Surface Australia Volume 2

surface AUSTRALIA

AU S T R A L I A’ S N E W E S T B E S P O K E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E D E S I G N C U R I O U S .

M AT E R I A L I T Y, D E S I G N & F U N C T I O N I N T H E H A R D S U R FA C E I N D U S T R Y.

AUTUMN 19 VOL.2

From the Editor The materials we use in our spaces are now more than ever being considered from new paradigms. Environmental impact, health of users, air pollution (VOC’s) and the expected life of a material are today as important as the colour and texture. How do we navigate the materiality and use of a product to achieve the desired design?

In this issue of Surface Australia we explore both traditional and modern materials, handcraft and precision manufacturing, made by nature and man made.

The latest collaboration between Earp Bros and Tom Fereday introducing the OMNI breeze block. Tom has taken the traditional breeze block and reimagined it as a building block for a number of creative uses including modular furniture.

We talk to Jonathan Rowatt, Director at Yarra Point Group about the newly opened Peaches cocktail bar in Swanston Street Melbourne and find out why the design incorporates cement tiles designed to be worn and aged.

Product Paragon (starts pg. 41) examines the unique properties of certain materials and the value this brings to design and architecture. Products traditionally thought of as floor tiles used as components of complete building systems including raised access floors, ventilated facade systems and multi-formats/ finishes to create seamless finishes across both horizontal and vertical planes from indoors to out.

Read about the latest in the world of colour from Pantone Colour of the Year 2019 with commentary from trend forecasters WGSN and Homes To Love, matched with a number of products including glass mosaic, handmade look wall tiles and traditional terracotta.

Finally we recount visually the recent Earp Bros Espana Tour a journey through Spain to study how traditional and modern architecture, materials and spaces are conceptualised and crafted in this stunning country.

Welcome to the second edition of Surface Magazine Australia. ~ Josh Earp - Earp Bros Marketing Manager & Editor

earp.com.au NEWCASTLE 79-81 Parry Street, Newcastle West SYDNEY Unit B1, 35-39 Bourke Road Alexandria BRISBANE 106 Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley MELBOURNE 10 Albert Street, Richmond

@EarpBros Surface Australia is published four times per year by Earp Bros Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from the publishers. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication, however the publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions or consequences in reliance on this publication.

Contents AUTUMN 19 FRO M T HE E DI T O R P RO J E CT P E RFE CT I O N Peaches Melbourne

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P RO DUCT PARAG O N OMNI by Tom Fereday

7

Stonker

51

Moov

27

T RE NDI NG ST Y LE Can you tell the difference

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Colour Trends 2019

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T HE HE RE AND NO W Espana 2019

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...

One of the world’s most robust, trusted & widely recognised ecolabels

...

Global GreenTag is the only Green Building Council of Australia

Global GreenTag’s GreenRate certification is a Green Building

(GBCA) recognised Australian consumer and competition

Council of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, recognised

commission (ACCC) approved product rating Certification Mark.

rating system designed to meet the requirements of the Green

Undergoing an in-depth assessment of the range of floor, wall

Star ‘Sustainable Products’ credits.

and facade tiles from the Porcelanosa Group in Spain, Earp Bros

All certified products are audited from raw material extraction

have gained certification under both of these programs, offering

through the products life cycle through to end of life recycling.

benefits to both design professionals and building owners here

These products are also examined and found to be Fit For

in Australia.

Purpose and compliant with the National Construction Code.

How does it work? Global GreenTag’s LCA Rate certification

Contact Earp Bros to find out more about the range of Global

looks at every impact of the product at every stage of the

GreenTag certified products.

products life cycle.

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PROJECT PERFECTION / INTRODUCING OMNI

OMNI

DESIGNED BY T O M F E R E D AY

PROJECT / OMNI

BRAND / Earp Bros

PHOTOGRAPHER / Jason Busch DESIGNER / Tom Fereday

OMNI by Tom Fereday OMNI reinvents the traditional breeze block to offer an entirely new approach to building and interior design.

