Lustra, the re-imagining of an Asti classic

THE FLUID DESIGN. APTLY NAMES ‘LUSTRA 019’ ENHANCES SERGIO ASTI’S ICONIC ‘066’ DOOR HANDLE WITH AN ART NOUVEAU-INSPIRED DOORPLATE IMBUED WITH KIMBERLEY-JADE’S CHARACTERISTIC FLARE.

Having long-admired the ‘066’ for its evocative and tactile qualities – a sentiment shared by New York’s Museum of Modern Art where the design resides within its permanent collection – Kimberley-Jade approached Pittella with the idea of reimagining its decorative possibilities.“As an interior designer I’m continually searching for ways to enhance my projects. When it comes to door fittings, the ‘066’ is a work of art in itself. No other handle has its sense of form and proportion, but I was searching for something with a little more drama,”

Drawing on the distinct curvature of the original design as well as Art Nouveau and organic-form references, Kimberley-Jade designed a complementary doorplate that integrates with the ‘066’ lever by wrapping the doorframe in a single sheet of folded brass. The design creates a sense of elegant sculpture; its double magnet system artfully removing the need for an internal latch mechanism on pivot or hinged doors.

“With the function of a door pull but the elegance and beauty of a lever handle, Lustra is unlike anything on the market,” says Kimberley-Jade.

“It’s a tirelessly resolved piece of engineering that seamlessly wraps the door from front to back and along its spine without any visible fixings, and we’re incredibly excited to bring it to market.”

“With the function of a door pull but the elegance and beauty of a lever handle, Lustra is unlike anything on the market,” kjxx@kjbdesinx @pittelladesign #lustra019 #pittellaxkjbd

In development for more than two years, Lustra proved more challenging than anticipated, with the designer initially told her vision couldn’t be achieved. “What started as a simple sketch without much thought for how it would be manufactured quickly became a design challenge we were determined to overcome,” she says. “It’s been an honour to work with Pittella’s skilled artisans; learning how they marry traditional craft with cutting edge technology. Without their expertise this design simply wouldn’t be possible.”Like many of Pittella’s products, Lustra is manufactured in an ironmongery located outside Como in the north of Italy.

This connection to Italy is long established, with the business founded by managing director Simone Pittella’s Italian-born parents in 1972.

“Three generations of the one family have been manufacturing in the area since 1920’s, so there’s a wonderful synergy with my own family’s story”

“This collaboration draws on decades of expertise in both design and manufacturing, which when balanced with Kimberley’s contemporary vision makes for a truly unique product.”

A sense of the historic and the artisanal is a wonderful paradox for the contemporary technology required in producing Lustra; itself a fitting parallel for a postmodern design renewed for the modern day.

Behind the scenes with photographer Lynton Crabb at the Lustra studio shoot @lyntoncrabb

Lustra Luxurious presentation box studio shoot, behind the scenes

Through the Keyhole with Whiting Architects

Whiting Architecture is a truly collaborative design practice. Technicians, architects and interior designers work equally across projects and this concerted effort has resulted in award-winning designs.

Melbourne-based Whiting Architecture and Interiors is led by Design Director Steven Whiting and the practice has evolved over two decades. Witchery Fashion stores were a founding client and Whiting gained further experience on large-scale commercial projects such as the Establishment Hotel Sydney, as well as various multi residential towers and international hospitality projects.

At Whiting, design goes deeper than the ‘look’. The practice’s residential projects are classic examples of form and function. The beautiful O’Grady project received a range of awards for its simple, well-considered design, including this year’s Belle Coco Republic Interior Design Awards Best Kitchen. Whiting’s Normanby project also took out the “Single Residential Interior” award at this year’s Dulux Colour Awards for its creative and unexpected application of colour.

We’re also fans of Whiting’s Kerferd project, which features a contemporary two-storey gabled addition to a period property. “We liked the idea of capturing the informality of a holiday place. Nothing precious, all simple and practical,” say the designers.

