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The South Australian government has unveiled designs for the expansion of Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) by Silver Thomas Hanley and ARM Architecture. The proposed seven-storey Acute Services Building, also to be known as FMC Tower, will include 17,000 square metres of new built area and 3,000 square metres of refurbished area that will house a […] More
The Australian Institute of Architects has announced the full program for the 2024 Australian Architecture Conference, to be held in Melbourne from 8 to 11 May. The four-day event includes a two-day symposium on the wellbeing of architects in education and professional practice (separate registration required), followed by two days of the conference. The first […] More
Japanese architecture studio Atelier Bow-Wow has been appointed the 2024 Garry and Susan Rothwell Chairs in Architectural Design Leadership at the University of Sydney’s School of Architecture, Design and Planning. Taking over from French architects Lacaton and Vassal, Atelier Bow-Wow will facilitate programs at the school focusing on connecting urban and rural areas and communities. […] More
Experimentation lies at the heart of all Paola Lenti’s collections, explained Anna Lenti, the CEO of the Italian furniture company. Through the investigation of sustainable materials, the invention of fibres, the weaving of unconventional materials, the exploration of colours and collaborations with artisans, the company pushes the boundaries of furniture design.
During a recent visit to Melbourne and Sydney, Anna Lenti spoke with Adair Winder about the evolution of Paola Lenti and its latest Australian collection, now available at Dedece. Paola Lenti’s affinity for vivid colors and hand woven materials once again emerges in the latest collection through the introduction of new designs, colour variations, patterns, weaving techniques and materials. The range comprises indoor and outdoor furniture and objects.
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Pod slouch chairs and Vespucci 1 lounge by Paola Lenti. Image:
Sergio Chimenti
ArchitectureAU: Firstly, how long has Paola Lenti been collaborating with Dedece?
Anna Lenti: Paola Lenti is now in its 30th year and we have been collaborating with Dedece for more than 15 years. We are both family-run businesses; I run Paolo Lenti with my sister and Dedece is led by brothers. This commonality immediately created a connection between us. Beyond that, we are both similarly aligned and share a common focus for delivering high quality products.
AAU: What can you tell me about the launch of this latest collection in Australia? It has been available in Europe for some time but this is the first time we’re seeing it in Australia.
AL: Our collections always start with material. For this latest collection, [released in Italy in 2023] we really worked on developing new fabrics for our outdoor furniture collections.
We started our first outdoor collection 25 years ago. Since then, we have been producing quality fabrics for outdoor settings, however, these fabrics were not as soft as the fabrics applied to indoor settings because outdoor furniture needs to be more resistant to weather conditions. Now, what we have finally able to achieve was to create a new outdoor fabric that is very thin, it’s very practical and it’s very, very soft. This latest collection features outdoor furniture in a broad variety of colours that is of the exact same quality as indoor furniture.
We are also very proud to have started a new collection made from semi-petrified wood. It’s very ecological and we were actually able to weave the wood.
We always evolve with every collection and last year [2023] we introduced a lot of new patterns and colour variations, as well as new uses for leftover materials. For example, we have released a table crafted from leftover tiles from a different table that we have reused.
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Sciari Mottainai 3 table by Paola Lenti. Image:
Sergio Chimenti
AAU: Sustainability seems to be very important to Paola Lenti.
AL: Sustainability is no longer a choice. For us, it has been very important since the beginning of Paola Lenti. Everything is made from materials that are recycled or can be recycled, even the padding inside of our cushions. Another example: some of our pieces are made from recycled plastic bottles found in the ocean.
Sustainability is also in the everyday operation of the company. We have banned all plastic … such as polystyrene for packaging in the factory. Our goals for sustainability are not just in the products we sell, but in everything we do.
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Tobit Mottainai 2 by Paola Lenti. Image:
Sergio Chimenti
AAU: Paola Lenti collections are often characterised by vibrant, colourful pieces that evoke memories of a European summer. Do these pieces translate well in Australian projects?
AL: Definitely, because we have nearly 100 different shades of colour. We start from a base colour library of about 70 solid colours and then from there we experiment and blend to create different shades. The colours all undergo testing to ensure they are suitable for outdoor environments, particularly in Australia where climate conditions are quite tough.
We are known for bright shades but we also have a lot of neutral colour variations as well.
AAU: What do you think is most appealing about the Paola Lenti brand?
We do not create a single product, we create a lifestyle. And of course, there is our colour range, which is broad, ensuring that we have the appropriate colour for every environment.