By transforming the breeze block form to provide a faceted modular block, OMNI allows for a multitude of new and innovative applications to be designed and built. Offering both straight and 45-degree angles to be achieved simply by flipping the brick, OMNI was designed and proportioned to allow for an array of angular forms to be created including but not limited to L shaped walls, undulating surfaces, columns and even coffee, dining and bar tables.

The OMNI breeze block is a dry pressed cement block requiring no firing or high energy processing.

OMNI is initially offered in white, grey and black and is available worldwide.

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What was the design brief and how did you interpret it?

In collaboration with Earp Bros, the brief we set ourselves was to reinvent the traditional breeze block for the modern-day environment. By considering and experimenting with the traditional form of the breeze block we were able to entirely re-imagine the product and its potential application.

How does your project demonstrate a progressive approach to architecture and/or design?

By addressing the potential for the possibility of new applications other than just straight feature walls the OMNI block entirely re-invents the category opening up opportunities for designers to interpret it’s use for both indoor and outdoor application. The registered design is both novel and practical allowing for greater flexibility within the built environment.

‘I try to develop products based on the principle of honest design, conveying a design process which celebrates the materials and manufacturing processes behind furniture and products to design from the inside out. By using the materials and environment as a positive design constraint I try to guide intelligent and thoughtful design outcomes which connect with people through natural materials, tactile finishes and unique design.‘ ~ T O M F E R E D AY

What does your design process look like and how does it evolve throughout a project?

I always start a project assessing what potential problems a design can solve. This always runs in parallel to address the materials and manufacturing processes involved.

What are some of your main sources of inspiration? What other designers, influencers or creatives do you admire?

I am very inspired by the Australian designers I work with. For me, it is a very exciting moment in Australian design across both products and architecture/interiors.

What was it like to work with Earp Bros on this project?

Having already collaborated with Earp Bros on our solo exhibition PROCESS when the opportunity arose again to work together on a collaboration the decision was simple. We worked together at every level of the design to achieve a truly original result.

What is next for you?

What will 2019 bring?

We are looking forward to launching a couple of new collections at this years Milan Salone. I can’t wait to share more of this work soon.

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OMNI re-invents the traditional breeze block to offer entirely new applications to the previously limited market. The exciting opportunities of the design are presented to the interior and architecture market, encouraging designers to play and engage with the possibilities of the product to reimagine the built environment.

- T O M F E R E D AY

Ecostone Mosaics | 98% Recycled Glass Spanish company ONIXÂŽ have developed a range of glass mosaic tiles set to invigorate the minds of the most talented design professionals today. Developed with an environmental conscious, Ecostone Mosaics are composed of 98% recycled glass and can be used in a variety of applications for commercial or residential projects. Ecostone Mosaics feature digital designs and quality technical finishes that have been used in premium projects around the world.

THINK SUSTAINABILITY IMBUED WITH LUXURY.

TRENDING STYLE / CAN YOU TELL THE DIFFERENCE

Can you tell?

With so many technical advances in hard surface

away by how lifelike it looked. “Once I told them about

materials it is very hard to tell the difference between

the advantages of having a timber tile floor over natural

a natural marble or timber floor and their imitation

timber they were absolutely sold. They are so impressed

counterparts. With so many benefits attributed to

with the low maintenance, how easy they are to clean,

porcelain tiles including stain resistance, UV stability,

that they are scratch resistant and are so easy to live

cleanability, large format options for easy installation

with�. Technical porcelain is a highly durable material

with no sealing required and reduced grout lines, it

that remains unaffected over the years adding to its

is no wonder these gorgeous natural elements are

longevity.

being reproduced in porcelain tile in a way that is more resilient to the wear and tear of everyday life.

