Exemplifying effective choices of eco-friendly materials, Cromwell Property Group by Melanie Johnson and the design team at Gray Puksand, and MMG by Evan Lancman of BRL Contracting, have both won ForestOne’s Specified Responsibly EuroCucina Trade Competition for the month of April. With their exemplary use of EGGER’s wood-based décor products, Melanie and Evan have been entered into the draw for the 2024 Grand Prize to win a trip for two to EuroCucina in Milan, Italy.
With the guidance of their respective ForestOne representatives, Melanie and Evan have confidently used EGGER decorative products for each of their designs. As each workspace came with its own set of requirements, both Melanie and Evan were diligent in meeting the design needs for their individual projects. The winners have also showcased how specific project needs can be fulfilled through the use of sustainably made materials to provide an enduring design.
With Cromwell Property Group, Melanie – as part of the Gray Puksand team – wanted to create a space that exemplified her client’s desire to challenge the ordinary office environment. As such, the Gray Puksand team, with Melanie, were tasked to design a workspace that focused on a curated and tailored experience that connects people, spaces and technology while also promoting collaboration, wellbeing and learning. The “design language needed to be centred on balancing a timeless aesthetic with warmth and comfort, [which were] crucial facets of the client’s brief,” Melanie says. Catering to a variety of working styles, the workspace includes an “inclusive and engaging entry space [that] anchors the two floors, bringing greenery, light and opportunity for interactions to a commercial environment,” continues Melanie. Fostered over the two levels, the design dedicates one floor to culture and socialisation, whilst the other promotes the welfare of workers, including physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Throughout the Cromwell Property Group workspace project, the key EGGER products specified include the Natural Kendal Oak, Tobacco Pacific Walnut, Cashmere Grey, Beige Textile and Stone Grey, which was incorporated as a feature within the joinery to elevate the design. Additionally, Natural Kendal Oak was utilised across all aspects of the fit-out, including joinery, furniture and storage spaces. “The high level of detail in this product assists in creating a natural and warm palette across the space,” informs Melanie, before explaining that “the versatility and adaptability of EGGER’s décor products allow us to specify colours, which complement the overall design language, giving us the flexibility to create cohesive design narratives.”
More importantly, “the sustainable attributes of the EGGER boards allow us to specify a product that not only achieves a project’s aesthetic vision, but also has a positive environmental impact,” continues Melanie. Throughout the process, Melanie was able to rely on her specification representative, Kellie Cross, “from specification and client approvals to tender documentation and construction commencement,” she says. “ForestOne has been a dependable and supportive partner.”
Catering to a variety of working styles, the workspace includes an “inclusive and engaging entry space [that] anchors the two floors, bringing greenery, light and opportunity for interactions to a commercial environment,” says Melanie.
Enhancing an office space, Evan Lancman of BRL Contracting, as well as builders and architects from the Cachet Group, assisted in completing a full office fit-out for Cachet Group’s MMG project. “We had the opportunity to provide our insights into the design and changes that would aesthetically suit the client’s expectations,” says Evan. “The outcome is a beautiful combination of glass cabinets with elegant curves, integrated LED lighting and carefully crafted woodwork.” Elevating the office fit-out was EGGER’s Natural Kendal Oak wood décor. “The reason this particular EGGER finish was selected was due to the natural feel and sleek design that was going to highlight key joinery items throughout the project,” Evan explains.
Focused on sustainable design, Evan and BRL Contracting have assisted architects in presenting the EGGER range as an alternative finish in order to meet the consistently growing needs of ecological design. “There has been a notable change within the industry that most stakeholders are presenting a passion for the environment,” says Evan, “and within BRL Contracting that is something that is extremely important to our values as a company.”
Working with a reputable company such as ForestOne, which provides environmentally sustainable options, contractors like Evan can be confident in the products they are working with. “The team at ForestOne, especially our sales representative Vicki Dwyer, were exceptional in providing a service that was never questionable,” says Evan. “We worked very closely with Vicki to understand what we were trying to achieve and [she] directed us to the best-suited product for this project.” As with a majority of projects securing the required stock as well as having consistent communication with sales representatives can be a challenge, yet “ForestOne always found a way to provide a quality product and exceptional service,” Evan praises.
Elevating the office fit-out was EGGER’s Natural Kendal Oak wood décor. “The reason this particular EGGER finish was selected was due to the natural feel and sleek design that was going to highlight key joinery items throughout the project,” Evan explains.
“By consciously advocating for and incorporating EGGER products, we align our designs with sustainable principles, ensuring that our projects contribute positively to the environment and the wellbeing of those who inhabit them,” says Melanie. Through their proactive selection of EGGER materials, both Melanie and Evan have prioritised eco-friendly choices introspective of their individual projects. Moreover, with the help of the ForestOne representatives, the winners were able to ensure that their designs effectively met their respective clients’ desired expectations.
Author: Brett Winchester
Photography: Cieran Murphy | https://cieranmurphy.com/
Photography: Tim Allen | https://www.timallenphoto.net/
Gray Puksand | https://www.graypuksand.com.au/
BRL Contracting | https://brlcontracting.com.au/
