Featured on The Noun Collective

Roughly about a year ago, Sydney based creatives David Childs and Kat Parker stopped by the shop to capture a normal day in and out of the workshop. 

They have put together a little documentary and a small collection of photos.

Simply click the image below and it'll take you right there.

Thanks for having a look.

Marty 

The Deanna Lounge Suite

The Deanna Lounge Suite. 

Intended for outdoor use, this piece was designed and made here in the Byron Shire using locally sourced and sustainable products. 

For me information, feel free to email me: martinjohnston@live.com

More photo to come...

Entertainment unit in Bangalow, Byron Bay

The Christmas rush saw all kinds of jobs coming out of the workshop last year but I think I saved the best for last. Peter and Naomi have recently built a beautiful family home in between the hills of Byron Bay and Bangalow and were so excited to have the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle complete before the holidays.

The Entertainment Unit originally was planned for a more recycled look however after doing some research and a few sketches, we decided to keep it simple as the majority of the electronics really defined the use of space. However, Peter and Naomi were both very happy to use solid timbers and keep within the theme of their classical farm house and the surrounding area of the Byron Hinterland. 

Mixed recycled hardwood floor boards were used to form the lower top and "marry in" to the existing floorboards to create a built in feel and also added a seamless transition between the drawers and the standing unit that would house the TV and other electronics. This seamless transition provided from the floors boards to the standing unit was also made to create a hallway between the main bedroom and the living room. This also added the opportunity to have backless bookshelves which help bring a lightness to the entertainment unit.  

This entertainment unit was an enjoyable challenge to make and given the time frame I feel that all expectations were fulfilled. Both Peters and naomi's choice in sustainable forestry certified plywood and solid Hoop Pine were used and left with a rough sawn look and texture as the couple wanted to see the living history in the timber it self. And that they will. With two young boys, I hope that this piece will age with beauty, just like all family homes should. 

Marty.

Two more custom pieces for Gold Coast client

Something a little bit more traditional for a repeat client is this Tasmanian Blackwood sideboard with two concealed drawers.  

And this Blackbutt and Silver Ash record cabinet designed to match the sideboard I made earlier in the year. 

Desk for Brisbane based designer.

Another sleek design from Brissy based designer Rhys Thomas.

Hearth Magazine

It was a nice surprise to receive the second volume of Hearth Magazine during the heat of the Christmas rush this morning. The girls from the Utah, U.S.A, based magazine got in contact and said they would like to story on my father and I, the work that we do and what is most important, Family! 

Bespoke Sideboard - Gold Coast

After seeing my work online, Tony emailed me and asked if I was interested in pricing a sideboard for his newly renovated house in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

After a recent tour through Ernest Hemingway’s house, one of Tony’s most favoured writers, he was inspired by a cabinet he saw there and sent me through an image. It was a simple cabinet yet very practical, holding nothing more then Ernest’s own book collection, LP’s and a couple of ornaments. Tony wanted to take this idea of a practical use of storage and apply it to his vast CD and LP collection but he wanted it beautified with a craftsman’s touch as this bespoke piece of furniture was intended to be in the household for many generations to come.

Ernest Hemingway's original cabinet.

After chatting with Tony and getting a clear understanding of what he wanted, I came up with two drawings. Option A and B. Option A was a basic approach to the specifications that I received and Option B was a more minimalist, mid-century take of the Hemingway cabinet as I have incorporated raised overhead units with down-lights, glass shelves and also the main feature, A 800mm high by 2400mm long solid 40mm thick Black Butt bench top mitred at the corners creating a seamless join as the continuos grain wraps around this timeless piece of furniture.      

                           

Billy Mobbs gave me a helping hand during the installation.

Above is a detailed photo of the mitred cut bench top. It was important to me to try this method of detailed joinery as I don't see much of it these days. It was challenging to cut and join the mitre together and also to fit so perfectly to the wall, but as you can see it creates a seamless look and as a centre piece for the house, I wanted to make sure it was neat as a pin.
 

Detail photos of solid Black Butt timber beading used around the Sliver Ash drawer fronts. 

Detail shot of over head unit.

The contrasting timbers tie in neatly with the continuos grain in the drawer fronts.    

Full extension timber drawers with divisions in the for CD's are mounted on soft-close drawer runners and provide perfect functionality for everyday use.  

A drawer within a drawer. 

With Tony's faith in craftsmanship, it was a pleasure working on such a fine piece of furniture. Working with the highest quality timbers and well thought ideas, this job came together without one drama, even the installation was smooth and if ever given the chance, I would be more then happy to do it all over again.

-Martin.