate project journeys which are reflected in the spaces the practice delivers. 

The practice expanded rapidly around her designers Krystalle, Lee and Meg, soon outgrowing the home office and prompting the move to a beautifully designed and appointed first floor studio suite – providing the opportunity to ‘open the door’ to bigger clients and projects.

MAD Studio are masters of high-end residential housing and as Michelle says,  “It was important to create a studio which felt calm and relaxed and intimate, where we could bring clients and feel collaborative, friendly, generous –  with a good energy.”

“It is exactly how we approach design, it’s how we resolve details and share knowledge.”

“A neutral and refined palette heroing Elton Group’s Eveneer with orderly storage and a nod to Marie Kondo, the studio is the perfect stage for presenting concepts, materiality and sampling as our team home and the context to demonstrate attention to detail and earn our client’s trust—understanding the significant financial and emotional investment they are making.”

Their practice’s success, Michelle cites is heavily based on relationships, not only with long term clients, but also the ongoing support of reps and suppliers in contributing to their practice’s project history and growth. 

One look at their projects, confirms a sophisticated knowledge and appreciation for materiality. “It’s such a big part of what we do.”

“To us materiality is very much about the relationship with the supplier”

“We also have to use the ‘budget’ word and design to what is achievable—we never want to over design and present something the client can’t attain. The product’s fit for purpose, sustainability and price are always considerations—but the relationship, contact and response is vital and cannot be underestimated.”

Often selecting timber veneers to achieve texture and warmth, the designers understand that specifying veneer requires knowledge and trusted advice.  

“We have no room for dusty binders, we expect to be continually updated and educated on new products and ranges. The more of that we have the more we will specify. For us, EG is always front of mind.”

Interior Design: MAD Studio

The design team developed a concept that placed biophilic design at the forefront and implemented a material palette that evokes the rich tones and tactility of native Australian flora. Eveneer was selected as the perfect hero material for the natural palette, assisting with dissolving the boundaries between interior workplace and the surrounding landscape, bringing nature to space.

Eveneer was the used throughout the fit-out, across joinery, wall cladding and ceilings. “We particularly warmed to the Steeple Oak, as it strongly complemented the ‘Australian Flora’ palette. This formed the foundation of finishes and we used this to further develop the aesthetic for the space,” explains Crossley.

The use of Eveneer also supports the project’s sustainability goals, requiring all design decisions and material selections be environmentally conscious. “Working alongside Elton Group was a pleasure, and the project was very seamless,” says Crossley.

Content adapted with permission from Indesign Live, published 31/1/22, written by Mandi Keighran, Photographed by Simon Whitbread

When the Next Hotel brand approached Woods Bagot to create a new flagship hotel as part of retail and dining precinct, 80 Collins Street, they asked for a ‘modern business retreat’. It needed not only to meet the practical needs of travellers in terms of modern business and leisure amenities, but also be a welcoming space where guests wanted to relax and spend time—and warm, tactile finishes, such as Elton Group’s Eveneer timber veneer, are at the heart of this approach.

“We wanted to avoid a corporate, masculine fit-out and create little moments of joy,” reveals Bronwyn McColl, principal at Woods Bagot and leader of the Regional Hotel Sector. “I was travelling back and forth between Brisbane and Melbourne during the design phase, and it was interesting to draw on my own personal experiences of living in hotels. The thing I craved and missed most was those moments of home.” The 255-room hotel has a layered material palette with a crafted touch that feels more domestic than commercial—think richly textured timber, ceramic, opulent textiles, and leather. While this kind of domestic softness was key, finishes also needed to be able to stand up to the harsh realities of a hospitality environment. “At a hotel or restaurant, finishes get thrashed and constantly cleaned,” explains McColl. “So, it was about finding a beautiful duality of craftsmanship and durability.”

Focusing on this narrative, the Woods Bagot design team approached Elton Group to provide timber finishes to complement work from local ceramicists and artists, and eclectic textiles and furnishings. The product used throughout is Eveneer by Elton Group, in the dark shades of and Havana, Ravenna and Ristretto

The Elton Group’s Eveneer is part of the identity of the hotel from the moment of entrance. A narrow corridor, which echoes the city’s famous laneways, leads from Little Collins Street to a tiny ‘hole-in-the-wall’ seven-seat cafe and concierge point on the ground floor. The diagonal form of the dark timber veneer panels references the geometric exterior panels of the façade at a smaller scale and mirrors the use of Eveneer in the level-two reception and Club Lounge, creating a journey that draws guests into and through the hotel. The use of Eveneer timber panelling continues across multiple levels to La Madonna, a day to night dining and drinking enclave.

The timber veneer is complemented by solid timber joinery around the cocktail bar, referencing the history of the spirit Amaro and the process of barrel ageing. The detailed timber work is also a nod to the tack walls that would have been found in the horse bazaar, and the fit-out of the high-end Collins Street boutiques in the 1950s heyday of the couture industry. “We could see all these beautiful synergies coming through,” says McColl.