Whiting’s residential projects reflect a dedication to high-end, handcrafted design and their approach is holistic and considered. Like all of Whiting’s designs, they show just what can be achieved when creative minds come together.

From Vinci Florence to Melbourne luxury handcrafted ceramic wash basins

It is with great excitement that we reveal an expansion of the Pittella bathroom wash basin collection. Our beautiful, luxury Ceramica comprises of three handcrafted benchtop designs, all baring their own unique personality. They are called San Giuliano, Martino and Lorenzo.

There has been a noticeable shift towards our clients requesting handcrafted, statement products for their interior projects. As a result of this continued movement toward the handmade trend, Pittella’s 40 years in artisan Italian manufacturing led us straight to the town that is world renown for this type of small scale production. Our Ceramica wash basin range is created in the town of Vinci, the namesake of whom needs no introduction. Since the 16^th century, this authentic Tuscan town situated on the outskirts of Florence has been recognised for beautiful handmade Crystal, Porcelain and Ceramic pieces that grace the interiors of luxury homes throughout the world.

The basins are manufactured in ceramic – a very durable, hard and non-porous material resistant to heat and scratching. Our unique designs begin from a mould that guides the general shape, and then turned by hand on a ceramic spinning wheel to further refine the sculpture. Let us take a closer look at these new additions;

The SAN GIULIANO

The San Giuliano features an emblazoning diamond pattern effect, giving it an embossed texture which is further enhanced by its glazed finish. Available in Gesso White or Pistachio and measuring 450mm in diameter and 195mm from the benchtop.

The MARTINO

The Martino is truly sculptural as it is practical, with a unique wavy rim that hints to organic forms found in nature. This design is presented in a matte exterior finish and glazed internally for durability by the traditional method of using a fire kiln. Measures 400 in diameter and 170mm from the bench top.

The LORENZO

The Lorenzo boasts a minimalist approach with a fine and meticulously even circular rim, enhancing any contemporary application. It is also finished by fire kiln with an all over glaze. Measures 410 in diameter and 150mm from the benchtop.

Both the Martino and Lorenzo basins are available in White Grey or Gun Metal

Our favourite designs by Christopher Doyle Architects

‘Luxurious’ is a fitting word to describe the work of Christopher Doyle Architects. Inventive, versatile and classic are other words to add to the list.

This Melbourne-based practice has a portfolio of residential projects that are perfectly tailored to their setting and to the preferences of the clients. Christopher Doyle’s high-end projects are among the city’s luxurious residential landmarks.

Some of our favourite designs by Christopher Doyle include the Cambell’s Road House in Portsea and the magnificent 3 Towers Road in Toorak, which includes landscaping by Paul Banguay Garden Design.

The Maison in Malvern is another example of Christopher Doyle’s ability to bring a contemporary edge to classic architecture. Maison features five luxury apartment residences at the site of the Stonington Mansion, which was originally built in 1890. It exudes Christopher Doyle’s trademark sense of sophistication, luxury and attention to detail.

Christopher Doyle’s designs are informed by history yet they remain modern and inventive. They are among the most enduring residential architecture of the city.

One Hot Yoga – Rob Mills heats up Sydney

Yoga, just like good design, is all about balance. The design of a new yoga studio in Sydney’s Potts Point seems to take its cues from this ethos. Designed by Robert Mills Architects and Interior Designers, One Hot Yoga and Pilates blend classic details with a modern edge to create a calm, contemporary environment.

We’ve long admired the work of Robert Mills and had the pleasure of working with him on the striking Manhattan apartments in Toorak, which feature high-quality door hardware from our Contemporary and classical collection. It was great to work with the team at Robert Mills again on the One Hot Yoga and Pilates studio.

Divided over two levels, One Hot Yoga and Pilates is located in a classic art deco building. As this is the studio’s the first foray into the Sydney market, they wanted to create a world-class studio environment that would set a new benchmark.

