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

Q&A with interior designers Hecker Guthrie

We spoke to Hamish Guthrie and Paul Hecker from Melbourne-based studio Hecker Guthrie who reimagined the Pittella headquarters in Melbourne and also collaborate with us on residential projects around the country.

WHAT INFLUENCES YOU WHEN YOU DESIGN A SPACE?

The studio believes in working with the client to develop a brief and an overarching concept which drives a project and becomes a shared journey. Whatever the scale of the project we always start from a big, underpinning idea which informs materiality, light, comfort, texture and sets up filters early on for everyone involved in the project.

“One mentor from whom I learned to trust my own judgement and who’s advice I hold dear to this day, taught me to look at everything, to see the potential in everything, the joy (the lack thereof) and learn to make your own decisions around good and bad and find exciting ways to challenge the norm.”

– Paul Hecker

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN ETHOS?

The aim of the studio is to create spaces that are endearing and beautiful, where the feeling speaks louder than the furnishings and the levels of charm and comfort outweigh the instant gratification of the merely new.

Our muse has always been an idea of authenticity, in all its forms, existing in each of our projects. Design embodies this in the most truthful way, with an honesty that is becoming a rare currency. It’s not so much about creating an aesthetic, but more about conjuring an experience, creating stories and letting a narrative take its own form. In such a unique and unparalleled way, it’s a discovery-through-process, through making, through reacting to materiality in such an intimate way, that then has the potential to advance our own stories, and ultimately our experiences with our spaces.

See Hecker Guthrie here

LA Pesca & L’Ala developed by Simone Pittella

THE STORY BEHIND MY INSPIRATION FOR THE DESIGN OF THE ALA & PESCA

The Parco Sempione in Milan is a place I often visit when I’m in Milan. It’s not only picturesque but it’s the perfect setting to develop new ideas. Ideas could come from seeing a certain plant, a winding path, or even from touching one of the established tree trunks. The palm fronds were also in my gaze. I see this park as Milan’s ‘green lung’, right in the heart of the city.

The inspiration for the Pesca and the Ala came to be by nature, the majestic green leaves of the Parco Sempione their symmetry and curvature spoke volumes. I created a symmetrical joinery pull, oversized like nature itself and not subject to just one application but designed for multiple uses.

Given how successful the design appetite was for simple integrated joinery handles which appeared to float from the fixing plane and without the need for complex internal working mechanisms, I developed the Pesca and Ala based on this philosophy.

With this integration in mind the Ala & Pesca could easilly be used on integrated fridge doors, singularly on joinery and entryway doors or back to back for both applications.

The Italian job

WE RECENTLY SPOKE WITH EST LIVING ABOUT OUR ITALIAN HERITAGE, OUR LOVE OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND OUR NEW TURA TAPWARE COLLECTION

Here is the article cleverly written by Yvette Caprioglio

I arrive for lunch at a buzzing restaurant in Melbourne’s Flinders Lane and spot my date who is simultaneously on the phone, ordering a drink and writing notes.

Simone Pittella is the fast-talking, agile-minded Managing Director of the business that was founded by his Italian-born parents almost 40 years ago, on the premise of beautifully designed products that remain true to their cultural heritage and the iconic Italian style that has influenced designers around the globe for decades.

It’s this inherent Italian DNA that Simone has, not just in his manner and style but in his product design and vision for the business. For him, it’s a way of life; names like Ponti, Boeri, Becheroni, Sotsass and Pommodoro are used freely as inspiration and it’s this enduring design integrity that influences every product Pittella creates, with his latest tapware range ‘Tura’ testament to this. Pittella’s ranges are a seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship combining the work of generational Italian ‘artigini’ (artisans) and leading-edge technology, resulting in a sublime mix of form and function.

Tura was designed by Dainelli Studio @dainellistudio Milan, and developed for Australian watermark approval by Simone. Designed with the same architectural ‘knurling’ detail used in Pittella’s door fittings collection produced in Como, northern Italy. Simone established a relationship with the artisanal foundry Signorini Rubinetterie in Florence to produce the collection for Pittella. The foundry has been producing exclusive tap ware since the 1930’s and are considered by many as one of the most important producers of Italian tapware.

“We work exclusively with artigini who share our DNA and design philosophy, with a belief in the beauty of design, the discipline it involves and the enhancement it brings to everyday life,“ says Simone.

It’s this natural alignment of philosophies, that not only ensures a continuously high standard of product, but that the brand’s door ware, tapware and bathroom accessories are specified in projects designed by some of Australia’s most high-profile architects, and increasingly, by designers offshore, with a fast-growing market in the US and Europe.

