March 2010

We've always been fans of Mokum textiles, so when they introduced the initial sketches for their Moderne collection we waited in anticipation to see what they would come up with. The resulting collection not only lives up to its name, but also the Mokum traditition of creating truely inspired designs.

A modern take on Art Deco style textiles, 'the Moderne collection mirrors the eclecticism of the 1920s and aspires not only to sit alongside the beautiful textiles of the past, but also to deliver luxurious designs that keep pace with our modern times.' 

To find out more about the range and view the 7 colour stories that Mokum have developed, click here to view their website which has been cleverly put together to reflect the Moderne story.

Christchurch is hosting the first weekend of The Food Show for the year, with wide and wonderful range of exhibitors will ensure that every taste bud, and dietary requirement is fulfilled! Over the three day event you can visit the wide range of exhibitors to sample the latest in culinary delights. Not only that, but with a top line up of Celebrity Chefs showcasing their skills in the Electrolux Cooking Theatre, and stands of helpful kitchen accessories you will leave with all the inspiration you need to cook up a storm!

We're looking forward to hearing Peta Mathais demonstrate recipes from her culinary escape in Marakesh, Morocco!
 

With the Ellerslie International Flower Show opening its doors this week in Christchurch we thought it would be the perfect time to spend an afternoon in Hagley Park.
Gold was awarded to Andy Ellis and Danny Kamo for their 'The Last Laugh' and to international gardens, 'Sei Sei Tei II' by Koji Ninomiya and 'An Englishmen's Retreat' by Chris Beardshaw. Beardshaw's exhibition garden covers just over 64 metres and features an impressive 10,000 plants, including 4500 annuals and 3000 prime herbaceous plants!

Local Christchurch designers Carl Pickens and Sandi McRae picked up Silver Distinction awards for their gardens. Pickens produced a striking garden drawing on the notion that "everything starts with a thought, and the more positive our thinking, the better we feel about ourselves and the world. 'Peace by Piece' is a garden of 1675 ideas for creating a better world, displayed in a garden room shaped in the form of a flower. It is a garden of hope, inspiration and ideas with visitors able to read the messages on the feature wall. The wall will be dismantled after the show to form 104 specially crafted wine racks (which can also be used as garden sculptures)!

McRae's 'Incredible Edibles' is a family garden which is both productive and beautiful, using entirely edible planting combinations. The garden provides shelter, food, fun and is a place for either quiet contemplation or play in an urban setting.

Another favourite of ours was 'My Little Corner Of The World' by Matt McIssac and Mat Ransom. With a circular focus to the garden it offered a contemplative and inviting space which encouraged relaxation.

Wandering around the vast space we were blown away by the level of detail and expansive work that is put into each and every garden. The talent was spectacular and a visit is well worth the cost; you certainly won't be disappointed.

 

Celebrating the completion of Auckland’s most significant development in recent years, Prime Minister, John Key officially opened the 21 level, 23,000 sqm Deloitte Centre at 80 Queen Street, Auckland. The Deloitte Centre is Auckland’s most advanced environmentally sustainable commercial building and the first high rise tower in New Zealand to achieve a 5 Star design rating with the New Zealand Green Building Council. It was built, owned and managed by Brookfield Multiplex Construction. “Our buildings are designed with the future in mind for our clients, tenants and the environment,” says Managing Director Tim Pope.

Australian architects Woods Bagot were engaged to create a design for the building that includes environmentally sustainable design elements such as a double ventilated façade, improved natural lighting to offices, low water usage fittings, extensive metering of energy and water usage and a rainwater harvesting system. Winter gardens and six levels of interconnecting voids animate the podium spaces to deliver a workplace that enables cultural change and improved productivity. Users of the building are encouraged to walk or cycle to work by the provision of showers and changing facilities in the basement.

 

Beautiful bathware producer Methven has won a highly prized Red Dot Product Design Award at the 2010 competition in Germany, for their Methven Shower Infusions; a world first which turns an ordinary shower into a personal home spa system.

The New Zealand owned designer, marketer and exporter of beautiful, water and energy efficient bathroomware, was awarded an honourable mention and the right to use the sought-after Red Dot seal of quality on its collateral to signify that the product design and innovation behind Methven Shower Infusions are among the "best of the best" in the world.
Congratulations!