The Laminex story began in 1934 in suburban Melbourne where Robert Sykes started Laminex in a small tin shed. Over the years, this business grew to be one of Australia’s leading manufacturers.

While the iconic Australian brand has grown a lot over nine decades, its ethos has always remained the same – the belief that every Australian deserves great quality products with great quality design.

The evolution of Laminex began after World War II, when Sykes was captivated by a new trend appearing overseas for decorative laminates. He travelled to the US to research the fabrication of decorative laminates and began producing Australia’s first interior décor product range in the early 1950s. With Australia’s cities booming, new house builds thriving and a demand for affordable furniture escalating, Sykes’ foresight to innovate was astute.

The Cheltenham plant in Victoria was established in 1952, which featured a cutting-edge hydraulic press to enable rapid production processes and an expansion of the product range to meet market demand and improve revenues. It was here that Laminex became the only producer of thin high-pressure and more recently compact laminates in Australia and New Zealand – which still stands today.

For the past 90 years, Laminex has consistently set the benchmark for material innovation, leading to an extensive product range that has expanded to include modern laminates, acrylic surfaces, wall panelling products and more. For many Australians, Laminex products have been a fundamental part of their households – bringing durability, functionality, and personality to the heart of the home.

This year commemorates the remarkable 90-year journey of Laminex. This significant milestone is a celebration of the evolution of being the very fabric of Australian design. Over the past nine decades, Laminex has created a range of innovative and diverse brands that are serious multi-taskers, leading the way in expert quality, design-led materials for contemporary living. With an extensive portfolio across Laminex, Formica, Surround by Laminex and HI-MACS, there is a carefully curated product for everyone and every space.

The success of Laminex products can be attributed to an ongoing focus on product and manufacturing innovation, and a pursuit of continuous improvement, elevating performance across its entire spectrum of operations. Throughout the company’s 90 years in business, Laminex has continually adapted, reinvesting in the skills, safety, performance, and capacity of its plants through new equipment, training, and development.

90 years on, Laminex takes pride in knowing its customers can take comfort in the fact that the Laminex products used in their homes are not only design-led and durable, but also support the Australian economy and are backed by incredible sustainable credentials. The design world may be forever evolving, but one thing that remains the same is Australia’s love for Laminex – it isn’t just owned and manufactured in Australia; it’s loved in kitchens, bathrooms and beyond, nationwide. 

For more information on Laminex products, visit laminex.com.au 

Classics like Tiffany or Nouveau, among others, have taken new shapes bringing more aesthetic value to each collection. They stand on their benefiting from a new set of characteristics while remaining true to their counterparts’ elegance. Nevertheless, PullCast also offers brand-new high-quality decorative hardware that possesses a distinctive aesthetic. These new products are divided across the Earth, Cosmopolitan, Texture, and Kids collections.

Sonoran EA1124

Sonoran drawer handle celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of the world’s most known desert by Providing high character and magnificence. It allows one to create an authentic and architectural door scheme.

Tiffany Marble CM3070/CM3077

The Tiffany handles were designed to resemble perfect shapes and eternal purity, exclusive pieces bound to give a sense of unmatched contemporaneity, refinement, and rarity to any furniture design style. These new additions are no exception coming in a doorknob and lever models that perfectly combine the beauty of marble with the timeless nature of brass.

Zenith CM3065

Having architectural features in consideration, Zenith embodies a linear and geometric character. The lustrous brass accents of Zenith fully unfold in the natural stone. The white veined pattern and black background of the Nero Marquina marble offer a layered nature to this door pull.

Zeno CM3067

Zeno makes an imposing statement, evoking the monumental nature of architectural landmarks. Its main rectangular silhouette receives additional geometric enhancements detailed in brass and marble. The contrast between polished brass and veined marble allows Zeno to furnish any door with a timeless sculptural scheme.

Macaron CM3067

Inspired by one of the most famous and treasured French desserts, this Macaron hardware piece exudes delicacy, charm, and distinction, making it the perfect complement. The rounded pull becomes an instant modern classic, providing a sculptural scheme.