The full Tura Tapware collection can be found here

Steven Leung’s classic H377 Door Handle now available in bronze and tan leather

The H377 Door Handle by world-renowned architect and interior designer Steven Leung is one of the most celebrated designs in Pittella’s collection of architectural door fittings. Now, this beautiful design is available in a luxurious new finish of bronze and tan leather.

Pittella is Australia’s finest manufacturer and supplier of Italian architectural door fittings and bathroom components. A family business with more than 40 years’ experience, Pittella has an inhouse studio of skilled designers and also works with some of the world’s most respected architects and designers.

Steven Leung is a wonderful example. Over the past 18 years, he has led renowned design projects around the world, including Sing Yin at W Hong Kong and London Shangri-la Hotel at the Shard. The Hong Kong based designer is also acclaimed for his work on the Nanjing Mandarin Palace, which was awarded the iF Design Award in 2016 for its distinguished modern touch and contemporary architectural style.

Leung worked closely with Pittella’s partner manufacturer in northern Italy to design and produce the H377 door handle which, until now, has only been available in Pittella’s unique opaque black finish. The new finish features smooth bronze and contrasting textural stitched in tan leather, which creates a luxurious result in both look and feel.

The sophisticated new finish marks an evolution in the H377 door handle and builds on the success of Pittella’s highly sought-after D’Autore collection.

TURA by Pittella Design delivers a full circle solution

As Charles Eames once wisely said, “The details are not the details, they make the design.” This saying resonates loudly when attempting to encapsulate the essence of our latest architectural door and joinery hardware series we are launching in the Australian market. The collection is called TURA, and it is a watershed moment in our history, as it marks the beginning of a beautiful and refined design story that has a bright future here at Pittella – this range will eventually extend beyond handles and pulls, and into other aspects of interior finishes in time to come.

Integral to the foundations of architecture, TURA, first made its presence felt with Antonio Citterio’s ‘K2’ door handle in 2001. Various leading designers, including Tom Dixon who was keen to celebrate the strength of British manufacturing, have reinterpreted the handle’s knurling grip. The sensation, as well as the functionality of handling a knurled surface has been on our product roadmap developing this with our Italian manufacturing partner.

Conceived in-house by Simone Pittella, the TURA collection was born from the increasing imperative for our architects and interior designers to communicate the same language of materials in their interior projects. And while Citterio started with a lever handle and door pull, Pittella brings forth our own expression with an entire range dedicated to knurling; from door pulls greeting visitors, to wall hooks, to handles on everything from joinery to our new tapware collection.

The signature design feature of the TURA collection is a remarkable diamond-cut knurled pattern. Each piece is meticulously hand rolled by Italian artisans to support a textured, firm grip that feels incredible in hand. Made from solid brass, we are revealing four initial products; the TURA Joinery Knob, the TURA joinery pull, the TURA Entry Pull and the TURA Lever handle.

Pictured above is the TURA Joinery range featuring an extra-long 500mm sized pull (far left) – a unique and rare dimension that draws the eye to perceive an elongated cabinetry height. Alongside, the TURA knob (second left) with the beautiful detailing around the circumference.

The TURA Entry Door Pull (third image) boldly shakes the hand of all entrants, while the TURA lever handle (far right) functions on both internal and external swing doors for aesthetic consistency.

Not only will the entire collection feature the same diamond cut knurled pattern, but is also meticulously manufactured using the Pittella specialty finishes– each piece can be finished in Black Opaque, Satin Brass or Oil Rubbed Bronze.

Check out the full TURA range here

Classic Collection in Black Opaque

Our classic collection of door fittings with their unique black opaque finish bring a modern twist to a the classic range.

146.40 Cabinet Knob

Pittella_CLassicCollection_DoorHandle_BlackOpaque_CabinetKnob

Pittella 146.40 Cabinet Knob

The black opaque finish is striking in it’s simplicity, it exudes sophistication and modernism, giving a sleek contemporary appearance that melds perfectly with classic tradition.

P130 Door Handle

Answering the demand of door hardware that combines classic aesthetic with a modern feel – we developed a range of designs from our popular classical collection that achieve sleek sophistication through a contemporary black finish. You’ll find the tonal quality of the black opaque finish will compliment natural materials such as timbers, stones and glass.

714.128 Joinery Pull

The black opaque finish for the select designs from the Classic collection of door hardware and bathroom components will ensure modern renovations on traditional homes have the precise accessories they require for that perfect finish.

The full classic collection in opaque black finish can be found here

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.