When it comes to maintenance, natural marble needs a lot of upkeep as the natural material is porous. It is

Having a natural marble or timber floor in your home

susceptible to stains, chipping and discolouration over

exudes status and luxury yet interior designers like

time and requires specialty products for cleaning. With

Frances Cosway are even steering their clients away

this in mind, manufacturers including Porcelanosa have

from the real thing towards look-alike products due to

created a line of tiles inspired by natural marble that

their many benefits. After viewing the timber tiles in

requires no maintenance.

Frances Cosways own home her clients were blown 17

Natural Marble Natural marble is beautiful and distinctive as no two pieces will ever be the same. Designers have had a love affair with natural marble for many centuries yet the stone is porous, meaning it can stain, scratch and discolour. Because of this, marble is not recommended for use in kitchens and countertops nor for outdoor applications. Natural marble also tends to be higher in cost due to its weight and diminishing availability.

Installation can be expensive due to the weight and handling.

Marble Look Providing easier maintenance and affordability, marble look porcelain tiles are becoming increasingly popular.

Porcelain is extremely strong and dense and highly resistant to stains, scratches and moisture. Technical porcelain tiles can also be used for numerous indoor and outdoor applications including kitchens and bathrooms.

Porcelain will not fade over time and does not require any speciality cleaning products. Manufacturers are becoming so good at interpreting natural stone, you can barely tell the difference. Purists will always gravitate towards the real material but marble look tiles offer everything that natural stone can offer aesthetically with the durability of porcelain.

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Natural Timber Natural timber floors are prized for their aesthetic appeal. Hardwood floors can add warmth and character to any space in a variety of colours and styles. Timber is very durable and easy to maintain although is prone to scratching and dents and requires significant upkeep including sanding, staining, waxing and polishing.

Timber floors are susceptible to humidity and moisture and can shrink or warp, therefore use in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas isn’t recommended. Water damage can spell disaster for a timber floor.

Timber Look Todays range of porcelain timber look tiles carefully imitate natural timber with ultra realistic detail. All the intricacies of natural wood are reproduced with absolute craftsman-like precision to ensure realism, right down to the wood knots and timber grain. Extremely hard wearing and durable and with slip-resistant options available, timber look tiles are able to be used in wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and for outdoor use. No specialty cleaning products are required which makes upkeep a dream.

Preview our range of Marble look and Timber look tiles online or book a private design consultation with Earp Bros today to see if you can tell the difference.

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TRENDING STYLE / COLOUR TRENDS FOR 2019

Colour Trends for 2019

PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral has been announced as Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year. This feel-good, sunset-infused orange tone offers up a vibrant yet soft hue with golden undertones. Described by Pantone as an “animating and life-affirming colour that symbolises our innate need for optimism and playful expression”, it is an energising bold choice.

We couldn’t help but notice how glorious the accompanying colour is in Pantone’s marketing image.

A greyish turquoise that enlivens Living Coral, allowing it to shine. More attuned for interiors, this turquoise shade would be our choice for a striking design option. Our Nature Glass hexagon tile in Turquoise is a beautiful representation of this colour. Comprised of 98% recycled glass, this tile can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications.

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According to trend forecasters WGSN, Neo Mint will be a huge colour influence for 2019 and 2020.

Neo Mint is a fresh shade of pastel green that embodies both science and technology and the natural world and is expected to dominate the fashion and interiors industries. According to the trend forecaster, “neo mint is a gender-neutral colour with an oxygenating, fresh tone�. Ronda Mint from our Ronda collection of ceramic wall tiles is an example of how Neo Mint could be translated to interiors in a more approachable way.

Homes To Love have predicted that 2019 will bring about gentle pastels and bold neutrals. Colour palettes that include pale golds, fleshy nudes, apricot-toned tans and dusky rose hues will be at the forefront for interiors. As well as the cooler end of the spectrum with misty greys, desert sage and stonewash blues. Their top pic for 2019 is a muted shade of apricot that can be found in our range of terracotta tiles that are making a resurgence in the interior and exterior design worlds.

