Your name: Adam Dettrick
What you do: Architect
Your latest project: Cape Paterson Ecovillage – an inspiring project to be involved in because it is proving that zero carbon, sustainable living is affordable now. We have also recently finished the new Movida restaurant in Surry Hills, Sydney.
Who are three people that inspire/excite you:
1) Robin Boyd
2) Jahn Gehl (he started a great ongoing conversation about designing our cities for people)
3) Laurie Baker (British-born Indian architect)
What is your favourite…
Car/bike/plane/boat model: Surly Long Haul Trucker touring bicycle (my ride!)
Chair model: I love the local Melbourne range by Jardan – current favourite: Sunday. When budget is more modest, I often choose Ikea!
Residential space: Gamble House in Pasadena, CA. I really responded to the ambience of the rooms, full of shadowy intrigue – such a contrast to the bright and light that architecture aspires to today. It was a timely reminder that good architecture needs to use light and views with discipline – less can often be more even when it comes to light.
Commercial space: I thought I’d talk about public space rather than commercial. The High Court and National Gallery in Canberra are the two buildings that inspired me to become an architect – I visited them on a school trip in year 11. Both buildings opened my eyes to the possibilities of architecture in modern society, and in retrospect it’s hard to go past the uber concrete detailing!
Decorative product: I really like Castlemaine designers Studio Antic: my current favourite are their print blocks.
Functional product: Wind power generators – clean, green and beautiful. I love everything they symbolise about a future where humanity lives within its means.
Handmade good: Studio Antic (again) for their great screen printing abilities.
Meal: Roast lamb
Restaurant: Movida Aqui
Drink: Pinot noir in moderation of course
Bar: Movida Next Door
Item in your studio: Eames meeting table
Piece of technology: The internet is changing the world for the better in the same way that canals, rail and the motor car did in previous times.
Historical figure: Charles Darwin
Fictional character: Atticus Finch
Vice: Cycling and bushwalking gear
Virtue: Attention to detail
What does ‘sustainability’ mean to you? Living within the means of our planet.
What is your favourite aspect of the Mullum Creek development? It’s great to see a development that takes its environmental responsibilities seriously.
What type of community do you think Mullum Creek will attract? I imagine it will attract people with a shared interest in community and the natural environment.
What does the term ‘Design Hunter’ mean to you? Anyone who can see and understand the benefits of good design is instinctively a ‘Design Hunter’.