Elevated Simplicity – Inala Apartment by Brad Swartz Architects

Sydney-based electrical fixtures studio ZETR is defined by the principle that the smallest of things can create the largest impact. Drawing on the success of the 13 Flush Series, ZETR has launched the new surface-mount 12 Series, which features throughout architect Brad Swartz’s own home.

A few years ago, the staid rectangular geometry and gloss white appearance of power outlets was substantially elevated by ZETR with the introduction of a pioneering curved silhouette and flush matte finishes in black and white. These now signature features have allowed for switches and outlets to be integrated into the overarching design language. Taking cues from Australia’s leading architectural and design studios, ZETR has evolved an everyday essential in a way that profoundly subdues the outlets and switches’ presence within spatial design.

Since launching the 13 Flush Series, ZETR has worked closely with architects, designers, installers and specifiers to establish the new 12 Series, which recently won Gold at the 2021 Good Design Awards. Based on this collaborative approach, the 12 Series has been designed to retain the elegant curved design language and minimal finish with a defined edge profile to create a crisp shadow.  ZETR Founder and Design Director Garth Elliott explains that “the 12 Series came about as a more accessible solution and a way to combine existing products in a space for cohesion and balance. 12 is minimal, refined and discreet, and its easy installation and accessible price point mean it is ideally placed for multi-residential projects.”

Brad Swartz Architects, a studio renown for the realisation of smart design in small spaces, recently incorporated both ZETR 12 and 13 series within Director Brad Swartz’s own apartment.  Brad explains that the slimness of ZETR 12’s faceplate, at 2.9 millimetres making it unrivalled in Australia, was key to the decision to include the new product. “We didn’t want to see light switches and power points,” he says, a sentiment that reinforces how ZETR has tapped into the changing way we interact with power, transforming it into a considered, seamless and ingeniously subtle experience.

Since launching the 13 Flush Series, ZETR has worked closely with architects, designers, installers and specifiers to establish the new 12 Series, which recently won Gold at the 2021 Good Design Awards.

“The design of the apartment was based around the relocation of the kitchen from an enclosed room in the north-west corner to the centre of the apartment,” he explains. “This meant, with the careful installation of steel beams, we could locate the living space in the old kitchen location, to make the most of natural light and city views.” Defined by its clean, minimal design, the kitchen is “designed to be the centre of the home and make the most of the early evening light, which is a real standout,” says Brad. The use of trimless ZETR switches and under bench slim profile 12 Series continues the smart integration of appliances to realise a space that is cohesive and well planned with strong execution.

For ZETR, being able to work in concert with Brad and his team throughout the installation process was deeply beneficial ahead of the product launch, allowing for both aesthetics and installation processes to be perfected in-situ. “As one of the first projects to use the 12, Brad was trusting and patient, and we worked together to ensure the rest of the project would be able to be designed around this new product,” says Garth. Using a staged process, Brad and ZETR worked collaboratively to install the 13 flush items initially, with the 12 following in the pre-installed custom joinery. “Brad chose to set the 13 Flush Matte White products into plaster walls and incorporated the 12 Series in joinery locations,” Garth recalls.

“Our designs are often all about creating a sense of calm in a space,” says Brad. “Our apartment and terrace projects drive to provide an escape from the business of living in the city, so the detail counts.” This is reflected across the ZETR brand and in the introduction of the new 12 Series, amplifying the importance of synergy between designer and maker and its impact on the entire experience of space – right down to the smallest details.