“The Elton Group products allowed us to create these beautiful moments.” Eveneer also gave the design team peace of mind, with standard panel sizes and a high quality that ensured consistency throughout.

This was particularly important as the project was delivered during lockdowns, and site inspections had to be done virtually. “We went on a journey with Elton Group,” says McColl. “Once we had solidified what the narrative needed to be, they were able to talk us through what products would be best suited. It was lovely to have that partnership and explore different options.”

Adapted from an Indesignlive article by Mandi Keighran

Interior Design: Woods Bagot
Photography: Sharyn Cairns

Aligning with the hotel group’s French origins and seeking to unite the cities of Adelaide and Bordeaux, both renowned for wine and churches, Garcon Bleu is modelled on a 19th century Parisian brasserie, with timber panelling, mosaic tiling and salon hung art. Spanning the entire 9th floor, the restaurant is impressively fitted out; the warmth and grain of timber veneer balanced with marble, glass and polished metals; panoramic views of Adelaide and the Hills beyond adding to the sense of opulence. Generous and spacious, the restaurant ceiling hovers above 4m high walls finished in full height custom stained oak veneer.

The selection, sourcing and authenticity of the timber veneer was a vital factor in bringing the design to life. To coordinate with the selected French parquet floor, EG worked with Sofitel’s’ developer Palumbo to create a custom stained oak Woodwall which matched perfectly.

Sourced from over 4m long logs and sequenced matched, the flexible and paper backed WoodWall veneer allowed the crafting of perfect joints not possible with other forms of timber veneer. Pre-finished with a timber polish, elegant solid timber mouldings were added and stained to match the WoodWall creating a traditional fielded panel aesthetic.

The ease of application was combined with clever detailing to conceal service corridors and fire doors. As well as being the most cost-effective way to achieve a fully timber lined environment, the lack of space taken in traditional framing and substrates, significantly added to the floor area available for both circulation and FOH functions.

Unlike many timber panels systems, WoodWall is Group 1 Fire-Rated, making it perfect for all commercial applications.

A holistic, quality veneer with a perfect polish finish, defect free in sequence-matched runs, WoodWall is the most sustainable of our timber resources, using less than 3% of the timber used in a traditional panelling project.

Project: Garcon Bleu, Sofitel Adelaide
Design: Palumbo
Photography: Dave Ascoli

Located in the gentrified inner-western suburbs of Sydney, Rhodes Central is an upcoming mixed-use development by Billbergia, designed to create a new urban village hub set against the backdrop of waterside views and a unique mangrove environment. Capturing the essence of the prime locality was paramount to MXM Design Studio, engaged by Billbergia to design the lobby and a pivotal sales suite for Tower B.

For the design of the sales suite, MXM Design Studio worked to an overall concept of ‘curved consciousness’, creating a tranquil space for the sales team that mirrors the curvaceous form of the building exterior and the fluid movement of the river. The result is a professional yet welcoming environment that features a rich interplay of natural materiality and evokes an overall sense of calm for occupants.

The raw materiality that was integral to the overall design of the sales suite is highlighted by the extensive use of timber veneer throughout the space. MXM Design Studio specified WoodWall Cumulus from the patented Elton Group range of high-quality timber veneers as a means to incorporate the natural beauty of timber into the project. Offering both aesthetic beauty and enhanced functionality, the innovative WoodWall technology was perfectly suited to the full-height walls and curvaceous forms of the sales suite interior.

Underpinning the designer and developer’s desire to bring nature into the space, WoodWall (in colour, Cumulus) acts as the perfect accompaniment to the waterside environment, generating a tranquil atmosphere for future residents to first experience the beauty of their new natural surroundings. The large, sequenced sheets provide an undulating timber surface that draws parallels directly from the topography of the Rhodes Peninsula.

Rejecting the preconceived constraints within which designers have traditionally created sales suites, MXM Design Studio has utilised Elton Group’s advanced WoodWall technology to push the boundaries of timber veneer in both design and application. The end result is a soft and relaxing sales suite that utilises natural materiality to bring the outside in.

Words: James Lyall Smith
Photography: Ryan Linnegar

Rather than limiting the use of timber to that of a feature material, Studio Barbara, led by Felicity King has used veneer as the base palette, the hero underpinning the entire apartment, the result, a warm, welcoming, tactile and grounded, space. A refuge and place of calm above a busy city.

The design of the apartment is intimate, the project involved replanning the entire volume, with a focus on softening the edges. Unlike other surfaces, veneer afforded the flexibility to curve and wrap the spaces, creating a flow and connectivity ‘allowing us to create a cohesive, connected, and harmonious space through the continuity of material texture and tone’ explains Felicity. Veneered doors cleverly and seamlessly melt into veneer walls.

The concept was brought to life with Elton Group’s Eveneer Mink—a wonderfully warm and evocative midtone veneer combined with the masterful detail and craftsmanship of Matt Appino in the articulation of bulkheads, wall junctions, and joinery, fluidly reflecting the coves of the harbour beyond.

