Industry Journal - Issue No. 1

B. AN INDUSTRY JOURNAL BY BOOM BUILD

SEPTEMBER 2023 ISSUE NO.1

MADE TO MATTER A CONVERSATION ON SUSTAINABILITY

LIGHT CULTURE THE PERFECT ILLUMINATED HARMONY

LITHIC FROM EARTH TO ART

Traditionally, the fields of architecture and construction are viewed as distinct and separate, with architects envisioning designs that construction workers bring to life.

However, there is an undeniable sense of community that exists between these industries. Architects, builders, consultants and various tradespeople work together to create the spaces we inhabit and use every day. This collaboration is crucial for the success of any project, and it deserves further exploration.

This journal will delve into the intersection of the architecture and construction industries and how this sense of community manifests and contributes to successful projects and satisfied clients.

We will feature individuals who we have recently collaborated with, all who have achieved great success in their respective fields.

Our focus is to highlight the diverse voices within our community and to contribute to a greater whole.

CONTRIBUTORS

@KATESOMMER_PHOTOGRAPHY

@CHRISDALY.RAW

@TAYLORDMEDIA

CONTRIBUTORS

@MADETOMATTER_AU

@LIGHTCULTUREAUSTRALIA

@LITHIC_AUSTRALIA

@GLYDEBAUTOVICH

TEAM-B @TEAM.B.DESIGN

@BLUESKYBUILDINGDESIGNS

ESS. CREATIVE @ESS.CREATIVE

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Welcome to the first edition of our industry journal.

My name is Ben, and way back in 2012 I had a crazy idea to go out on my own and start a construction company. I had stars in my eyes, a huge vision, no one could stop me.

There has been many obstacles and setbacks that have slowed me down along the way. The realities of small business hit me hard and fast, through incredibly tough and painful lessons. But hey, that’s the best way to learn right?

Over the years, I have learnt so much about myself, business, and life as a whole. The biggest lesson being, if you want to succeed at anything you need to surround yourself with an incredible team.

Today, 11 years into business, and 23 years into my career, I can say that the team surrounding me are just that. They are a remarkable bunch of individuals, a real mix of characters, who all contribute in phenomenal ways to the success of our business. Though it’s not just my team that have built Boom Build, it’s also the contribution of creativity and expertise of the industry we are a part of.

It’s because of these people, their ideas, talents and passion, that we have come to deliver this industry journal.

I have no idea where this will take us, and I have no idea the reach that it will have, but I know this for sure, it's going to change the lens in which we view our current community, and the experiences within it.

This journal hopes to bring back old school values, old school creativity and communication to showcase our construction community.

I'm so pleased to have you with us.

Ben.

A CONVERSATION WITH 'MADE TO MATTER' What inspired you to become a cabinetmaker?

We found our way to cabinet making in a slightly different way. Ben completed a Bachelor of Industrial Design at Newcastle University in 2013, then worked professionally as an Industrial Designer within the furniture industry. It is here where he developed a passion for furniture design. Harry completed a Bachelor of Design Arts with Honours-Furniture in 2013. Furthering his studies in Japan, he was mentored under the tutelage of master craftsman Izaki Masaharu in Aichi Prefecture for two years.

We met through a collaborative project and realised we shared the same view; that more ethical, well designed and made cabinet-making was lacking in Australia and that it could use the care and attention to detail that we had learned through our experience in the furniture industry.

Can you tell us about your studies and mentorship working in Japan?

In 2015, I (Harry) was granted an opportunity through Japanese contacts in Australia, to travel and study in Japan at Shiotsu Mura Mokou Juku (Shiotsu Wood School) in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture. The opportunity I received was unique in the sense that it was both a working mentorship and a form of informal study. My Sensei, Izaki Masaharu, had devised the idea for this school three years before I started.

The motivation was to pass on traditional Japanese furnituremaking knowledge to the next generation without the exorbitant costs associated with many modern woodworking schools across the world.

The structure of our week was divided into two days working for no pay for Izaki-san and four days being trained for no fee, either on his commission work or on personal projects.

We could sell at seasonal markets and gallery events. The beauty to this system was that it took the pressure off both parties when it came to making money and this allowed for deep learning and high supervision from our teacher. With the pace of industry increasing rapidly over the past few decades, having the time to learn old, slow and highly detailed skills without financial pressure was a true gift and has given me a strong foundation for my career in Australia.

When it comes to design, do you see furniture and joinery as distinct entities or do you believe they originate from the same source of creativity?

We think the design of furniture and joinery should be intertwined. We believe that joinery plays a vital role in the look, feel and functionality of an interior space and therefore should receive the same thoughtful consideration as furniture. In general, Australia has moved away from investment in quality built-in furniture and tailored design as we have become increasingly motivated by the saleability of our homes and appealing to the widest possible market.

This is a shame because well and purposefully designed furniture and joinery can greatly enhance our everyday lives.

Can you share how you integrate sustainability into your work?

We have a strong belief in ethical and sustainable production. We only select materials with a low environmental impact and aim to design our products with longevity and restorative qualities. With our background in fine furniture making, we approach the construction of cabinetry with the same level of care and detail.