For more information on colour trends and featured products book in for a private design consultation at a showroom near you.

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Floor / Moov Grey

PRODUCT PARAGON / MOOV

MOOV

Australia’s most adaptable tile?

For many of our clients, one size simply doesn’t fit all.

not just when first installed.

Whether you are creating a modular pattern, running the same tile from indoors to outdoors or installing in

To support modular pattern installations and seamless

difficult spaces, finding the right tile can be a challenge.

transition between areas, Moov is available in 6 different formats and is also available in a 20mm thickness for dry

With 5 colour options (Antracita, Beige, Grey, Ivory,

lay installation or for instant use on the K2 Grid raised

Moka), Moov gives you a colour to style to any space.

access flooring system.

From a luxury resort on the Sunshine Coast to a residential renovation in Melbourne, Moov expresses

Available formats: 300x300mm, 300x600mm,

elegance in design characterized by slight cement

600x600mm, 200x1200mm, 1200x1200mm and

textures while still offering the understated materiality of

1200x2400mm.* *Nominal sizes only

a contemporary surface.

With the added benefits of stain resistance, chemical

Moov is available in a matt finish for residential interiors

resistance, UV resistance, water resistance, wear

and wall applications, while a high-performance slip-

resistance and no ongoing maintenance, Moov is

resistant finish offers a low-risk material for most

being used on a wide variety of both residential

residential outdoor and commercial flooring applications.

and commercial projects where design integrity,

Tested to 5000 wear cycles using the Accelerated Wear

performance, and adaptability is paramount.

test method, Moov is shown to perform over time, 27

Floor / Moov Anthracite

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Floor

/ Cement Soft Pink 200x200mm Cement White 200x200mm

Image courtesy of Yarra Point Group Photography by Kate Shanasy

PROJECT PERFECTION / PEACHES MELBOURNE

Peachy Keen

Sitting pretty amongst Melbourne’s bustling Swanston

Upstairs via a ‘soon to be iconic’ pink staircase, the

street, Peaches is an exciting new cocktail bar that

Peaches rooftop is all summer vibes with its pastel

will transport you to another time and place with its

blue and crisp white palette. Timber decking with white

Miami-style 70’s disco vibe. Peachy hues, shiny brass

outdoor furnishings and umbrellas offer a chic modernist

accents, plush velvety booths with terrazzo tabletops

setting far removed from its busy commercial location.

and oversized greenery all contribute to an elegant yet

Offering a garden like escape from the concrete city.

eclectic atmosphere.

Pierce Widera were tasked with the design of all three Designed as a collaboration between the Dexter Group

levels of the building with a focus on the level one

and interior designers Pierce Widera the result is fun,

restaurant, Cheek, and the Peaches rooftop. It was left

innovative and welcoming. The space is a reflection of

to the owners to embark on their passion project for

the cocktail and food offering; playful, inviting and Insta

Peaches; their level two cocktail bar that evolved via

worthy.

with a very experimental approach to design.

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Floor / Cement Soft Pink 200x200mm Cement White 200x200mm

Image courtesy of Yarra Point Group Photography by Kate Shanasy

We had a chat with Jonathan Rowatt, Director at Yarra Point Group, to get all the peachy insights.

Can you tell us a bit about Peaches Melbourne?

Peaches is a cocktail bar located on Swanston Street above Cheek Restaurant. It is designed to be a fun irreverent destination bar.

Rooftops in Melbourne are very popular and we were worried that the middle level could get lost between our Restaurant Cheek and the Rooftop, so we wanted a place that would stand on its own.

What was your brief for this project?

The brief was essentially to design a place that was fun and welcoming.

What was your design approach and how did it evolve throughout the project?

Because we were the clients, designers and builders the design was not really structured.

We had a several concepts we all agreed upon at the start, but this evolved significantly during the build.

There was a lot of input from the tradespeople on site and many of the ideas were decided upon on the spot during endless conversation of how to make different things work.

