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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:  Fredierico 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 Prefinished in Fango Groove and 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.

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