Justin Hutchinson of Kett introduces Frame Living System
One of the greatest outcomes of collaboration would have to be revelation; when the thinking of one person or practice challenges, extends and influences another. Collaboration is ignited daily at Cantilever, and often extends beyond our team to the broader design, manufacture and construction community we work within.
Frame Living System
Designed by Justin Hutchinson
for Kett
Available exclusively through
Cosh Living
Manufactured by
Cantilever Interiors
Author
Kylie Forbes
Visualisations
MR. P Studios
Landscapes
Russell Charters
and Rodney Hyett
Product Shots
Nicole Reed
Studio Shots
Haydn Cattach
Working with Kett has given us at Cantilever a renewed sense that we are experiencing a shift in awareness toward Australia’s design industry strength, capacity and influence. We hope it is a testament to a growing sense of our collective confidence to impact; to acknowledge our unique and valued heritage; place in the world; and influence on its future.
Despite the myriad lifestyles, conditions and choices presented to us in Australia, as a people we are ultimately connected through one continued landscape. This landscape creates a lens which influences us visually, emotionally and psychically. It inspires agency, action, interaction. Be it within regional, urban, shared or private spaces, the lens of Modern Australia is unique. The influence of our shared landscape is acknowledged by practices throughout our architectural, interior and product design industries; materially, spatially and conscientiously. Which makes sense. It is, after all, where we live.
The story of connecting our inside and outside lives is one that Cosh Living have explored through the introduction of their inaugural inhouse brand Kett Furniture, and the launch of their Inside / Outside furniture range. Executing a distinctly Australian design offering, the design studio collaborates with craftspeople from Australia, Italy and Indonesia to produce furniture with a timeless quality and technique.
The Kett range includes Living, Dining, Bedroom + Storage and Outdoor collections. As part of their design process, Kett drew inspiration from the beautiful Victorian coastline - specifically Addis, Aireys, Johanna, Otway and Wye. Each of the collections are named as such and defined by a specific colour, shape and form that is a representation of the Australian landscape from these regions.
The concept of ‘Inside Looking Out’ a fulcrum perspective for the brand’s design choices, emphasizing the inspiration found in the natural world that sits just outside our window.
“Our process of design – the drawing upon inspiration from place, distilling it into a set of sketches, lines, colours, shapes and tones. Defining these into a set of drawings, models and finally marrying these into products.
From place we understand the importance of colours, shapes and form that are akin to Kett’s own identity.“ Justin Hutchinson
The Kett Studio enjoys the quiet creativity of Abbotsford Convent as the backdrop to their practice.
“Working from the Abbotsford Convent for many years has provided a creative sanctuary of sorts, an escape from the distractions of everyday. Time seems to slow down and a sense of community exists amongst the various studios who are all working on their own creative pursuits. It provides the critical space for conceiving and embracing a more considered approach to design. The Abbotsford Convent provides an ever-present reminder to visitors to try and find balance in a world caught in a state of perpetual haste.” Justin Hutchinson
When establishing the studio, Justin hunted down some of the best-in-class design talent from Swinburne Universitys’ Industrial Design and Architectural schools. He approached Theodore Maddigan and Vincent Marsh to work alongside him. Together they bring grounded experience, and a diverse set of design skills and perspectives. Designing through hand and virtual modelling, and 1:1 prototyping, the trio apply an intrinsic understanding of material, engineering and construction processes, with a respectful, collaborative approach toward their specialist manufacturers, to accomplish a prolific output.
“From our perspective, good design should bring joy to all those who interact with the product along its journey. From the joiner selecting the best grade of timber to the upholsterer detailing each stich and the sales consultant recommending the design to the customer who can enjoy the efforts of many people over many years to come.
Cantilever Interiors have an amazing track record for producing beautifully refined kitchens for the Australian market. Frame Living System needed a business who understood a product approach to Joinery. When it came time to finding a suitable manufacturing partner, we looked no further than Cantilever Interiors who share our same obsession with detail and are design focused. We are fortunate to have found great partners in Cantilever who are equally driven in making this vision a reality” Justin Hutchinson
The Frame Living System was conceived as a flexible wall hung system designed to streamline the functional and aesthetic design of living spaces. Bringing together a curated palette of Porcelain, Elton Group finishes, and powder coated aluminium accents; the product complements an array of interiors. A sophisticated concealed hanging system adapts the product to most wall types, managing electrical needs and cables. The visual independence of Frame on the wall creates a space of its own, like a room within a room. Customisable in width and function through the combination of set modules, Frames adaptability means it is suitable for most living spaces. A combination of shelving, drawer and monitor hanging functions allows each client to curate the combination of modules to their preferences.
“Such a user centered design approach is akin to Cantilever’s own Kitchen Systems, and one that we appreciate. It is great to be able to contribute to another design studio’s development, for a product which we can see having true design relevance to people’s everyday. From the outset we could see the need for a design like Frame Living System in the homes of our clients. Materially it is robust and sensuous and balances the practical demands of Living spaces in a resolved and elegant way.” Travis Dean
The result is an impressively resolved product, fit for purpose and pleasure. With inspiration abundant, Kett Furniture is just the type of studio that triggers revelations.
Visit one of the Cosh Living Showrooms to view Kett’s Frame Living System.
Sydney Melbourne Perth Brisbane