How did you factor colour into your design?

Colour was essentially the foundation of the design, we wanted a bar that would stand out, stand alone and be destinational. We wanted a fun, unique and irreverent vibe in which customers could enjoy a relaxed and fun night but also have a sense of occasion. The fitout only has four colours Peach, Green, White and Gold.

We went to a lot of effort to make this happen. Even the terrazzo was custom made to match the two upholstery colours.

Floor / Cement Soft Pink 200 x 200 mm Cement White 200 x 200 mm

What were some of your main sources of inspiration?

Our main source of inspiration was the Iranian/French designer India Mahadevi. We loved her bold and unique colour schemes, where she uses a unique colour for the vast majority of a project but then accents it with a bright pop of colour on smaller items such as the stools or counter tops. We obviously did this with the Peach colour being our primary and then accenting this with the sharper mossy green.

Who is the target market for Peaches and how did you accommodate them in the design?

We have never discussed or attempted targeting a specific market. One of the venues principles is to be welcoming to everyone. We want everyone, regardless of their demographic, age or profession to feel welcome.

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How did you decide to use tiles

from Earp Bros on this project?

As stated above, we wanted the venue to be welcoming to all and during the evolution of the design, we felt that the venue might be looking a bit exclusive which we wanted to avoid.

These tiles from Earp Bros are a matte finish, which pulled the tone into a more subtler feel. Also because they are cement, they will age and patina quicker which will suit the building. The building is very old and we wanted the fitout to feel natural in this old building, we feel that these tiles will help.

What was it like to work with Earp Bros on this project?

Great! I ordered the incorrect amount, so had to order more and they were helpful with that.

They were knowledgeable about the concrete product and advised on cleaning and sealing as well.

Floor

/ Cement Soft Pink 200x200mm Cement White 200x200mm

Image courtesy of Yarra Point Group Photography by Kate Shanasy

How is Peaches different?

How did you give Peaches that competitive edge?

I think the fitout and colour scheme in particular is unique, we are not trained designers and so could perhaps approach the project from a unique angle.

Peaches is located at 301 Swanston St, Melbourne 4pm to 1am Monday to Thursday and 12pm to 3am Friday to Saturday

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WATERPROOF The impervious surface prevents absorption of liquids and gases, preventing the accumulation of odours.

Countertop / XTONE Moon White 1500x3200mm

HEAT + FIRE RESISTANT Hot pans, open flames and radiant heat do not affect the surface.

Countertop / XTONE Aged Dark 500x3200mm

ICE + FROST RESISTANT Stable to sudden temperature changes it can withstand the most extreme cold conditions.

EASY CLEAN Easy daily maintenance, no special cleaners required.

Countertop / XTONE Lush White 1500x3200mm

SCRATCH RESISTANT Extremely resistant to scratching with cutting utensils when taking minimum precautions.

Countertop / XTONE Kala White 1500x3200mm

HYGIENIC Ideal for direct contact with food, it does not release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), and prevents the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.

Countertop / XTONE Aged Clay 1500x3200mm

STAIN RESISTANT Unalterable to household chemicals and high resistance to any types of stains.

Countertop / XTONE Lush White 1500x3200mm

Wall and Floor / Boston Topo

Wall / XLIGHT Nvy White

PRODUCT PARAGON / STONKER

STON-KER

®

The ultimate in performance

Imagine a tile so durable and hard wearing you could

raw materials and able to withstand extreme weather

take a crowbar to it without a scratch. Be assured, such

conditions, STON-KER® porcelain tiles are designed for

a tile exists with Porcelanosa Group’s range of technical

use on indoor or outdoor walls and floors. Porcelanosa

porcelain tiles, known as STON-KER® . Regarded for

Group have also engineered a range of tiles made from

their impressive hard-wearing composition and high-

more than 95% pre-consumer recycled material with

tech components, STON-KER® easily surpasses the

their STON-KER® Ecologic series.‎

properties of conventional porcelain tiles.

