Located at Reid House in the heart of Sydney’s central business district, the new Kao Salon Academy is a hub for education, bespoke events and innovative classes. Everything from hair and make-up to studio photography is conducted under one roof, with specially designed rooms for technical hands-on colour and styling sessions, theory learning, and classes in styling and design.
Designed by DNA Design, this new fitout creates a seamless flow across multiple areas, each with their own unique requirements. The building itself dates back to 1906 and is heritage listed, which added constraints to what could be done but provided the opportunity to renovate some of its original features, such as its hardwood support columns, to reinforce its Australian identity.
The designer, Anthony Farmer, worked closely with to meet the needs of the project across many areas. Three of Austaron Surfaces’ key brands were used – Staron Solid Surface, Mario Romano Walls and Kaynemaile Architectural Mesh. More than just decorative surfaces, these brands offer that were chosen for their specific aesthetic and functional qualities.
Looking to create a ‘wow’ factor, the designer selected for the feature wall at the front entry of the Academy. Mario Romano Walls are an exclusive line of textured, etched, and multidimensional wall surfaces routed directly into Staron Solid Surface. The feature wall is backlit and sits off the ceiling and up off the floor, achieving a floating effect that leaves a memorable first impression.
For the reception counter, and lunch/tearoom, the design called for clean lines, simplicity, and monochromatic finishes. was selected not only for its premium aesthetic, but also for its durability, hygiene and stain resistance, particularly given that white was the colour of choice. These qualities ensure ease of cleaning and no change to the surface’s colour over time.
Staron is repairable, renewable and UV stable, and after years of use the surface can simply be sanded and restored back to its original condition. Staron’s homogenous make-up means that it is a solid color throughout rather than just a surface coating. It is also easily thermoformed into flowing curves or sculpted into any shape imaginable, allowing for long and wide continuing surfaces that perform as one piece.
Within the confines of the space, , a modern chainmail fabric consisting of polycarbonate interlinked rings, provided a unique focal point that could be adjusted to open or close off spaces. Two screens were specified, one with floor-to-ceiling installation used to encompass the larger area, while the other smaller screens were connected to steel work that were attached to the walls to deliver a more compact space.
Kaynemaile’s ability to create a privacy screen while maintaining visibility and airflow was a perfect balance for this fitout’s requirements. A combination of fixed screens and folding screens were used, allowing users to adjust and divide the space as needed while providing a decorative backdrop to enhance the interior aesthetic.
The lightweight and malleable construction of Kaynemaile ensures easy installation, whether it be a simple ceiling-hung solution or as a curved form. In addition, the material is extremely robust, fire resistant, scratch resistant and impact resistant, making it suitable for many uses.
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