Interior architecture and design practice Esoteriko was born from a “shared passion for thoughtful, layered design and a commitment to detail and materials – we always have our materials surrounding us and on hand when we work”, says its founder, Anna Trefely, from their new studio in Sydney’s Surry Hills.
What was the design concept? We wanted the space to be simple, to let the bones of the heritage warehouse be the hero. Minimal interventions were made to achieve maximum functionality. Even a meeting room was considered as a ‘light touch’ – almost as a piece of furniture. It couldn’t extend to the ceiling, so we found alternative ways to create privacy and acoustic treatment.
The Esoteriko team at work. (Photography: Jessie Prince)
Were there requirements for the space? We were after a naturally light-filled open work area with enough space for the separate meeting room. The light here really appealed to me as it floats through the soaring steel sash windows. The whole building was once a factory full of seamstresses and their whirring sewing machines. Apparently, during the war, they would sew army uniforms, which would then be taken to the nearby cricket stadium for fittings. The building manager told me that it took many rounds with metal detectors to extract all the sewing-machine needles from between the floorboards. Whenever I spot a glint on the floor, I often think of those hard-working women.
What did your alterations entail? We sanded old layers of paint from the floorboards to expose the original hardwood and built the meeting room, which we lined with a natural seagrass for the acoustics. We added simple lighting and furnishings, in addition to custom-designed display shelving, desks and storage.
(Photography: Jessie Prince)
How does the space reflect the work you do? The completed space is honest and hardworking. It does a lot with not much, creating comfort without being excessive. I’m obsessed with the light and love being surrounded by our samples while still having breathing room to see things properly. I also enjoy being within walking distance of so many suppliers, collaborators and art galleries in this part of Surry Hills.
What are your favourite pieces? Our meeting chairs, which we sourced from a vintage agent and had upholstered in leather hides ranging from tan to beige. Another favourite is the table we designed in furniture-grade birch plywood with interlocking exposed joints. We created a double-layered top that provides a large under-bench shelf, where we store recycled paper ready to sketch on. The desk’s design facilitates our creative process.
The Design Team
ESOTERIKO: esoteriko.org
Founder Anna Trefely (above right) says they start a typical day early with design meetings, going Founder Anna Trefely (above right) says they start a typical day early with design meetings, going through piles of materials and rough sketches on rolls of trace paper. There is a faint waft of incense and a low beat pumping from the speaker as they move from computer screen to tabletop, reviewing and refining. Following this are client or contractor meetings. Over lunch, they often have suppliers present new products or materials or visit showrooms.a faint waft of incense and a low beat pumping from the speaker as they move from computer screen to tabletop, reviewing and refining. Following this are client or contractor meetings. Over lunch, they often have suppliers present new products or materials or visit showrooms. ‘Kyrre’ stool from Ikea. ‘Cosm’ chair from Living Edge. Vases by Floris Wubben and from Studio Gardner. (Photography: Jessie Prince)
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Saskia Neacsu
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