In large formats of up to 294x1800cm, the STON-KER® Created in response to the most demanding

range is ideal for cladding on façades or for creating a

architectural stipulations, STON-KER® guarantees

continuous surface, which achieves a lovely sense of

superior performance when used in high-traffic areas.

spaciousness by minimizing the number of grout joints.

STON-KER® is the perfect choice for projects that

Large format wall and floor tiles also simplify the tile

require a low-maintenance tile with a high resistance

laying process by cutting tile installation costs and labor

to wear and tear. Made exclusively from top-quality

time.

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Facade Systems A facade is the face of a building and offers protection

solutions, this type of ceramic tile can be used for a vast

from the elements. FV STON-KER® was designed

array of applications including raised access flooring,

by Porcelanosa to provide technical and aesthetic

ventilated facades and bonded facades.

benefits to a facade by eradicating thermal bridges and condensation, improving thermal insulation, ensuring air

In production for almost two decades, the Butech

convection and reducing maintenance costs.

system has become a popular choice for building

Butech, Porcelanosa’s specialist in technical solutions,

system by Butech is the easiest way to clad a building

have specifically developed tile-laying products and

with STON-KER® tiles as it takes into account all the

systems compatible with the STON-KER® range. These

different factors that may affect the quality of a tiled

systems guarantee successful tile-laying results, even

surface: substrate preparation, adhesives, tile-laying

in the most demanding conditions. With STON-KER®‘s

techniques, grout materials, cleaning and maintenance.

advanced performance plus Butech’s technical

All to ensure a perfect tiled facade.

refurbishment and new projects. The bonded facade

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Raised Access Flooring Raised access floors allow access to wiring and cables underneath the floor. They also provide easy access to piping and ducts of different kinds. Raised access flooring allows these networks to be concealed in an organised fashion under the flooring. Using Butech raised access floor system, any 59.6x59.6cm STONKER® tile model can be used for raised access flooring on a metal framework foundation. This system can also be used for external applications to cover terraces and flat rooftops. Sloping substrates with flat surfaces Old military archives Cartagena (Cartagena, Spain) - Arch. Martín Lejarraga can be fitted with exterior raised access flooring.

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This system was developed by Porcelanosa Group to

View the Earp Bros range of STON-KER® tiles online

improve the appearance, insulation and drainage of

or contact Earp Bros today for a private design

terraces and flat rooftops.

consultation.

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HERE AND NOW / SPAIN 2019

España 2019

A wonderland of texture, colour, culture and culinary delight, Spain has, for the last 5 years been the destination for the annual pilgrimage of Earp Bros and a number of Australia’s top architects, designers, developers and creatives.

Through the lens we share some of the highlights of the experience including detail of the 16th century Catedral de Santa María de la Sede in Seville, Santiago Calatrava’s Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, Porcelanosa Group’s manufacturing facilities and Central Logistics center (aptly referred to as ‘the mega-factory’), as well as a family run, century old handmade terracotta workshop and a selection of pre-release materials from Porcelanosa Group.

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WE WANT YOU

Publish Your Project Surface Australia has been created to showcase trends, products and projects within the architecture, design and home improvement sectors. The objective is to inspire our clients and partner networks by providing them with the key to the most contemporary styles while offering a multitude of the newest products and concepts for different spaces.

We have never underestimated the power of peer review and trust. We want you to take the opportunity to share your projects, designs, plans and stories with us so we can share your successes with our growing network.

Together we are bigger and better Amplify your reach and send us your project photos, design briefs, concepts, mood boards and experiences to share across our online, social and Surface Magazine networks.

Requirements The only requirements are that a fair proportion of the hard surfaces used on the project are Earp Bros products and the imagery you provide is:

1. High enough quality for print publication

2. Completely and wholly created, owned or licensed by you

Contact marketing@earp.com.au 65

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