Paola Lenti is in the process of developing a new range, which is anticipated to be introduced at Dedece toward the end of 2024. Visit the website to find out more about the collections. More
Curtin University of Technology has received development approval from the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel for a six-storey $200 million science facility on its Bentley Campus in Perth. The panel approved the development of the Sciences Building, designed by Grimshaw Architects in association with GHD Woodhead with landscape design by Aspect Studios. The proposed educational […] More
The Australian Institute of Architects has issued an open call for potential panellists to join the line-up for the 2024 Australian Architecture Conference. The conference steering committee has selected five pressing topics that will be explored through panel discussions: communication, legislation, artificial intelligence, climate action and First Nations performance criteria. The Institute is seeking expressions […] More
Thirty-four Australian houses have been selected as finalists of the 2024 Dulux Colour Awards, judged by founder of Carter Williamson, Shaun Carter; co-founder of Wowowa Architecture, Monique Woodward; director of Pac Studio, Sarosh Mulla; founder of Studio Prineas, Eva-Marie Prineas; and co-founder and director of Technē Architecture and Interior Design, Nick Travers.
The awards invite architects and designers to submit interior or exterior projects that have made innovative use of Dulux paints. The awards will be announced on 29 May at Sydney Opera House Bennelong.
The shortlisted residential projects include:
Residential Interior
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Selby House by Placement. Image:
Tom Ross
A Diaphanous Design – Lloyd Hartley Architects
Alhawa – Brooke Aitken Design
Alexandria House – Lachlan Seegers Architect
Ashfield House – Greg Natale
Balmain Residence – Parker Studio
Downsize House – Matt Gibson Architecture and Design
Elwood Residence – Alessandra Smith Design
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Maddison by Studio Johnston. Image:
Anson Smart
FY Residence – Studio Liu
Grey House – Adam Kane Architects
Gold Coast Apartment – SJB Interiors
Hearth House – Arent and Pyke
Hamilton House – Lauren Egan Interior Decoration
Hot Top Peak – Figr Architecture Studio
House in Narrawallee – Architect George
House in Surry Hills – Architect George
Kabine – Bek Sheppard
Maddison – Studio Johnston
Malvern House – Melanie Beynon Architecture and Design
Monomeath House – Technē Architecture and Interior Design in collaboration with Bianca Baldi
Olive Tree House – Bastian Architecture
Park Street by Milieu – Milieu
Petite Retreat – JCHQ
Rosetta – Hugh-Jones Mackintosh
Selby House – Placement
Smale street Home – Jessica Driver Studio
Smith House – Fowler and Ward
Tea House – Kanat Studio
Union Street – Dreamers and Shakers Interior Design
Von Leach Residence – Amelda Wilde Interior Design
Single Residential Exterior
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House in Surry Hills by Architect George. Image:
Martin Siegner
Alexandria House – Lachlan Seegers Architect
House in Narrawallee – Architect George
House in Surry Hills – Architect George
Olive Tree House – Bastian Architecture
Sunkissed Higgins – RADS
Multi-residential Exterior
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Seven Colourful Little Houses by Common Architecture and Interiors. Image:
Stephen Goodenough
Seven Colourful Little Houses – Common Architecture and Interiors More
Eighty-three of 527 entered projects have been selected as finalists of the 38th Dulux Colour Awards.
The program invites architects, designers, specifiers and students from Australia and New Zealand to submit their projects that have demonstrated an innovative use of Dulux paints. The categories include Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail; Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality; Commercial and Multi-residential Exterior; Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior; and Student AU and NZ. In 2024, a new category of Temporary or Installation Design was introduced to the program.
Biophilia and bold, candy-like colours have been hallmarks of the 2024 entries, according to Dulux colour and communications manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr. “It is an uplifting trend that shows a newfound optimism and confidence to try unexpected combinations for surprising and fun spatial impact,” she said. “Architects and designers, as well as their clients, seem to have shaken off the gloom of the lockdown years and are expressing a profound sense of freedom through paint colours that epitomise playfulness and joy.”
The jury comprises founder of Carter Williamson, Shaun Carter; co-founder of Wowowa Architecture, Monique Woodward; director of Pac Studio, Sarosh Mulla; founder of Studio Prineas, Eva-Marie Prineas; and co-founder and director of Technē Architecture and Interior Design, Nick Travers.
The awards will be announced on 29 May at Sydney Opera House Bennelong.