What types of sustainable materials do you prefer to use?

One of our overarching principles is to use solid timber sparingly and only where appropriate. On paper, solid timber is the ultimate sustainable and renewable resource but not all timbers are truly renewable. We love the look and identity of Australian native timbers but the reality is that most are logged from old-growth forests and these supplies are dwindling, particularly after the terrible bushfire seasons we have had. Other imported timbers such as American Oak and Walnut are plantation grown but come with the large carbon footprint of transporting them here.

We believe that using native timbers in veneer form on either locally sourced particleboard or plywood with solid lipping and detailing where appropriate is the best practice.

How do you ensure that your materials are responsibly sourced?

We always look for timbers and timber products that are either FSC or PEFC certified but we also talk to our suppliers and follow the news about how current environmental and political events are effecting supply and production. An example is that the majority of the Birch in plywood available in our country is either sourced from Russia or its origin cannot be guaranteed so we opt for locally produced Hoop plywood grown from plantation timbers.

Can you walk me through your process for designing sustainable cabinets?

The first step is a thorough interview with our clients to best gauge their current and future needs, as servicing these is the best way to ensure the longevity of our cabinetry. We then recommend best materials for the look and function they are after and design and construct our cabinets in a way where they can be adapted or restored in the future.

What are some techniques that are used to make your cabinets more durable and long-lasting?

We always construct our cabinets using high moisture resistant (HMR) substrates as water is a major source of damage leading to the premature replacement of parts. We screw-fix all parts for strength and so that they can be disassembled if need be.

Selecting the best quality hardware for our clients budget is another way to ensure they will last. We also generally avoid using two pack polyurethane finishes as they cannot be repaired easily, instead we use water-based paints and apply most of our finishes by hand so that they can be restored.

Do you think there is a balance between maintaining the quality of your cabinets while also prioritising sustainability?

We believe that quality and sustainability go hand in hand. Our approach is that well designed and made cabinets are inherently sustainable.

How do you balance the cost of sustainable materials with the affordability of your cabinets?

We have researched the pros and cons of panel materials available to us and have found particleboard has best cost to sustainability ratio. It is made from by-products of logging and milling processes as well as post-consumer timbers, therefore makes use of otherwise wasted material. A lot of people look down on particleboard as a cheap and poor quality material, particularly through their experience of early flat-pack furniture; but the engineering of the resins that bond the chips in these panels has come a long way since then with high moisture resistance and E0 low formaldehyde emissions. We choose melamine or laminate covered particle board for affordable carcasses or veneered timbers on particleboard for higher budgets or doors where a timber look is preferred.

What do you see as the future of sustainable cabinetmaking?

We believe there needs to be more investment in locally grown plantation timbers and production. This will ensure that our timber supplies are truly renewable and will eliminate much of the carbon footprint involved in transporting timbers for processing and as a finished product.

We are hoping there is a change in the mindset that construction of cabinetry and furniture from solid timber is the strongest or best practice and there is a shift to using timber veneers with solid detailing where appropriate. We also hope that more of the Australian population will see the value in well designed and made furniture and joinery for their homes as an investment that can enhance their lives and last a lifetime.

"WE HOPE THAT MORE OF THE AUSTRALIAN POPULATION WILL SEE THE VALUE IN WELL DESIGNED AND MADE FURNITURE AND JOINERY FOR THEIR HOMES AS AN INVESTMENT THAT CAN ENHANCE THEIR LIVES AND LAST A LIFETIME." How do you communicate the importance of sustainability to your audience?

We use our social media posts and stories to highlight our sustainable practices and are always looking for new audiences such as this industry journal. We are also pleased to see that programs such as Tim Ross’ ‘Designing A Legacy' and even Craig Reucassle’s ‘War On Waste’ are being made to help spread the importance of good design and the impact of our consuming habits on the planet.

Can you share a specific project that you are particularly proud of?

One of our projects that comes to mind when thinking of welldesigned sustainable joinery on a modest budget was Jed and Renee’s kitchen in Marrickville. Sustainability and functionality were important to Jed and Renee so we had detailed discussions and worked through various design layouts with them to ensure that their new kitchen suited their current and future needs. We then specified melamine on HMR particleboard carcasses with a mix of Blackbutt veneer panel and hand-painted colour doors that could be rejuvenated over time as well as good quality hardware from Blum and Kessebohmer. To top it off we sourced Bettastone bench tops made from recycled glass as a durable and sustainable work surface.

You can view Jed and Renee’s kitchen on our website madetomatter.com.au. @madetomatter_au

THE PERFECT ILLUMINATED HARMONY: BALANCING FORM, FUNCTION, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN LIGHTING

By Light Culture In the realm of high-end residential homes, every aspect is meticulously crafted to create a symphony of luxury and elegance. Lighting, with its ability to transform spaces, plays a vital role in this symphony. Balancing form and function in lighting design is an art that elevates your home to new heights of sophistication.

Illuminating Brilliance: Finding the Right Balance Form and function are the two pillars of exceptional lighting design. It's essential to strike the right balance between the two, ensuring that your lighting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also serves its intended purpose. Carefully selecting fixtures, such as downlights and pendants, that reflect your home's architectural style can infuse spaces with elegance and create captivating focal points.