The timber veneer surfaces create a beautiful canvas for the architecture, design, and decoration to converge, with a curated overlay of artwork, personal objects and loose furniture creating the refined, understated elegance which fills the home with soul and spirit.

Beyond the aesthetic, the haptic properties of wood are infinite. Studies show how the physical touch of timber can induce parasympathetic nervous activity producing a calming effect, reducing feelings of stress and increasing positivity. Timber is one of the most effective ways to bring nature and natural materiality to interior spaces and is acknowledged as one of the key principles of Biophilic Design supporting user health and wellness.

Wood surfaces regulate humidity, enhance indoor air quality, increase thermal comfort and energy efficiency and dampen sound to improve acoustic comfort.

Studio Barbara are committed to sustainability and selected Eveneer for its quality—free from splits, knots and discolouration—and commitment to agriculture and the responsible harvesting of logs to protect and regenerate the environment

Completed in 2020, this evocative project has been shortlisted for numerous awards and gained international recognition.

Interior Design: Studio Barbara
Joinery: Matt Appino, MSA Prestige Woodcraft
Photography: Anson Smart / Clinton Weaver

Surrounded by a family of creatives, “Do what you love and money will follow”, was the mantra her Mum impressed onto her at a young age.

Studying a Bachelor of Design at UNSW exposed her to multidisciplinary design developing the mindset and confidence to offer the complete service – from interiors, structure and development applications, through to documentation, detailing, furniture selections, budgets and tendering, styling, art curation, plant selection and landscaping. Little wonder the project comes together as a single considered and resolved space.

Very few graduate designers have this experience, but just 6 months out of university, the opportunity came via word of mouth and Ally decided to take a leap. The brief for Rodanthe House was simple: “I want something I haven’t seen before”, which perfectly matched her passion for pushing boundaries and problem solving.  The response; conceptual, holistic and gutsy, building upon the bones and details of the period home.

Ally confirms that she did second guess some of her decisions, but her diligence in research, working closely with her suppliers and leaving no detail undone, meant not only did the results show, but she learned an enormous amount on the way. Her University experience was heavy on the conceptual and light on the practical and working with suppliers and having access to their expertise and samples was vital. Knowing nothing of timber veneers beforehand, after a few ‘surprises’ seeing a raw veneer installed with the wrong finish ‘looking like a plastic wood’, she realised that an understanding of types of veneers and polishes in specification of timber veneer is important, and the only way to really ‘know what you are getting in the result’. Like many designers, Ally prefers to work with joiners she trusts ‘detailing every detail to meet my visions and do the material justice.’

‘I pretty much only use Elton Group products known for quality of veneer, finish, and patterns. Eveneer where possible and Evenex as a more affordable finish with a beautiful touch; she is drawn to the soft contemporary finishes.’

Detailed to maximise the materials’ potential. Persian Walnut and Burnished Oak are heroed in Rodanthe House.

Elton Group are committed to supporting new and emerging designers like Ally selecting, detailing and specifying real timber veneers.

Design: Amarot Design Studio
Photography: Simon Whitbread

Elton Group applies a design lens to the curation of unique timber veneer products for the Australian market. Established in Melbourne in the 1930s, the company’s humble beginnings belie the expertise and design nous of the company today. “Our mission is to empower the Australian design industry to create opportunity through every product selection, colour range and conversation,” reveals Elton Group Director Karen Griffin. With a long legacy of supplying timber veneers to the design industry, Karen, alongside Managing Director Dylan Kane and Sales Director Max Mascitti, affirms the spirit of the company instilled with the passion of its founder, Karen’s late husband Michael Elton.

“From the age of 16, Michael was trained by his great-uncle – a German timber merchant who emigrated to Australia just before the Second World War,” Karen says. The duo travelled all over the world buying prized and exotic veneers for the furniture industry, establishing a relationship with Italian timber producers Alpi – the first manufacturers of re-cut timber veneer. “Michael’s great uncle became the first export customer of Alpi’s re-cut veneer,” explains Karen. “We’ve now partnered with them for over 50 years – it’s been a wonderful ongoing narrative.”

Re-cut timber veneer was first developed in the early 1900s, but the production technique was redefined by Alpi in the 1960s. Operating from the quaint Italian town of Modigliana, Alpi steams logs sourced from plantations and managed forests and rotary peels them into micro-thin veneer sheets to maximise yield. The sheets are toned to produce variations in colour, then re-pieced into ‘square logs’ to create straight grain products or moulded into ‘curved logs’ to replicate naturalistic crowns and timber grains when cut. “The product is carefully planned – the way the veneers are reassembled, moulded and sawn creates the pattern,” reveals Karen. This enables rare or endangered veneer species to be reproduced using fast-growing trees, such as poplar, lime wood and ayous, protecting old-growth forests from felling. “We’re now harvesting trees that were planted by the previous generation – it’s an incredibly thoughtful and rewarding process,” she says.