On the shortlist are:
Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail
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Up There by Kennedy Nolan. Image:
Sean Fennessy
Berry Hair Salon – Studio Co and Co
BHP Melbourne – Woods Bagot
Canberra Centre Parents Room – Mather Architecture
Forbes – Swee Design and Studio Griffiths
Hames Sharley Melbourne Studio – Hames Sharley
Kariton (Chinatown) – Bagnoli Architects
Level 16, 350 Queen Street, Melbourne – Agero Group
M&C Saatchi – Woods Bagot
Nook Collections Gallery Showroom – Loopea Design Studio
Rude To Stare – State of Kin
Salon Her – Folk Studio
SJB Studio, Richmond – SJB Interiors
Tahnee Raine – Nickolas Gurtler Office
Up There Store – Kennedy Nolan
Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality
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Wangaratta District Specialist School by Sibling Architecture. Image:
Derek Swalwell
Aireys Inlet Primary School Art and Music Hub – Sibling Architecture
Blacktown Exercise and Sports Technology Hub (BEST) – ARM Architecture
Busby’s – Public Design Studio
Centreline Lounge – Suncorp Stadium – Populous
Cocolo – Brandworks
Como Restaurant – CG Design Studio
Fugazzi Basement – Studio Gram
Inspire Pilates for Women – Bergman and Co
Junior School – Macarthur Anglican School – Mayoh Architects
Lawson Flats – Ohlo Studio with Finespun Architecture
Maggie May Supper Club – BSPN Architecture
Pappa Flock – Parramatta – Elvin Tan Design
Sage Space – Strutt Studios
ST. ALi Kiosk Melbourne Airport – Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Te Whare ō Waitā – Levin Waitārere Surf Life Saving Club – Studio Nicholls
The Sporting Club Hotel – Studio Co and Co
Wangaratta District Specialist School – Sibling Architecture
Commercial and Multi-residential Exterior
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Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre by Sam Crawford Architects. Image:
Brett Boardman
Berwick Car Park Bus Interchange – Genton
Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre BARC – Lymesmith in association with Sam Crawford Architects
Good Samaritan College Polding Place – Speculative Architecture
Macarthur St Amenities Pavilion – Searle X Waldron Architecture
Seven Colourful Little Houses – Common Architecture and Interiors
Residential Interior
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Olive Tree House by Bastian Architecture. Image:
Katherine Lu
A Diaphanous Design – Lloyd Hartley Architects
Alhawa – Brooke Aitken Design
Alexandria House – Lachlan Seegers Architect
Ashfield House – Greg Natale
Balmain Residence – Parker Studio
Downsize House – Matt Gibson Architecture and Design
Elwood Residence – Alessandra Smith Design
FY Residence – Studio Liu
Grey House – Adam Kane Architects
Gold Coast Apartment – SJB Interiors
Hearth House – Arent and Pyke
Hamilton House – Lauren Egan Interior Decoration
Hot Top Peak – Figr Architecture Studio
House in Narrawallee – Architect George
House in Surry Hills – Architect George
Kabine – Bek Sheppard
Maddison – Studio Johnston
Malvern House – Melanie Beynon Architecture and Design
Monomeath House – Technē Architecture and Interior Design in collaboration with Bianca Baldi
Olive Tree House – Bastian Architecture
Park Street by Milieu – Milieu
Petite Retreat – JCHQ
Rosetta – Hugh-Jones Mackintosh
Selby House – Placement
Smale street Home – Jessica Driver Studio
Smith House – Fowler and Ward
Tea House – Kanat Studio
Union Street – Dreamers and Shakers Interior Design
Von Leach Residence – Amelda Wilde Interior Design
Single Residential Exterior
Alexandria House – Lachlan Seegers Architect
House in Narrawallee – Architect George
House in Surry Hills – Architect George
Olive Tree House – Bastian Architecture
Sunkissed Higgins – RADS
Temporary or Installation Design
Bruce Nuske with Khai Liew – University of South Australia – Samstag Museum of Art
Melbourne Now Community Hall – Boardgrove Architects
The Quarry – A New Legacy
Student AU and NZ
Allambee Wellness Centre – Ruby Shields, RMIT University
Alchemy – Caroline Apport, Sydney Design School
Birrarung Place Co Working Space – Ruby Shields, RMIT University
Campo de Fiori – Gabriela Vargas, Sydney Design School
Down the Rabbit Hole – Wenting Ma, RMIT University
Joyful Fury – Abigail Temby Spence, Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka Unitec Institute of Technology
Natural Harmonies – Matthew Shennan, Victoria University of Wellington
Save Our Royal Hotel – James Embry, The University Of Melbourne
The Keeper of My Memories – Beth Williams, Victoria University of Wellington
Whenua – Henry Newberry, Unitec More
