Grounded in Design – Kennedy Nolan Architects with Bremworth

Kennedy Nolan’s Fitzroy premises were something of a dream come true for the architects. The practice had long admired the Carter Couch-designed 1980s building, which features exposed precast concrete boundary walls with a modernist agricultural aesthetic throughout. In designing the interiors to suit the architecture, the architects strived to represent their own design ethos and to create comfort and softness within what was otherwise a hard shell – an aim which was achieved on a large part due to Kennedy Nolan’s collaboration with Bremworth.

Long and narrow, the Fitzroy office building spans three levels with the dynamic addition of a roof deck and mezzanine space. It has low ceilings throughout, aside from a double-height volume to the rear of the building, and includes a ground floor that features a broad staircase, which leads up to the practice’s conference room. Early on, the architects made the decision to keep the ground floor as a malleable open space, which would allow them to host events and bring people together. Recently, it has been used for practice and performance by a musical quartet, as well as for both impromptu gatherings and planned events.

All that open space meant the flooring had to be a strong yet subtle feature, and Bremworth was a trusted choice when it came to choosing carpet, explains architect Rachel Nolan. “We had come across Bremworth’s beautiful Galet carpet range when designing a hotel in the CBD, and we were immediately drawn to the quality, bold colours and plush texture. The rawness of our studio’s concrete walls required a soft companion and Galet in Sage is perfect.”

The softness of the carpet invites guests to sit comfortably on the wide spanning stairs and provides an acoustic buffer in this open, concrete-clad room. The colour references the practice’s inclination towards green and also the architects’ love of what they refer to as ‘nature’s neutrals’ – nature-inspired shades that lend colour without overwhelming a space. With its plush weave, Galet carpet also has a sense of softness both in its tone and texture.

“We had come across Bremworth’s beautiful Galet carpet range when designing a hotel in the CBD, and we were immediately drawn to the quality, bold colours and plush texture. The rawness of our studio’s concrete walls required a soft companion and Galet in Sage is perfect.”

When it comes to making colour and material choices, Kennedy Nolan has a tendency to look beyond fickle trends, with a strong respect for individuality in design – a factor that also informs decisions around the companies the practice works with. The architects are also careful to back companies that are dedicated to the movement towards environmentally friendly manufacturing. Both of these ideals drew Kennedy Nolan to Bremworth, which has recently proved its dedication to lowering its carbon footprint and reducing waste. In 2021, Bremworth ceased making synthetic carpets, looking instead to ensuring its wool products were as hardy as plastic-based alternatives. The company steadily moves towards circularity, with the aim of all products being compostable and made from renewable resources. Bremworth is also working towards ensuring their manufacturing facilities have a zero-carbon footprint.

While these moves may not be immediately visible in the product, the quality of the carpet remains true to the company’s history, with New Zealand wool always the primary ingredient. For Kennedy Nolan, this means the carpet, as a much-loved feature of the offices, will stand the test of time – no matter how vivacious the ground-floor parties may become.

When it comes to making colour and material choices, Kennedy Nolan has a tendency to look beyond fickle trends, with a strong respect for individuality in design – a factor that also informs decisions around the companies the practice works with.