Alpi’s timber mill directly and indirectly employs approximately two thirds of Modigliana’s population, bolstering social and economic sustainability for the town. “There’s a lovely feeling when you visit, because they’re all part of this community,” Karen explains. From the raw logs to the finished product, Alpi’s product offers complete transparency in terms of environmental and social responsibility. Holding licenses for the management of 500,000 hectares of forest, Alpi gives traceability of product from its very origins. Dyes are water-based aniline and adhesives are low formaldehyde urea resin, while an advanced in-house system purifies industrial water.

Elton Group established the brand Eveneer in the 1980s – a showcase of re-cut timber veneers designed in-house and produced by Alpi. The name reflects the even finish of the product in colour, pattern and surface, free from the undesirable splits, knots and discolouration commonly encountered in conventional timber veneers. “We decided there was an opportunity to really go ahead with it – especially for a future with sustainability in mind,” Karen explains. The Eveneer product range is extensive, with colour and grains ranging from Light Oak and Silver Birdseye to deep Umber and Ravenna.

Alpi also manufactures its own range of re-cut veneers, exclusively represented in Australasia by Elton Group. The Alpi Designer collection comprises artistic timber veneers created in collaboration with world leading designers – such as Piero Lissoni, Campana Brothers, Ettore Sottsass and Patricia Urquiola – and is a testament to the company’s value of design. “The collaborators often design the pattern, then work with Alpi’s technicians to understand how to achieve it – it’s a sort of reverse engineering,” says Karen. Working with the numerous production variables, she says, “the possibilities are endless.”

Starting in the 1980s, each Alpi Designer collection encapsulates the interests and aesthetic sensibilities of the designer, developing a deep bond between the company and the creative industry. The Pointillisme veneer by Atelier Mendini is a true standout. Available in grayscale and vivid colour, the geometric patterning recalls the upholstery of Mendini’s iconic Proust armchair. The latest French Palette collection, launched in 2021 by Piero Lissoni, presents a series of bright and softly-toned timber veneers inspired by the French paintings of the early 1700s – a study in ancient colour interpreted for a contemporary audience. “It’s truly a junction between creativity, technology and nature,” Karen reflects.

With mindfulness of the changing nature of the design industry, Eveneer and Alpi Designer products are available as a pre-finished board. “The skill for polishing veneers is becoming increasingly rare and sought after,” explains Karen. “While we work with some amazingly skilled joiners, there is a rising demand for pre-finished veneers.” Given raw timber veneers darken once polished, the pre-finished samples allow for colour accuracy and confidence in specifying, while providing consistency in finish and considerable savings in time, materials and labour. “It solves a lot of problems we encounter in contemporary cabinet making,” says Karen. The company’s latest Touch finish uses cutting-edge technology to achieve a matte, finger-print free finish that preserves the look of the veneer in its raw state while being completely protected – a unique and irreplicable finish.

Touring Elton Group’s studio in Melbourne’s south-east, the community-minded nature of the company is palpable. With operations and warehousing below and sales, marketing, sampling and a timber lab above, the company benefits from the close integration of each part of the business. With an area of the warehouse flagged for redevelopment as a showroom, Elton Group is keen to celebrate the legacy of the company and the evolution of its products from factory to finished result. “We’re driven by the concept of being ‘materially different’, in that we’re constantly developing new colours, textures and patterns to inspire design,” explains Karen. Underpinned by the inventive spirit of founder,

Michael Elton, Karen suggests her husband’s vision and generosity are very much engrained in the culture of the company. “The passion Michael had for his craft will always resonate here,” she muses. “His presence is felt in everything we do.”

Words: Hayley Curnow
Photography: David Ascoli, Yongho Moon and Dave Kulesza

From the street, robust and established flora set the tone for the palette, strong yet earthy, informing the approach to materiality. With a focus on scale and proportion, the spaces playfully and bravely combine materials and details providing an aesthetic which is minimalist and luxury, refined and understated.

“A classic layering of natural textures blends with warm appointments to create a relaxed sense of elegance, whilst inviting personalisation into living spaces,” explains Fiona Lynch. The resulting living spaces are generous in aspect, proportion and materiality, the custom joinery throughout meticulously detailed and crafted, timeless and unique.

Known for her expertise in ‘harnessing the quiet brilliance of minimalism and materiality’ Lynch’s use of warm colours and inherent texture are the basis of the sophisticated and bespoke design.

Elton Group’s ALPI Xilo Planked White, part of the Alpi Designer Collection, is the perfect complement to travertine, polished plaster, and fluted glass. The detailing also celebrates the unique beauty of the timber veneer in an experienced yet experimental way. Timber grains run horizontally across the joinery, with the return of the travertine benchtop wrapping into the detail of the drawer, unique and elegant. In other areas, full height doors and a credenza unit, also in ALPI Xilo Planked White, create a soft warm ambience throughout. Unexpected details such as the skirting, bench legs and bull-nosed shelving work together to create a sense of light and weightlessness. The textures speak for themselves and require minimal decoration.

