Sense of place: Michael Leng

Michael Leng, associate senior interior designer at Wingate Architects, creates a concept for an office lobby that is "honest, pure and grounded" in this collaboration with Laminex.

Laminam Ossido Verderame (available from late July 2021); Studio Velvet Curtain in Dragonfly, from Martha’s Furnishing Fabrics; Dome Pendant in Tea, from Monmouth Glass Studio; SpaceCote Flat Paint in Resene Warrior; marble ball, bent brass and branch – stylist’s own. Image:  Photography by Toaki Okano; styling by Sam van Kan

Leng says, “My inspiration is drawn from sense of place: the people, purpose and values that reflect my background and connection to Aotearoa – honest, pure and grounded. I chose Laminam Ossido Verderame to form the backdrop to a boutique office lobby concept.

“Its green, earthy tones have a beautiful, rich, bronze undertone and the overall effect feels very connected to nature. This product is best applied vertically so I imagine it lining the, say, five-metre-high lobby walls as a subtle detail. It is accented by a palette that elevates and enrichens this: introducing organic wood, lighting and furniture from local makers, and addressing the space with soft furnishings.

“I’m also interested in sculptural elements. Richard Serra’s Corten steel Te Tuhirangi Contour at Gibbs Farm expresses movement, tracing the contour line across the land. It is grounded, yet appears light and fluid. The introduction of brass or art as sculptural or focal points would further refine the space and play off the reflections and variations in colour provided by the Ossido Verderame.”

Laminam Ossido Verderame (available from late July 2021); Studio Velvet Curtain in Dragonfly, from Martha’s Furnishing Fabrics; Dome Pendant in Tea, from Monmouth Glass Studio; SpaceCote Flat Paint in Resene Warrior; Brass and Walnut Doorstop by Grant Bailey, from Everyday Needs; Iron Nail, from Everyday Needs; marble ball, bent brass and branch – stylist’s own. Image:  Photography by Toaki Okano; styling by Sam van Kan

This content has been created with support from Laminex. ArchitectureNow works with a range of partners in the A&D supply sector to create and/or source appropriate content for this website and Architecture NZ magazine.


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