Award of Merit:

Simone Haag, Tom Robertson Architects and Studio Sly for Bassano

Simone Haag is an Interior Decorator based in Melbourne. Simone likes to think of her work as a blank page, an empty book - boundless, full of possibilities - a story wanting to be written, a tale waiting to be told. Simone draws upon 12 years of decorating project experience that has resulted in exceptionally beautiful outcomes. She creates spaces that are textured, timeless, layered and refined, collaborating with a network of local and international suppliers and craftspeople. Simone is regularly invited for commentary within the design industry. She has served on numerous design juries including the IDEA and GOYTA awards, was shortlisted as Belle Emerging Designer of the Year (2020) and is an ambassador for distinguished brands including Lavazza, Samsung, Tint, Mecca Cosmetica and Tacchini. Inspired by the lessons gleaned in her early career, Simone has also committed to mentoring emerging designers and her solid reputation in the industry landed her a presenter role on the TV show, Dream Homes Revealed on 9 Life. Her projects are regularly featured in Australian design award shortlists and in premium publications including Elle Decoration UK, Domino, Belle, Vogue Living and Real Living. Her aim is to be recognised as a warm and welcoming curator of fine furniture, art, objects and lighting. 

Tom Robertson Architects are a diverse team, driven by a shared love of exceptional architecture. Motivated by his belief in personal, flexible service, he established his own practice in 2013. Design is a process of collaboration. Tom Robertson Architects are dedicated to an approach that is accessible and consultative, helping clients to refine their ideas and articulate what they love. True collaboration is grounded in trust, open communication and enthusiasm for the project. Tom Robertson Architects are not defined by one aesthetic or style, but by an approach that is sympathetic to context and environment. Every project is unique yet founded on the central belief that good architecture brings joy. Working with a restrained palette of natural materials, Tom Robertson Architects find elegance in simplicity. Employing refined design that is rooted in pragmatism and driven by beauty, the practice is focused on creating enduring, contemporary architecture. 

Studio Sly is a graphic and brand agency, solo-run by designer Lauren Finks. As a graphic designer Lauren pushes the studio's outputs past traditional graphic design exploring executions across a range of mediums, be it print, building, textile and more, believing that good design extends across every surface. Understanding the core of people, relationships, and businesses is what informs each design.

About the Project

Bassano is a new offering of accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula. It involves the reinvention of two existing cabins to create a single luxury private suite and adjoining artists’ studio. The process was a true collaboration between Architect, Builder, Decorator, Stylist and Graphic Designer. The team have pushed unexpected materiality to deliver this split existence, one of luxurious escape and another of creativity. For the owner, who was also the builder, this project was a labour of love. 

The interior concept is intended to invoke a sense of relaxation, grounded in calming textures and tones. The main central steel spine strongly defines the identity of the space, with its refined industrial detailing and boldly carves the project into two halves. In response to the project brief, the interiors provide a private and intimate retreat away from the urban chaos. 

Electing to step back from the decorating phase of the design process, the client placed enormous trust in the team to create an immersive and welcoming experience for their future guests. Delighted that they had eschewed a farmhouse or super modern aesthetic synonymous with so many properties of this nature, they looked to the team to create an eclectic, layered interior imbued with warmth. Inspired by their family ties to the Italian Village – BASSANO, Simone Haag proposed a collection of 1960’s and 70’s Italian items, paired with a curated mix of contemporary components. A spectacular re-issue of the Radiofonographo Stereo, vintage Italian light fixtures and an Annie Hieronymus sofa contrast modern pieces like a side table by artisan Zachary Frankel. The overall effect is diverse but cohesive, enhancing the exquisite level of detail in the architecture and interiors. 

Tom Robertson Architects dramatically shaped the way the sun enters and bounces through both cabins, using a strategic contrast of light and dark tones to create a balanced sense of calm. The native landscaping outside and the warm timbers inside contrast against a more industrial aesthetic seen in the cabinetry and the deep, hard-edged centralised concrete bath. In response to the project brief, the proposal involved 4 key manoeuvres. Two distinct spaces, Casual + Intimate, a diving wall inserted, voids subtracted to curate the connection and the introduction of a centralised concrete bath. 

The branding concept for BASSANO by Studio Slye was 2-fold. Firstly to mimic architectural elements from within the interior and reflect textures experienced within the space. Secondly to connect Founders Eliza and Scott into the brand by tying the design back to Italian heritage in a contemporary manner. This was achieved by using typefaces from Italian foundries, papers that reflected textures from space, colours that complimented the interior. By telling a story through textural applications they were able to create cohesion across all elements of design and create an experience that is memorable.

Category: Place

Designers and Project Team:
Interior Decoration and styling (Furniture, Lighting, Art & Objects)
Simone Haag

Architecture:
Tom Robertson Architects
Tom Robertson – Director
Mitch Mewing - Project Architect

Branding: Lauren Finks, Creative Director at Studio Sly.
Build by Bieëmele
Landscape BLAC
Bassano Photography by Derek Swalwell
Simone Haag portrait by Fi Storey