March Studio: Making Architecture, Material and Process
March Studio is a bit of a paradox in my mind. Firstly, you have this very serious studio which has, for the better part of two decades, outputted some of the best retail, residential and hospitality interiors this country has to offer – we’re talking Aesop stores here and overseas, Gazi and Press Club restaurants, the much-replicated Baker D Chirico fitout in Carlton, Hotel Hotel in Canberra, Jackalope Hotel and Sneakerboy stores.
But then – and here’s where the paradox comes in – you have Rodney Eggleston running the studio, one of the most unserious, playful and humorous architects I’ve ever had to put up with (and I did have to put up with him for two days and one night when we sat on the Eat Drink Design Awards jury together in 2022, and then hosted the awards together – it was a bloody slog). It’s a nice little footnote then to read Rodney’s thoughts on humour and humility in architecture on page 112 of March Studio: Making Architecture, Material and Process, a new book from Thames and Hudson – perhaps not a subject matter you or I consider often, but naturally Rodney does. Alongside partner Anne-Laure Cavigneaux (who I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet, hello Anne-Laure if you’re reading this), Rodney has built a studio which is not just prolific and ambitious, but dedicated to investigation, testing and prototyping – not an easy feat in the fast-paced, budget-conscious world we live in. It’s a great book, a real reminder of the breadth and excellence of March Studio’s work.
Sammy side table from Alor and James Walsh
Alor Studio and Melbourne designer James Walsh have teamed up to create a chunky little side table called Sammy. Highlighting the beauty of solid American oak, walnut and ash, and with large, curved legs and sweeping details, Sammy showcases FSC-certified timber without the price tag that usually comes with it. I’d personally love this little number by my sofa, with a stack of good design books atop.
Puddle Table by Daniel Boddam
I first met Daniel Boddam in 2016 when the architect had just finished his first furniture collection called Monument. I interviewed him for a story for Houses magazine and we gasbagged about the collection and his honeymoon in Rome and the Pantheon, which provided the inspiration for pieces in that collection.
Since then he’s released eight more collections, most recently Circular, a collaboration with artist Jessie French. My favourite of the collection is the Puddle Table, which encases algae artworks in glass and sets them within a curvilinear shroud of recycled aluminium, creating the illusion of water puddles. The pieces are designed to nest together, with an elliptical side table that cantilevers over the coffee table. From Pantheon to puddles, Boddam’s journey through furniture design continues to delight.
Colourscape lights by Hothaus
Melbourne glassblowers Amanda Dziedzic and Laurel Kohut have teamed up to create Hothaus Glass and it’s crystal clear this debut lighting collection is hot (ahem, sorry). The Colourscape series of wall lights is an homage to the stunning, ever-changing hues of the Australian sky.
“With HausLights, we wanted to push the boundaries of traditional glassmaking while infusing our designs with a modern touch,” said Dziedzic. “Our lights are not just about functionality—they’re about creating an experience that transforms and enhances your surroundings.”
This new collection is a real glass act (okay, I’m done).
Lunetta collection by Sally Caroline
Melbourne-based interior designer Sally Caroline has ventured into furniture design with the launch of SC Collection. The Lunetta collection of stools is described as “humble in silhouette but confident in colour” and draws inspiration from the charming hotel terraces of the Amalfi Coast which Sally names as her most cherished travel destination. Elegant arched motifs brace the stool’s steel frame, finished with a delicate link detail that adds subtle embellishment. It’s the perfect place to perch while sipping an Aperol Spritz (try saying that ten times fast).
Source: Architecture - architectureau