Thoughtful placement of lighting fixtures and the strategic use of light layers can enhance the architectural features, highlight artwork, and create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Remember, lighting is not just about brightness; it's about creating an immersive experience that truly elevates the mood and atmosphere of your living spaces.

Quality Illumination: Investing in Lasting Brilliance Choosing high-quality lighting products is the key to longlasting and reliable illumination. Opting for reputable brands that prioritise craftsmanship and durability ensures that your lighting fixtures will stand the test of time. LED technology, known for its energy efficiency and longevity, is a prime example of a quality lighting solution. By selecting LED fixtures, you not only reduce energy consumption but also enjoy the benefits of brilliant illumination that lasts for years to come.

Also opting for lighting fixtures crafted with premium materials and finishes ensures that your fixtures not only provide exceptional illumination but also become stunning design elements in their own right. Consider fixtures made with metals, such as brass or stainless steel, or quality powder-coated finishes, to add an extra touch of elegance to your living spaces. These quality materials not only enhance the visual appeal of your fixtures but also contribute to their durability and longevity. Investing in quality lighting products is an investment in the lasting beauty and functionality of your high-end residential home.

Sustainable Splendour: Illumination with a Conscience In today's world, sustainability is paramount. Incorporating energy-efficient lighting solutions not only reduces your carbon footprint but also saves on energy costs. LED lighting, known for its energy efficiency, consumes significantly less power while providing ample illumination.

By choosing LED fixtures, you contribute to a greener future without compromising on style or performance. Embrace sustainable lighting practices, such as using natural light whenever possible and incorporating lighting controls to optimise energy usage, to create a truly eco-friendly and luxurious living environment.

Ready to Illuminate Your Dream Home?

At Light Culture we are dedicated to bringing your dream home to life with exquisite lighting solutions that embody luxury, sophistication, and sustainability. Our team possesses a deep understanding of the delicate balance between form and function, ensuring that every aspect of your lighting design is meticulously crafted to enhance the beauty and functionality of your living spaces.

From statement pendant lights to sleek recessed downlights and quality exterior luminaires, we offer a wide range of lighting options that will transform your home into a haven of timeless beauty. Whether you desire a warm and inviting ambiance, precise task lighting, or awe-inspiring architectural lighting, our team will collaborate with you to design a lighting scheme that surpasses your expectations.

Illuminate your dream home with our exquisite lighting solutions and discover a world where form, function, and sustainability harmoniously coexist. www.lightculture.com.au @lightcultureaustralia

"Investing in quality lighting products is an investment in the lasting beauty and functionality of your high-end residential home."

FROM EARTH TO ART

By Lithic Australia Lithic Australia specialises in natural stone. We are a company with experience, knowledge, and tenure in the industry, and yet each day we approach the challenges and scope of this amazing product with an enthusiasm and passion that feels brand new. It is our goal and our vision to redefine the narrative around natural stone within the Australian market and celebrate it as a sustainable, structural, low maintenance, and aesthetically superior building material. We want to inspire the use of natural stone in this country to its full capacity by educating and exposing the misconceptions that have limited its progress here.

Lithic has recently unveiled its latest series of collections, the 2023/24 range. Could you share the process of sourcing and curating these products?

There are a few critical points to the selection of all our materials. The first is the attitude of the international supplier. We have to be able to align with our suppliers on a commitment to honouring and celebrating this material and know that we can work with them to achieve the quality we demand for our customers.

One of our aims is to introduce unique materials to the Australian market. There is so much that is undiscovered and unappreciated, and we are fearless in uncovering these new products from all over the world for Australian designers to explore.

Technical aspects of the stone are paramount. We build a technical understanding of each individual stone that allows us to be confident in working with the material; this means the customer can be confident in the durability and longevity of the stone. Aesthetic is also very important. Once we know and understand the stone technically, we collaborate with Australian designers to better understand the needs and desires from a visual point of view. We consider colour and patterning as well as finishes, as each finish can reveal a completely different persona of the same stone.

What question do you get asked most often?

One of the big questions we get asked most often is what type of stone is this? The interesting thing about this question is the fear that underpins it, often a customer is asking because they have been advised to avoid a certain type of stone.

This highlights a negligent lack of understanding within the industry. We have a European limestone that exceeds the very best granites for strength, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. We have a South American travertine that rivals any material for durability over time in outdoor applications, including high salt environments. What matters about each stone is its individual technical properties, that is what defines its suitability, not its type What question do you wish people asked?

We are passionate about stone and are connected to its journey. It’s in our mission statement: from Earth to Art. When customers ask for the stories behind our products, we can help connect them with the essence of a stone, and help them create a deeper connection with this piece of history and natural art.

One of our Italian marbles has a rich history dating back to its use by Michelangelo, who was commissioned to make the columns of San Lorenzo in Florence. Another, a Spanish limestone, was the stone selected to be the interior cladding - the striking canvas, of Google HQ in London. We want people to enjoy and appreciate this singular piece of the earth they own, for all its incredible attributes. www.lithicaustralia.com.au @lithic_australia

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