More on Alamer on The Local Project
Contemporary Seaside Living—Alamer by Lowe Living

Design: Fiona Lynch and Wolveridge Architects
Photography: Dave Kulesza
Builder: Lowe Living

We are all thinking and rethinking about and using our home differently says Georgia Ezra of Studio Ezra. “A conscious dwelling makes for a sound mind, meaningful connections and complete clarity.” Alex Mason from Studio aem adds, “I often start my day off in my office and then move to the dining room table and then on to the rear patio in our private sunny garden. On the cooler days I follow the sunshine around, it’s interesting to see how we are all connected to nature even on a subconscious level.”

Many practices have adopted new team habits. Brendon Wong Design meet “Friday mornings with a team dress up zoom. It’s ridiculous and a great circuit breaker that lets us express our personal creativity and LAUGH! This is something we won’t do outside of WFH, so it’s special. The upside of lockdown” says Georgia Hawkins, adding, “I now dress for comfort at work. This will not change. I used to persist to with uncomfortable shoes … and that battle is over for good, thanks to the pandemic.”

Amanda Pocock of ACP Studio has developed a beautiful process of packaging and sending clients physical samples boxed like gifts for the full tactile experience. Who doesn’t enjoy the feel of timber veneer? “The hard finishes and samples which I normally present in person are delivered to my clients in a beautifully presented gift box. This change has been received delightfully by my clients and evokes a feeling of excitement” Amanda Pocock shares. She also notes, “I’ve found that clients who I would normally not be able to service in a traditional face-to-face environment, such as interstate or out of area projects have been incredibly open and accommodating, allowing for a really successful remotely designed project.”

Clients’ expectations have also changed with many marching into the new world with unabashed positivity and opportunity for Australian designers and suppliers looking local more than ever.

Used to working collaboratively, extended time working solo can be challenging. A number of designers interviewed chain listen to podcasts for company—“It’s a great opportunity to gather knowledge whilst being creative (or administrative). It is lonely, HOWEVER, I can listen to whatever I like, control the temperature…and be relatively uninterrupted.”

And because designers are just people too, on a personal level, Karen Garrett from FJMT shared, “The kids are learning how to cook, we are all exercising more and finding time for our personal projects—not just the paid ones!”

Down to earth and engaging it is no surprise Alex is passionate about authenticity. As well as tactility this provided a healthy home for its occupants who suffer from allergies. Her favourite aspect of this project is the materiality and, in particular, the floating Eveneer bench detail in a space she transferred from a pedestrian entry to a generous and welcoming arrival.

The Inside Outside house is a special project as Alex had the opportunity to design the family home for the owner of Burraneer Bay Building, who approached her based on previous projects they had delivered together. His brief was to push the boundaries of design and construction.

A light-filled space, with high ceilings, the challenge was to create warmth and personalisation, which Alex did with confidence balancing the warm walnut tones of Fango and deep luxury of Xilo Black Eveneer with natural stone and purification tiles.

Alex works with a handful of trusted joiners, selected based on the scope of the project to craft her well-considered details. Joinery for Inside out House was created by Scotts Kitchens known for their methodical approach and eye for detail.

Alex is a frequent specifier of Eveneer. Introduced to Elton Group’s timber veneers as a young designer she is now passing this on to her daughter, Lilli who is studying design and works part-time in the business.

Design: Alex Mason, Studio aem
Photography: Brigid Arnott
Joiner: Scotts Kitchens
Builder: Burraneer Bay Building

The owners had purchased a recently completed apartment and knew it ‘wasn’t the right fit for them’ feeling too corporate and open plan; they wanted to add their own personality and sensibility and create their ‘forever home’. Two independent personal referrals lead them to the AMAO team on the recommendation ‘they do ground-breaking stuff’’. In Joel’s’ words- it was a case of ‘the stars aligning-rare and brilliant—it just felt right.’

Their varied training and experience has provided them with an instinctive appreciation of interior space and sequencing; ‘it all counts on the inside’. The apartment was designed as a spacious, light filled interior using Eveneer Almond (specified by building architects Bureau^Proberts) throughout. This warm natural surface provided the perfect platform for AMAO to transform the space. Supporters of authenticity, the designers loved and were committed to the timber veneer. “If it were up to us, we would have only used the Eveneer, but in the end it was the clients’ decision to introduce the warm blush beige detailing, which, in fact, subtlety frames the veneer.”

‘The apartment showcases how a relatively small collection of interventions can have a tangible effect on the functionality and atmosphere of an interior.’ These superb and inimitable joinery pieces were designed as hero elements in the space, and yet at the same time appear ‘native’. Key elements in Eveneer include a spectacular drinks cabinet, low sideboard and credenza, designed as ‘delightful obstacles’ to define sightlines, a stunning dresser and bedhead celebrating the habits and personality of the owner and a bookcase and kitchen divider, enabling choice and control, through screens and sliding panels.  Square edges rounded and joinery lifted off the floor add a lightness and sense of softness, brightness, and surprise.