Macaron CM3080

PullCast has also developed a Macaron door knob to double up that much-desired and quintessential Parisian charm. The Macaron knob comes with a horizontal gold plate with rounded ends. This design presents the same aesthetic as its counterpart, oozing elegance and style while maintaining maximum functionality.

MACRI TE6009

Macri is now introduced as door pulls maintaining the quintessential textured nature of the series. Oversized pulls have revolutionized the market, and these three new designs upgrade the concept, offering attitude and an earthy feel to any setting.

ARA TE6010

Ara brings a refreshing take to ornament design. It still presents a traditional form through carefully carved motifs yet it remains modern with its convex shape and lustrous golden nature. Ara resembles an artifact with its textured glory and peculiar form, an object of contemplation with a cultural feel that is undeniable to its beholders.

TENTY KD7035

PullCast creates the Tenty handle in a playful twist bringing nautical flair to a kid’s bedroom. This majestic piece illustrates the form of a curly tentacle sculpted in brass.

For more information, visit pullcast.eu

With confirmation late last year of a future ban on engineered stone surfaces, putting pressure on industry not to specify the product in new projects, we reached out to our friends at Austaron Surfaces, suppliers of the Staron brand, to discuss alternatives. Here’s what they said…

Solid surface offers a silica-free, seamless and visually striking solution for kitchen surfaces. Unlike traditional materials such as granite or laminate, solid surface countertops are manufactured to be non-porous, allowing for easy maintenance and resistance to stains. This inherent resistance to moisture and bacteria makes solid surface an ideal choice for kitchen environments where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount.

One of the key advantages of solid surface is its ability to be moulded into virtually any shape or size. This flexibility in design allows for the creation of seamless and flowing benchtops that not only look stunning but also eliminate the need for unsightly seams or joints. The absence of visible seams not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen but also makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze, as there are no crevices for dirt or bacteria to accumulate.

Beyond its visual appeal, solid surface countertops offer a tactile experience that sets them apart from other materials. The zero-silica, smooth, non-porous surface feels luxurious to the touch, and the material’s uniform composition ensures that it remains consistent in texture and appearance. This consistency allows for a cohesive design throughout the kitchen, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

Moreover, the versatility of solid surface extends beyond countertops. Solid surface is often incorporated into sinks, splashbacks and kitchen islands as well as decorative pieces, providing a seamless flow of design elements throughout the space.

In terms of colour options, solid surface provides an extensive palette to choose from. The material can be customised to match or complement any kitchen colour scheme, offering a level of design flexibility that is often unparalleled. Whether your clients prefer a classic, timeless look or a bold and contemporary statement, solid surface countertops can be tailored to suit individual tastes and style preferences.

The long-term benefits of solid surface make it a wise investment for many homeowners. Its durability, resistance to stains, and ease of maintenance ensure that solid surface countertops will stand the test of time, providing enduring beauty and functionality in the heart of the home.

For more information visit https://austaronsurfaces.com/staron-solid-surfaces/

The patented Protek Bigfoot® system transforms interior spaces with its innovative functions within the collection of retractable sliding modular units and furnishing accessories. Installation can be integrated inside a wall or adjacent to an existing wall, using a pocket frame fitted out with a variety of solutions, depending on the needs of the space.

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Available in a wide range of finishes, materials and colours with a range of matching accessories, Protek Bigfoot® is a versatile solution to a range of project design needs. As is expected of any “Made in Italy” product, it features high technical and functional value as well as attention to detail and a strong focus on aesthetic results.

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The pocket frame is specifically designed and patented to hold a Bigfoot® module with one frame compatible with a range of modules which are interchangeable over time – meaning the interior solution can be updated to meet the needs of the inhabitants as they change. As it is not required to be fixed to the floor, it can be retrofitted and comes ready for a variety of coating solutions.

