LET THERE BE LIGHT

Our latest concept for fine oak artisans Tongue and Groove – Inspired by their dedication to design and innovation, we’ve created a walk-in light-box made entirely of their timber flooring panels. The visitor is drawn into a surrounding space where light is captured and reflected through a series of faceted planes and lenses, accentuating the beautiful textures and high versatility of their product from an entirely new perspective.

TOBIAS IN CONTEMPORIST DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Tobias Partners recently made its debut on Contemporist – an international online publication dedicated to Architecture, Interiors, Furniture, Lighting and Design. And we’re among some very good company, indeed! The site is a great source of news and inspiration for us, so we’re delighted to have some of our work included in its repertoire of great design projects from around the world.

Two of our projects from recent years were published – Mooramie and Parsley House, which you can check out here.

LOUIS VUITTON: ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS

Recently, I was sent a copy of the extraordinary Louis Vuitton: Architecture and Interiors, an impressive tome that is essentially a reflection of all aspects of the world’s biggest luxury group, Louis Vuitton Moët Henessey (LVMH). The featured fashion present, of course, the nec plus ultra of chic. But the architect’s eye focuses on LV’s total dedication to show-casing its creations in buildings designed by names of a stature to match LV’s own: Zaha Hadid, Shigeru Ban, Jun Aoki, Gregoire Gilliot, Kengo Kuma, Kumiko Inui, Christian de Potzamparc, Jean-Marc Sandrolini, & Christian Reyne – all amazing guys with very particular attributes that the client allows to flourish under its stewardship. But the coup de grâce is undoubtedly LVMH’s dedication to New York-based designer (he stared his career at Warhol’s Factory) Peter Marino, who creates marvelously united brand stories with his consistently glamorous interior fit-outs.

BUILDING WITH BELLEVARDE – WATCH THIS SPACE

The early stages of our most recent alteration and extension project is looking very much like a Meccano set!

We’re fortunate enough to work some of the best building companies Australia has to offer, and Bellevarde Constructions are, of course, no exception – they’re doing a fantastic (and particularly tidy) job of fitting these custom-made steel sections to an existing structure with surgical accuracy. These guys are the “swiss-watch maker” of builders!

STEILNESET MEMORIAL, NORWAY

A collaboration between my favorite Architect and one of my favorite Artists! This incredible (and chilling) structure was designed and built in remembrance of 77 women and 14 men who were found guilty of sorcery and put to death during 17th Century witch-hunts in Norway. Zumthor has, with his usual mastery, captured both place, history and narrative with complete honesty and elegance, and Bourgeois’ sculpture of a constantly burning chair named ‘The Damned, The Possessed & The Beloved’ brings me to my knees! Just have to find time for a visit!

WE WANT… A PAL-V

Despite the fact that we’re probably years (or more likely, decades) away from seeing flying cars on our streets, it’s hard not to get excited when a new concept completes a successful test flight – especially when it’s as sleek, functional and sophisticated as the Pal-V One. Designed, built and tested by Dutch company Pal-V Europe (with some help from the Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory and Delft University), the three-wheeled gyrocopter not only complies with existing international road and air vehicle regulations, but handles like a sportscar on the ground, is fast, safe and agile in the air, and transforms to either land or flight mode in less than 10minutes. What a way to visit our project sites! Watson’s Bay to Whale Beach by air, then a sporty drive down the South Coast and back that afternoon… We want one!

RACHAEL GILBERT FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE, PADDINGTON

It’s a privilege to be asked to conceive and create a fashion designer’s first store, helping them make their vision – literally – concrete. Our latest retail project is Rachael Gilbert‘s flagship boutique, in Paddington. When the pieces on display are in themselves so bold and vibrant, the store had to be a subtle backdrop. So we opted for a play on soft, muted colours and materials, but still with just enough reflection and shine to give it a jewel-like appeal. The result is a simple, elegant setting which both absorbs and projects the colour-ways and silhouettes of each new season’s collection – and creates a brand new playground for the growing number of dedicated Rachael Gilbert fans.

ILLAWONG, TAMARAMA

We’re very enthusiastic at the prospect of reviving 20 Illawong Ave, Tamarama – it’s one of the largest buildings in the area and it couldn’t tell a sadder story in its current state, so we’re happy to announce that after a lengthy and thorough process of design, documentation and community consultation, the Development Application for its redevelopment was lodged with Waverley Council last week.

This is a landmark project for Tobias Partners, offering the opportunity for improvement not only for the occupants of the 80 apartments in the building itself, but also for the local community. The proposal seeks to make the building safe, secure, functional and (as importantly) a piece of architecture the community can be proud of.

Looking forward to a productive approvals process and to the realisation of this exciting project!

KM YOGA STUDIO

One of the more interesting facets of architecture, and indeed design, is that the success of our work is often hinged on the process of transference – the passage of feelings and perspective from one person to another. Whether it be a family home, retail or professional space, an alignment of thinking beyond what is written or briefed is critical to delivering the right outcome, which was precisely the case with KM Yoga.

The brief for KM Yoga was simple, which gives the end product the best chance of being distilled and potent with shared understanding. In its overall planning, three-dimensional faces/elements, and in its detailing KMYoga shows strength and resolve, yet creates a space appropriate for its intent – an inspired and peaceful place for the coming together of like minded people.

THE NEW MCA HAS ARRIVED!

Wednesday night (28th April) was the opening of the newly refurbished and vastly expanded MCA – a very exciting event.

Contemporary Art plays such an important role in our society. It is portal through which we see deeper and deeper layers of the world we live in, and helps us to understand our societies, cultures and ourselves. It enables a greater understanding of those around us, ultimately creating higher levels of compassion, empathy, and thankfully humor, in our society.

The new MCA is Australia’s capital of contemporary art and Sydney is very fortunate to have it. Not only will it host the MCA’s permanent collection, but the gallery is of a standard that can demand the best international exhibitions, curators, speakers and events. And to top it off, the new space contains incredible children’s education facilities, a library, and a cafe with Sydney’s best view. All in all, a fantastic addition to our vibrant city.

If you are a contemporary art addict as I am, you can support the MCA by becoming an Ambassador or Young Ambassador.