Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio was invited to collaborate on this unusually high quality and well thought out project. Working alongside Cera Stribley and Above Zero, the result is a series of interventions in luminosity, in texture and comfort to create a world class project.
With a shared appreciation of brutalist architecture, of high-quality materials and rough textures, Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio was invited to collaborate on this unusually high quality and well thought out project. Working alongside Cera Stribley and Above Zero, the result is a series of interventions in luminosity, in texture and comfort to create a world class project.
Rondure House sets a new precedent in refined living. Coveted Studley Park is home to the work of many celebrated architects of Australian Brutalism – a movement that returned architecture to its purest form by stripping back excessive ornamentation. Modern-day exponent – boutique developer Above Zero’s AJ Batra, assembled a team with a shared passion to create an unparalleled project within this tightly held precinct. The interior was a collaboration between Cera Stribley Architects and Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio which culminated in a design statement of outstanding significance. This is a place of rare brilliance – a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
This project involved a series of bespoke Tom Dixon objects designed specifically for Rondure House bringing a truly unique proposition to the Melbourne market. The rich and layered colour palette and imaginative play of light created by the Design Research Studio provides an experience one would normally expect to find at a contemporary art installation.
Within the suite, sculptural cues dance across the living and dining space. Fat Bar stools have again been featured at the bar with Tom Dixon Slab dining chairs circling the custom dining table. Above the dining table reside 2 striking fixtures of Tom Dixon Melt chandeliers in chrome. Fitted with an LED module, the Melt Chandelier is Tom Dixon's attempt to rethink the contemporary chandelier. A swarm, huddle, herd, cluster, or bunch; there are a thousand ways of configuring Tom Dixon lamps to produce an extraordinary lighting arrangement.
The Living Space features the Cowrie chair from Made in Ratio, designed by Tasmania born designer Brodie Neill. Inspired by the concave lines of seashells, the curved forms are the result of an extensive research and innovation process that bridges the handmade with the digital. Sweeping lines are displayed in a gentle, single plywood fold. This has been paired with other playful shapes including the Herman Miller Eames Walnut Stool, Tom Dixon Flash occasional tables and Flos Superloon floor light.
At the lift, Tom’s superb choice of iconic British Wingback chairs with their expressive sweeping curves provides residents with a means to greet friends in grand style or simply enjoy for themselves. Sitting below the delicate pliant ribbons of stainless-steel lighting pendants Spring. Space Age, Art Deco or Pop - many potential influences can be read into these pieces of ultra-expressive occasional furniture.
At the bar and among other common spaces, resting on plush olive carpeting, the same aesthetic is expressed through the iconic Tom Dixon Fat lounge chairs and Bar Stools. With the deep colours contrasting the well-lit bar, marble backsplash and wine storage.
Within the home office a match-made-in-heaven is on display between the Herman Miller Eames Aluminium Group Management chair and Airia desk in contrasting colourways.
"Residential work is always more challenging as a typology, as you are dealing with someone who will encounter your work every day for a decade or even a lifetime, it’s a serious responsibility. The challenge in show flats is also the problem of not having an actual client – you must balance having enough character to stand out with a broad enough appeal yet make it popular amongst a variety of unknown owners. A home is a place which is a haven that you can always retreat to, a place to work and play forever." - Tom Dixon
