DECO’s new Testing Laboratory and the DECO Innovation Centre were officially opened today by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP.

The newly NATA-accredited laboratory and award-winning display centre showcases the exceptional investment the family-owned Australian manufacturer of premium aluminium building products and metal finishing and coatings has made to enhance their commitment to quality and innovation.

Founder and director of DECO Australia Ross Doonan said he was honoured to have the Prime Minister of Australia officially open the two facilities today.

“It is an honour to have the Hon Anthony Albanese MP here today to officially open the DECO Innovation Centre and our new NATA Accredited Testing Laboratory. These facilities are both extremely important investments for our business and ensures we can meet requirements from both our customers and accreditation authorities.”

DECO’s new Testing Laboratory received NATA accreditation last year. The laboratory plays a critical role in DECO’s quality control, which involves a wide range of essential tests and control processes. These internal functions ensure compliance with accreditations such as ISO 9001, ISO 17025 and Qualicoat, as well as customer specific Process Control Plans, operational specifications, and inspection requirements.

“DECO prides itself on providing the highest possible quality products and metal finishes in the market. The new testing laboratory is not only essential for meeting accreditation criteria, it also supports our ongoing innovation, research and development as well as our day-to-day quality controls for our customers across the architectural, engineering, defence and aerospace industries.” said Ross Doonan.

Completed in 2020 during the pandemic, the DECO Innovation Centre was designed in conjunction with architectural firm ClarkeHopkinsClarke and has now become a must-visit destination for people looking for building inspiration in real-life applications, to explore DECO’s product range up-close and to select their perfect finishes and colours.

“The DECO Innovation Centre has been well received by our partners and customers; it’s been fantastic to see how it inspires people to bring their own design visions to life. We’ve had people travel interstate just to visit the centre. Our investment into this facility has been completely worthwhile.” said Ross Doonan.

Also announced today was DECO Australia’s commitment to sustainability with the newly agreed supply of lower-carbon aluminium through Capral’s LocAl® Green aluminium initiative.

“Alongside quality and innovation, sustainability is at the forefront of our business and our industry. Thanks to our new agreement with Capral, we are excited to be able to reduce ours and our customer’s environmental impact through the purchasing of lower carbon aluminium” said Ross Doonan.

For more information on the DECO Innovation Centre and the new DECO Testing Laboratory visit www.deco.net.au.

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There may not be any Campbell’s soup cans hanging from the walls, but we’re certain Warhol would still approve of this monochromatic pied-à-terre, designed by Infinite Design Studio.

 
Looking to add a unique city property to their family’s portfolio, the Singapore-based clients enlisted the Infinite team to create a sophisticated warehouse space that was flexible in its functionality. Intended for use when the family is in town, and rented out for short stays when vacant, the warehouse is dripping with historical significance.

 
Originally built to serve as a tobacco factory in 1889, the property has had many reincarnations, first as an outpatient and dispensary building for St Margaret’s Hospital in the early 20th century before receiving a modern Interwar Functionalist building addition in 1938. It is within this 1938 addition that the warehouse apartment has taken shape beneath original and expansive windows and Art Deco elements, including curved walls.

 
“We have respectfully retained the beautiful feel of the Art Deco period and the impact of living in a warehouse,” says Michelle Macarounas, principal and lead designer at Infinite Design Studio. “It feels very much like a glamorous 1930s/1940s film set, which is really special.” A luxurious material palette amplifies this sense of glamour, and the expansive windows are a real treat.

The unconventional home is filled with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, master walk-in robe, lounge and dining rooms, kitchen, butler’s kitchen and laundry.“Large open spaces can be high impact but difficult to live in. We needed to add depth, warmth and drama to fill the space and give it some soul,” says Michelle. “We wanted to celebrate the industrial edge and Art Deco history of the property, yet create a sophisticated inner-city pied-à-terre.”

 
To achieve this look, Michelle combined the sumptuous and eclectic elegance of European design with the relaxed and casual ease of Australian style. The two influences merge into a monochromatic palette with crisp white walls, hexagonal concrete floor tiles, and designer furniture and lighting that add strength and intensity to the interior. Sheer white curtains soften the scheme and surfaces, while the fine black lines of the ceiling pendant and wall sconces complement the black window frames and accentuate the architectural nature of the warehouse.

 
“The monochromatic colour scheme and rich material palette reflect the building’s Art Deco origins, and the striking collection of large-scale black and white photographs adds graphic impact,” continues Michelle, who says the dramatic finishes inject a sense of seduction into the home.

 
The warehouse boasts large open spaces filled with natural light, so the decision to install industrial metal blinds seemed an obvious one as they can relieve the harsh afternoon sun. Additionally, commercial-grade flooring and finishes were installed as the property would be used for rental purposes.

 
Highly expressive and undeniably chic, this residence revels in history and packs a punch with its dramatic fit-out and edgy Art Deco vibe. We want in!

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