Despite their prior knowledge, both confessed to having gained a deeper appreciation of timber veneers, through working with Basele, the joiner/shopfitter, who brought invaluable skill, expertise, and experience from the detailing of joinery for transportation in the lift, through to matching new veneers with existing.

Joel and Chloe prioritise time with industry representatives and value the 2-way relationships and support of Architectural reps. Elton Group look forward to supporting them in future projects.

Follow this link to The Local Project for more images of this project.

Design: Alcorn Middleton
Photography: Toby Scott

Not only is he passionate about the hands-on making and crafting of furniture, joinery, and panelling from timber veneers, he is also passionate about sharing his knowledge and is often invited to the studios of practices with which he works to share his knowledge on veneers, matching and detailing.

In a generous commitment to the industry, he shares his knowledge, teaching students and young designers. He agrees this knowledge is becoming rare.

A true master, but too humble to admit it, many designers will not have heard of him as his work is never tendered, coming via word of mouth and, most often, repeat business. Designers and Architects who work with him form long term relationships and value his craftsmanship and professionalism.

Matt worked with Felicity King of Studio Barbara on the Potts Point apartment; a project which heroed Elton Group’s Eveneer Fango on almost every wall surface as well as in panelling and joinery. The veneer detailing is immaculate, with Matt resolving the continuous curves at the thresholds of spaces, superbly matching the timber grain on cabinetry, and mastering the subtle scallops of the bathroom joinery.

We met with Matt, in his Western Sydney workshop, amongst sawdust and woodworking reference books and discussed the significant changes in documentation and detailing.

Last century architects and designers pored over drawing boards, articulating every junction, detail, and edge, often building models and prototypes to perfect the materiality. Now, in the days of tighter budgets, breakneck programs and 3D visualisation, a joiner or cabinet maker is more likely to receive a performance specification, or a brief set of design direction plans and elevations rather than a full set of drawings. It is then up to the craftsman to bring their experience and expertise into resolving, translating, and ultimately making. The success of project outcomes relies on the experience, passion, and expertise of the joiner, as well as the working partnership.

Matt has been using Eveneer ‘for as long as I can remember’ and has seen many ‘trends, come and go in the meantime’. He knows which products are fit for use and designers come to MSA Prestige Woodcraft for his opinions and advice because ‘he knows his stuff’.

Interior Design: Studio Barbara
Photography: Clinton Weaver

The design is a stunning interplay of materiality and volumes, rendered concrete providing a soft, neutral base throughout the house. Additional materials are introduced, to provide a sense of warmth and scale; the sitting room features Evenex Deep Grain Oak cabinetry with curved edges that melt into the walls.

Evenex Deep Grain Oak is also used in the kitchen, the hub of the house, central to the living spaces, where it provides a break away from the soft tones of the rendered concrete adding a complimentary tonality  with contemporary minimalist detailing, also seen in feature joinery throughout the bedrooms.

Design: Joe Adsett Architects
Photography: David Chatfield
Builder: Graya Constructions

Designed by Architects Francesco Magnani and Trudy Pelzel on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, the Pavilion was developed around the architectural vocabulary of traditional Scandinavian wooden stave churches:  a prismatic crystal-like form clad entirely in ALPI wood.  The exterior was wrapped in 9000 experimental dark grey timber veneer shingles and the interior is lined entirely in ALPI Xilo Striped XL White designed to house a temporary exhibition of original drawings by Gunnar Asplund for the Woodland Chapel.

The Asplund Pavilion is symbolic of Alpi’s commitment to the world of design, and continued commitment to innovation and technology in timber veneer. In the words of Vittorio Alpi, ‘We developed this experimental design; a complete novelty in the context of our business.  This type of challenge stimulates us to achieve beauty while solving new technical problems. This challenge was not easy, but we accepted it with enthusiasm, and we are very pleased to have gotten beyond what we believed were some of our limitations. All of us at the company are proud to have contributed to this exceptional project with our work.” VA 2018

Built on their commitment to ongoing research, design collaboration and innovation in wood, this project reflects Alpi’s focus and passion for the visual arts and the world of design.

ALPI Xilo Striped XL White is exclusive to Elton Group in Australasia.

Design: Francesco Magnani and Trudy Pelzel, Map Studio for Alpi
Photography:  Frederico Cedrone

Additional Media
Watch a video presentation of the Asplund Pavilion here.

In the heart of Sydney’s Surry Hills, a hotspot for design and all things food related, the new showroom, designed by Adele Bates is both an aspirational and hospitable space, showcasing the stunning range of appliances and creating an inviting space to welcome, inspire and educate visitors, architects and designers into the world of Sub-Zero and Wolf.

The space responds to the character of the old inner-city suburb, the perfect backdrop and context for showcasing the Sub-Zero & Wolf brand offer, in a high-end fit-out that perfectly matches its heritage and diversity. Bates has expertly planned the interior as 2 distinct spaces, using Elton Group’s Eveneer in Mink and Eveneer Prefinished in Anthracite Oak Groove against a palette of stone and reeded glass with brass fittings and classic detailing.