Robert Mills has offset hints of the buildings rich past, such as the pitched roof, steel frame windows and solid proportions, with a distinctly contemporary palette of crisp white and warm timber. Accents of metallic brass are added through tapware, light fittings and the door hardware that we were happy to supply – yogis enter individual studios via framed glass doors that feature our elegant metallic brass door-pulls.

Pittella 732 Door Pull installed

All spaces within the studio are orientated to maximize light and a sense of space. Full height mirrors add to the generous volumes and design objects in metallic brass create further points of interest within the meditative, calm interior.

It was a pleasure to work with Robert Mills again on the One Hot Yoga and Pilates project. We hope our designs help yogis maintain their sense of balance.

Pittella welcomes you home at the Manhattan by Rob Mills.

Inspired by the grand residential designs of the city that never sleeps, Manhattan is a striking new addition to the Melbourne residential landscape. Designed by Robert Mills Architects and Interior Designers, it feature a distinctive, bold façade and 14 elegant apartments with the highest quality fixtures, including a range from Pittella.

We are big fans of Robert Mills. The award-winning practice creates unique and beautifully considered architecture – from ultra-contemporary city residences to elegant heritage restorations.

‘Manhattan’ is located in the Melbourne suburb of Toorak. Each apartment is a study in restrained elegance, with world class finishes, a tastefully masculine palates and fixtures and fittings sourced from around the globe.

The Manhattan apartments feature elegant, high-quality door hardware from our Contemporary collection. The 3650 Door Pull has a graceful curved design and is featured on entrance doors. It is available in Antique Brass, Polished Chrome or Satin Chrome. Custom 732 Door Pulls are also featured on entrance doors to lend a sleek, modern addition to Manhattan. It is available in Antique Brass, Black Opaque, Patine Steel, Polished Chrome and Satin Chrome. Our P3000 doorknob is a perfect complement to the entrance door hardware and is available in Antique Brass, Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome and Patine Steel.

The Manhattan in Toorak references the grand residences of New York City and we are thrilled that a selection of our timeless, distinctive door hardware designs are among its outstanding fixtures.

P3000 Door Knob

723 Door Pull

3650 Custom Door Pull

Designers We Love: Jasper Morrison

Since the 1980s, world-renowned British designer Jasper Morrison has brought understated, functional beauty to everyday objects – from chairs and kitchenware to door handles and joinery hardware. We’re proud to have one of his influential designs in the Pittella Contemporary collection, which features premium designs from celebrated international architects and designers.

Jasper Morrison’s industrial and furniture designs helped define the term ‘New Simplicity’. After gaining a Master’s degree in Design from London’s Royal College of Art, Morrison set up his Office for Design in 1986.

Within three years he began a collaboration with Vitra with an exhibition called ‘Some New Items for the Home, Part II’, at Milan’s Furniture Fair. Further collaborations followed with projects for Italian companies Alessi, Flos and Magis, for whom he created the Air Chair in 1999. Crafted from a single piece of plastic, the chair remains one of Morrison’s most famous designs.

Some New Items for the Home, Part II installation at Salone Del Mobile

In 2006 he collaborated with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa on the exhibition ‘Super Normal’ at Axis Gallery in Tokyo. This exhibition inspired the opening of the Jasper Morrison Shop next to his London studio in 2009.

Super Normal Exhibition

Morrison remains one of a small group of industrial designers who work on a global scale by using advanced technology to develop mass-manufactured products.

A wonderful example of Morrison’s dedication to simplicity is the R2012 joinery pull in the Pittella Contemporary collection.

Made from cork, this perfectly round joinery pull has a texture like velvet and fits effortlessly in the hand.

Available in three sizes, it can be used as a handle for drawers or cupboards or even as a coat hook. It’s a classic statement of simplicity from Jasper Morrison.