fragmenti cotto

The Fragmenti Cotto collection, made in Tuscany, is now available at National Tiles. This collection is rooted in the Impruneta area, near Florence, in the valleys of the Ema and Greve rivers, and is rich in a unique clay called Galestro that produces a distinctive colour.

anatural and authentic collection made using the traditional techniques of firing and forging. These applications produce a stunning range of contemporary tactile and textured tiles with universal appeal. We talked with two of Australia’s leading design professionals about this range and how it can work for their clients.

Design and analytics came naturally to New Zealandborn Adrian Ramsay, encouraging a desire in him to study architecture. And while dyslexia thwarted this ambition, it led him to explore other creative pursuits, from television production to fashion design. Adrian explains, “I never had any formal training. I learned by experience, from designing swimwear for women to running designs for a brand called Canterbury of New Zealand.” He was UKbased for some time to establish their brand presence in the northern hemispheres before moving to Brisbane with the company. A year later, 22 years ago, he launched Adrian Ramsay Design House on the Sunshine Coast. This thriving building and interior design studio designs new homes, and renovations, across Australia and beyond. The studio specialises in bespoke, environmentally sensitive design that nurtures its occupants.

Adrian firmly believes that all designs need to be fit for the purpose, location and environment. With his love of plastered walls, stonework and hand-worked organic renders, he gravitates towards a Mediterranean aesthetic that offers movement and softness. However, this style is not innately suited to the Sunshine Coast landscape. “Minimal roof overhangs and small windows are not in keeping with the Queensland climate, but I enjoy incorporating influences of organic and natural elements to reflect this artisan-type feel. My other favourite aesthetic is Mid-Century Modern, for this style works more effectively for my clients. The floor-to-ceiling windows, clean lines, simple styling and open-plan living that exemplifies this aesthetic work beautifully for our lifestyle.”

Our Fragmenti Cotto collection ignited Adrian’s passion with the organic nature of the design, “the hand-made texture and natural detailing are so appealing. The tiles engender emotive responses from tactility and tone, bringing the subconscious into play and telling a story reminiscent of far-off lands. Incorporating the Fragmenti Cotto tile range into a design requires a conceptual context that shows a client how it will bring a space to life. For me, whilst I work with the built form and interiors, design is not so much about the visual, as it is about the client’s emotional response.” www.ardesignhouse.com

@adrianramsay luke Fry, an award-winning architect and interior designer, is passionate about creating designled properties that are refined, sophisticated, purposeful and relevant. “I align myself with the philosophy that carefully considered built environments should be for the betterment of the inhabitants,” says Luke.

Based in Melbourne and Mansfield and raised in regional Victoria, Luke has a distinctly Australian perspective and innately understands the topography, context and terrain that informs his work. His designs prioritise sensory impact, light, airflow and tactility with a design language that bears the hallmarks of simplicity, controlled curves and tonal palettes.

Luke and his team are passionate about raw materials, like brick, concrete, stone, timber, steel and glass, focussing on proven materials with a solid construction process. Adds Luke, “These materials naturally lend themselves to a more contemporary language. When undertaking a home renovation, we create a complementary and contemporary design that works in harmony with the original structure of a property rather than competing with it.”

When introduced to National Tiles’ Fragmenti Cotto range, Luke was captivated by the authentic terracotta properties of the collection. “We are in the process of specifying terracotta for a contemporary renovation of a period farmhouse in country Victoria. This textural style product was front of mind, so discovering this range was timely. There is a natural sense of familiarity and affinity that we subconsciously identify with terracotta, having seen it used in European architecture for centuries. It imbues a sense of history and a connection with the earth and the landscape. Terracotta adds a beautiful tonal colour whilst being in keeping with the natural textural elements that exemplify our aesthetic. The patina and tactility that wears over time are so appealing.” www.lukefry.com.au

@lukefry_architecture