Craft and Community – Mud Australia by DesignOffice

Mud Australia is the heartbeat of the namesake brand. DesignOffice embraces the community spirit of the company in a space that weaves together the working and residential environment.

Located in Marrickville, Mud Australia is a large, light-filled volume with two clearly defined levels. The lower level is occupied by the company workshop – where employees craft an extensive range of products – whilst the upper level serves as a communal office space, as well as the home of product designer Shelley Simpson and her partner James. The architecture of the upper level speaks to its appeal as a residence, with an express steel frame creating a structure of pleasant simplicity.

DesignOffice and Mud Australia share a history of fruitful collaboration and, naturally, the Marrickville home expresses great insight into the Mud Australia brand.

DesignOffice and Mud Australia share a history of fruitful collaboration and, naturally, the Marrickville home expresses great insight into the Mud Australia brand. The kitchen – which is used by both residents and employees – is presented as the focal point of the space, referencing Mud Australia’s strong connection to food and hospitality. Featuring a purposefully over-scaled eight-metre-long kitchen bench and 12-metre-long back bar, the eye-catching kitchen forms an intuitive and meaningful place for employees to gather.

Whilst the kitchen is highly functional, it is also decorative by virtue of an energised materiality. The textural exterior of the Mud Australia porcelain is complemented by a pair of contrasting laminates by Laminex. On the cabinetry, Laminex AbsoluteMatte establishes a modest and muted appearance whilst HI-MACS from Laminex covers the counter tops with lustre. The exciting textural interplay echoes the dynamic nature of the Mud Australia working environment and further solidifies the significance of the kitchen space.

The kitchen – which is used by both residents and employees – is presented as the focal point of the space, referencing Mud Australia’s strong connection to food and hospitality.

Fundamental to the interior design of the upper level are Mud Australia’s products, which inform the home’s tonal palette. DesignOffice emphasises the colourful nature of the porcelain pieces by establishing a background of neutral colours, resulting in a calming scene of greens and blues. The pre-existing foundation of the upper level is not forgotten, as each additional colour complements the warming timber floors that flow throughout the space while the walls are painted in a harmoniously responsive grey tone.

Mud Australia is a hybrid space, grounded in an innate sense of community. Reflecting their knowledge of the renowned porcelain company, DesignOffice creates a working-residential environment that champions inclusivity above all.