Design: Adele Bates
Photography: Fiona Susanto
Visit: Sub-Zero & Wolf

Crossways House, Centennial Park, designed by Architects Waterhouse and Lake, is a refreshingly beautiful nod to the past.  The house, built in 1908, is an example of the Federation Arts and Crafts style but was stripped bare of much of its detail in the 1980’s and this project has skilfully and sensitively re-inserted elements such as the dark veneer panelling which reference the original in a contemporary and subtle way.

Growing up in a Glenn Murcutt home provided the designer with the grounding in, and appreciation for fine art and architecture, and the house she now lives in provided her the perfect opportunity to follow her passion.  “In Australia we design well for pared back indoor-outdoor spaces, using concrete, stone and light timbers, but this was an exercise in looking back to the past.”

Eveneer Xilo Black 2-Flamed was selected as the perfect colour tone- a dark cool rich timber with a subtle yet striking grain, the perfect shade against the stained parquet floors- not too grey, not too warm. The outcome is a superb marriage of high-end finishes and considered and masterful detailing. The project is a testament to the fact that great joinery is the result of the triptych relationship between designer, supplier, and joiner. Projects like this one are not every day for most joiners, and N&J joiners took on the challenge, bringing their own passion and commitment to the best outcome, acknowledging the quality of Eveneer allowed them to achieve the organic curves and appreciating the quality and consistency of colour and grain.

In Isabelle’s words, the Eveneer sits quietly with the other luxurious and natural finishes- timbers and stones.  “The veneer is stunning; I’d love to be able to work with it again.”

Design: Isabelle Harris and Jonathan Spicer
Photography: Dominic Loneragan

For Elton Group this collaboration represents a celebration of our heritage and expertise, spanning almost a century at the forefront of innovation in creating and supplying ethically and sustainability produced timber veneer. The monoliths incorporate seven heritage timber veneers from the archive of Elton Group, dating back from the 1930’s through to the 1990’s, combined with our more contemporary and colourful retoned and recut Eveneer range. By matching new and historical veneers, each Recall object is a unique dialogue between the past and present global management of our precious timber resources.

Broached Commissions worked with John Warwicker to develop the pattern language and design of both the monoliths and the stunning magnetic pulls, adding an evocative element of mystery and curiosity. As part of this exhibition a short documentary shot by Paul Barbera, explores the fabrication of the works, abstracted by the theme of the ever-accelerating grid of modernity and its ability to absorb everything within its ubiquitous form.

The NGV has acquired one of the monoliths for it’s permanent collection.

Creative Direction: Lou Weis
Design Direction: Laura Clauscen
Fabrication: Woodcraft Mobiliar

Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government and delivered by the National Gallery of Victoria, the inaugural Melbourne Design Week. Now in its fifth consecutive year, Melbourne Design Week 2021’s focus returns with a multi-site program of design activations and provocations under a compelling theme: ‘Design the world you want’ where designers demonstrate how they can collaborate to create a better and healthier future for the planet. Melbourne’s creative community post lockdown flocked with energy and enthusiasm to a host of events and installations throughout the city.

The story goes that a design colleague had recommended Woodwall to Jason, and this project provided the perfect opportunity: A small space (150m2 over 2 floors) requiring expert planning to maximise space and circulation, resulting in the language of curved elements the obvious design solution and WoodWall the natural surface finish.

WoodWall in Planked Walnut was selected to wrap around the undulating partitions, providing the required flexibility and bringing richness to the space. As the project progressed, WoodWall was also used across other surfaces. The resulting space cocoons through the series of softly curved spaces wrapped in walnut veneer; dark, rich and moody in contrast to the light, clean line aesthetic commonly adopted in beauty clinics.

Observed by Jason, this project represents a beautiful ‘end to end’ story working with Elton Group. One of the project’s biggest challenges was in meeting code requirements for Luminance Visual Contrast without compromising the rich dark moody palette. Elton Group worked with Jason to provide the light reflectance values, enabling him to reach an outcome both the design team and the certifier were happy with, incorporating a deep gloss green used on the skirting and architraves.

WoodWall perfectly mastered the organic curves and became the signature element to this project. Jason is now a convert to WoodWall. “Reflecting back Woodall took the project from really beautiful to spectacular. I’m looking forward to using it again. “

The project manager of TD Shopfitters Elton Zhu also working with WoodWall for the first time, was won over by the ease of application and the quality of the prefinished polished surface , allowing the joiners to simplify logistics and reduce time both in production and on site.

Project: Lime St Skin Clinic Barangaroo 2020
Design: JBD Design
Builder: TD Shopfitting
Photography: Traianos Pakioufakis

Elton Group offer designers and makers a broad range of options for bringing natural timber surfaces and products into space, ranging from traditional veneers to our unique and state-of-the-art recut veneers created in partnership with Alpi, Italy. Our timber surfaces have been designed to deliver the quality, texture and grain of timber in a sustainable and affordable way.

Sustainability and responsible material selection is a big driver in the world of specification today. Veneer is one of the most environmentally efficient and economical ways to design with timber as one cubic metre of veneered natural timber can cover a surface area in excess of 1,000m2.

