Creating enjoyable environments for work and relaxation…
The lift doors open and you know you are in a studio
THE creation of architecture involves many people and disciplines to produce a successful project.
Architects themselves seem to imitate the role of the movie director, controlling and coaxing the core message, continuously assessing and subtly directing the process to achieve the final solution.
No one is more aware of this than James Fitzpatrick, who after studying architecture in Tasmania, explored theatre and film design at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney.
fitzpatrick+partners was created in August 2001, evolving from an independent design studio formed by James Fitzpatrick a year earlier. The award-winning design studio with 45 architects is considered one of the leading commercial architecture practices, with current and completed commissions across Australia.
“The skill is to take a client’s goals and aspirations, develop and evolve these into successful projects which meet and exceed their requirements, and in doing so reflect our philosophy about architecture,” James Fitzpatrick said.
“The result celebrates the solution, not only the technology and principles of construction, but, most importantly, it embraces the full project idea and concept, creating enjoyable environments for both work and relaxation,” he added.
Responsible Wood visited fitzpatrick+partners in the heart of the Sydney CBD.
This journey led us to utilising a new engineered timber floor product developed in Tasmania by NSFP. This prefinished Tas Oak engineered board is installed throughout the 700square metre studio space, and informs the overall aesthetic of the space
The lift doors open and you know you are in a studio. The warmth of informality radiates from every corner, welcoming you to share in the activities on show. The space fits us like a glove; it instils a moral and work ethic into a singular and clear message from the moment of entry.
Immediately we’re treated to the warmth, colour and aroma of the Tassie oak floor, wall and ceiling that includes a 700 sq m ‘Woodsmith’ pre-finished engineered timber floor which informs the aesthetic of the space.
The design studio’s detailing is quiet but considered. When viewed closely, it shows an understanding of the material and how it can be manipulated to its end purpose. The studio is akin to a workshop – timber stools, commissioned timber benches, tables, door pulls and chairs and ply cabinetry, all carefully considered functional workpieces fitting its intended purpose and informing the overall singular message that great architecture is always functional architecture.
The timber flooring in the studio was supplied by Responsible Wood-certified Neville Smith Forest Products in Launceston, one of Australia’s largest and most advanced processors of certified sustainable regrowth forest and wood products, operating in Tasmania since 1924.
The sawmill manufactures high-value appearance-grade products from sustainably-managed and certified forests, supplying both domestic and overseas markets under the Abelwood and Woodsmith brands.
The solution neither follows the rulebook of office design nor implies an Disneyfication to create that workplace of “wonderment”
The Tasmanian Oak solid profiles were supplied by Responsible Wood-certified Brittons Timbers also in Tasmania.
Neville Smith Forest Products and Britton Timbers are both Fine Timber Tasmania licensees, a Responsible Wood Group Chain of Custody certification scheme for the Tasmanian fine timber and hardwood supply chain
fitzpatrick+partners was one of the finalists in the 2021 Australian Timber Design Awards in the Australian Certified Timber category, sponsored by Responsible Wood, Australia’s largest forest certification scheme, winning the best use of timber in a commercial interior award
Responsible Wood has renewed its long-standing commitment, again sponsoring the certified timber category in the 2022 awards to be held later this year.
Now in their 23rd year, the awards are distinguished by a proud heritage of innovation and achievement that promotes and encourages outstanding timber design.
Responsible Wood acknowledges building projects where Australian timber is used and where credentials for sustainability and legality of wood are confirmed through Responsible Wood, PEFC, or FSC certification.
Judging of the 2022 Australian Timber Design Awards has commenced with submissions closing Friday, July 29th 2022.
Responsible Wood Marketing and Communication Officer Jason Ross relishes the importance of forest certification in demonstrating the sustainable origins of timber used on building projects.
“Timber is good but certified timber is much better,” Jason said.
To find our more fitzpatrick+partners please visit https://www.fitzpatrickpartners.com/. To find out more about forest certification in Australia please visit www.responsiblewood.org.au.
