Category Archives: Architecture

Waterstudio. NL Villa New Water, Westland

A few weeks ago I met a very talented building designer and entrepreneur called Chris Clarke. As we both love industrial architecture I suggested catching up for a coffee and chat at a trendy cafe called Folklore in Port Adelaide. This venue used to be the sales office for recent waterfront developments and has been cleverly repurposed by the current owners. Interesting the building, which is supported by stilts is similar to the type of modular homes Chris is creating for his company Swale Developments. Essentially, only three materials (glass, timber, steel) are used in construction. » Read more

INT2 House ILL

One of my favourite pastimes is to explore South Australia’s most scenic coastal destinations. On this occasion, I and a friend decided to take a picnic to Hallett Cove. Even though this picturesque suburb is only 21km outside Adelaide CBD it feels like a completely different work. Unlike other beach resorts, Hallett Cove is best appreciated from the steep cliff tops. From this point you can hear the waves crashing, view dolphins swimming and take in dramatic sunsets. For that reason, it’s a favourite with British residents and a place I would love to build a bespoke home. » Read more

Franck Muller Gravity Skeleton

Literally, for the first time in several years, I managed to spend an enjoyable evening with friends in Adelaide CBD (Central Business District). This special occasion was to celebrate the 13th birthday of one of my friend’s daughters. Fortunately, there were no stretched limousines in sight, just a wonderful restaurant in the popular Chinatown district. As the evening progressed the conversation diverted (with a little assistance) to my favourite subject of design. The general consensus was that minimalistic principles should apply, rather than over complicating things. These rules definitely apply in the world of horology, especially in the art of skeletonisation. A great example can be found in Franck Muller’s exciting new Gravity Skeleton. » Read more

Paul de Ruiter Architects Villa K

A few days ago I had a very interesting meeting with a gentleman called Chris Clarke. I became aware of Chris after he appeared on the first ever episode of ‘Grand Designs Australia’. In fact, this particular episode was very moving because it chronicled his life after a devastating bush fire that obliterated his house (Callignee i). Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Chris built a much more modest one-bedroom version called Callignee ii. During our conversation, we discussed sustainable architecture and design as a model for the future. Certainly, Villa K by Paul de Ruiter Architects conforms to these standards. » Read more

HAJ Villa F

Last week I featured an amazing New York inspired residence (11, Warrawee Dock)
in the Adelaide suburb of Port Adelaide. This area is tipped to be one of Australia’s property hotspots of 2019. It isn’t really surprising due to an abundance of brown belt land that enjoys phenomenal waterfront views. This year one of the regions most prominent developers (Starfish Developments) are planning to build 750 dwellings. The project called Dock One mainly comprises townhouses and apartments. On a personal level, I would be interested in one of the 3-storey residences with a roof garden. I have even approached the owner to see if I could customise one to my own specifications. The reason that I mentioned this is because many people who live in rural South Australia might even contemplate purchasing one as a holiday home. Instead of buying investment properties many people are considering this an option. » Read more

11 Warrawee Dock Port Adelaide

A few years ago my taste in art was exceptionally conservative and I gravitated towards realism rather than modern art. This predates my ever increasing passion for contemporary architecture. To date, I have written three global books about this fascinating subject and am awestruck by many of the residences featured. It has also made me appreciate how large vibrant paintings can literally transform a space, internally and externally. For example, massive oversized graffiti works are having a renaissance period. One of the leading lights in this genre is Chilean Muralist Inti Castro. I became aware of his immense talent when driving in a local suburb called Port Adelaide. » Read more

Austin Maynard Architects St Andrews Beach House

Over the last few months, I have been liaising with three different global publishers concerning three exclusive books. One of the projects is a unique book about Australian Architecture, which was very challenging but ultimately very rewarding. To complicate things even further I am English and my editor is located in Pennsylvania in the United States. Originally I compiled a broad list of potential residences, displaying many different building techniques. However, to ensure cohesion we decided it was prudent to involve renowned architect and university professor Phil Harris to curate a shortlist. Fortunately, a couple of projects from Melbourne based practise Austin Maynard made the final cut. » Read more

Franck Dubarry ‘Crazy Wheel’

After a year of patiently waiting, my UK publisher finally sent me the first draft of my ‘Independent Watchmakers’ book. The project was immensely rewarding for many, many reasons. Not only did I get to feature most of my favourite watchmakers but I also got include my own timepiece called the ‘Pure Carbon’. This piece took me over two years to manufacturer (with the assistance of several collaborators) because every single component is bespoke. It also is the world’s largest Swiss mechanical watch measuring a whopping 67mm (excluding the crown). Another bonus is I discovered (literally days before my deadline) a visionary watch designer called Franck Dubarry and was able to promote his fantastic ‘Crazy Wheel’. » Read more