As a Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) certified organisation, Elton Group is committed to supplying wood veneers in accordance with advanced environmental standards for forests, water and raw material utilisation.

Timber veneer production offers designers unique opportunities for innovation. To create these unique wood veneers, fast growing timber species are transformed into infinite varieties and decorative effects through a process that peels the log, tones the wood by immersion and layers the sheets to create a new log. A fascinating production process, where a living material like wood can be enhanced and curated in a multitude of grains and colour.

Take time to explore our website, including our renowned Eveneer timber veneer range, our Eveneer Prefinished range delivering a high quality polished finish, the Alpi Designer Collections; veneers created in collaboration with some of the world’s leading designers, creating patterns that cannot be found in nature, with utterly original chromatic effects and the truly inimitable Woodwall, a flexible veneer applied to surfaces like a wallpaper.

Elton Group have been suppliers of natural timber veneers, offering expert knowledge and service to the Australian market for 80 years and we are always available to assist with product understanding, selection and specification. Feel free to contact Elton Group at any point for advice and specification assistance.

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In response to the pandemic, the 2021 forecast reflects the desire for reassurance and strength, with three nurturing palettes that speak of familiarity and comfort. ‘This year’s soft, earthy neutrals, muted greens and gentle mauve-greys provide a reassuring connection with nature, while richer and brighter hues, such as coral and stormy blue, awaken our senses and allow for moments of optimism,’ Expressed as three tonal palettes, there’s an emphasis on natural colours and textures for comfort and security, with moments of stronger colour to brighten our outlook and wellbeing.

The familial warm whites, brown-based neutrals and dusty blues of the Retreat palette are a reaction to the current instability of the world, offering a sense of familiarity and refuge. This palette includes Eveneer Woodwall Ravenna and Angora, pared with unpredictable material and colour combinations such as burgundy and deep ocean blue.

The Nourish palette features Elton Group’s Woodwall in Frosted Oak complimented by mossy and sage greens, turmeric and citrus that play into the collective longing for earthly connection, as technology use increases. Gentle, buff neutrals and touches of tan, soft olive and muted ochre capture our renewed appreciation for natural beauty. Finally, the Reset palette contains uplifting hues of blue-green, energetic reds and contrasting neutrals to brighten our outlook as we adapt to home life.

Reference ‘Soothing Shades and Natural Textures’
Design Files August 2020 Amelia Barnes

Dulux Australia
Dulux New Zealand
Photography by Mike Baker
Styling by Bree Leech

Vibrant Visions in Design (VIVID) is Australia’s longest running design competition. 2020 marks the 17th anniversary of this highly anticipated industry platform, and shining a spotlight on our emerging furniture, lighting & object designers. VIVID has kick-started the careers of many prolific Australian designers and is recognised as an important destination for both the local and international design industry. Vivid Design and Decor is judged by a panel of prominent and respected industry figures, winning design prototypes were exhibited at the VIVID Awards Gallery a virtual design event in September October 2020.

Whitehead’s commended design Form is a sustainably designed table which uses Elton Group’s Pangauanta eply faced with Eveneer Xilo 2 flame. Sitting on a metal gate leg base, the top is designed to function as a narrow hall table, or wider sideboard and adapt to different spaces and and functions, It has a multiple purposes creating a longevity for a lifetime of use.

Elton Group creative team offered up options for Friday night fish and Chips, inspired by our Japanese collaborators, of seared spiced tuna cubes with Wasabi cream, and to balance the high tech AIDA live stream, our signature take on the Old Fashioned. A warming textured whisky based cocktail with a woody aroma. (Recipes available from EG)

Winners were announced across seven primary categories as well as the Sustainability Advancement Award, sponsored by EG which was awarded to Jackson Clements Burrows Architects for Gillies Hall, cited by the jury as ‘an exemplar project design demonstrates the ability to integrate sustainability through all the touchpoints in multi-residential student accommodation, from the living, sleeping and studying quarters through to the planning of communal and collaborative spaces.

This is really exciting and visible sustainability put to great effect, with exposed CLT panels, the use of FSC timber and plenty of natural ventilation, all of which places people at the core of the sustainability proposition.’ Aligning with EG principles through its sustainable initiatives, it puts the health and wellbeing of its residents first and foremost.

While the project was challenging, the outcome offers healthy, comfortable and engaging spaces for its students to live and study in. Interior spaces are generous, well ventilated, have consistent interior temperatures and offer rich views to its leafy native bush campus setting.

Whilst keeping our people safe, we remain fully operational with stock in each of our warehouses in VIC, WA and QLD and our partner warehouses in NSW and SA and our team ready to dispatch both samples and product.

Elton Group, with 80 year’s experience in supplying timber products, have lived through and adapted to a number of challenging global circumstances and external impacts. We are committed to continuing to serve our valued customers and using adversity to forge a better future.

Please call us to discuss how we can help you with both current and future project needs.

SAMPLES
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