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Made from fully-recyclable aluminium, the pocket frame is highly durable with a long life span. The Bigfoot® modules include Milano (for wardrobes), Chanel (for shoe racks) and Firenze (for storage).

Protek is known for its focus on creative design, modern technology and precision that allows it to cater for tailored projects with an emphasis on maximising and utilising room space. Since its establishment in the 1990s, Protek has specialised in high quality, patented sliding systems that offer innovative and unique solutions for interior spaces. All products are designed and manufactured in Italy.

For more information visit protek-controtelai.com/en/home/

Alberto Antolini, CEO of the historic company founded in Verona in 1956 explains: “We are very proud to be participating in the 2023 edition of Marmomac, one of the natural stone industry’s most prestigious events and an extraordinary opportunity to share our passion and our discoveries with both industry professionals and those who truly appreciate beauty.”

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Antolini’s top products were showcased on a stand that intentionally distanced itself from the “normal” trade fair displays with a temporary installation which aimed to display rather than show emotional surfaces by discovering the infinite potential of the natural stones in Antolini’s collections.

The resulting space had a distinctly museum-like atmosphere, ready to be explored and discovered by visitors. Carefully curated by Alessandro La Spada, who is also the creative mind behind some of Antolini’s most eclectic collections, the stand was enclosed in a neutral monolith – a white box – that conceals its contents from view, revealed only at the entrance.

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A play of transparencies is made possible by the translucence of Cristallo Vitrum, a natural marvel that evokes the image of a sheet of glacial ice. Visitors were welcomed in a reception area that is itself an element of wonder, centred on a featured stone;  Patagonia Vitrum, natural quartz embellished with different types of natural minerals that are book-matched and displayed on the wall and in the sculptural reception counter. Backlighting adds to its impressive visual impact.

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The visitors journey continues into the Museo Infinitum, a gallery where natural stone becomes a work of art. Finishes from the Textures+ Collection were enclosed in refined, polished brass frames to become sculptures displayed offset from the wall. To the right of the gallery was a backdrop that seems to float in the air, with stones from the Exclusive Collection set flush with the wall as tru works of art. The reflective surface of the ceiling duplicates and mirrors the exposed surfaces, similar to the effect of bookmatched installations.

Visitors were wowed by the display of crystals from the Antonlini collections, showcased on cantilevered, backlit displays. Two sculptural seats, also made of crystal, offered the ideal location for contemplating the expressive power of these natural stones. The starring role is reserved for Antolini’s third natural stone Amazonite, a quartzite featuring enchanting turquoise tones that contrast dramatically with the emerald green background, alternating with warmer and more neutral nuances.

For more information visit antolini.com/en/

Celebrating the beauty of real wood while offering the liveability of veneer, the Shinnoki collection redefines luxury for refined settings and tastes. Shinnoki is a homage to wood and craftsmanship, combining tradition, modern technology, and attention to detail.

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Expertly crafted with innovative techniques that guarantee a beautiful and harmonious surface, these ready-to-use panels amplify the beauty and warmth of solid wood.

Optimised, state-of-the-art treatments deliver a super matte soft-touch finish, and deeper brushed real wood experience, helping Shinnoki become one of the softest woods on the market. A six-layer varnishing process provides the ultimate protection against micro scratches as well as improved protection against liquids, making Shinnoki panels a go-to option for horizontal use*.

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The advanced finishing technology penetrates the pores of every Shinnoki panel, insuring protection against drips and spills.

Shinnoki offers a curated collection of contemporary, classic tones that will effortlessly fit any palette or style that your project requires. Readily available in 18 looks and as panels, veneers and edge banding, Shinnoki effortlessly fits the needs of any project and brings bespoke style and timeless charm to any room.

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With its enhanced finish, Shinnoki is now more versatile than ever before, allowing the panels to be used for a wide range of applications, including table tops for both residential and commercial use.​

Shinnoki panels are as sturdy as they are stylish. Decospan’s best-in-class finish is the result of a six-layer varnishing process that provides the ultimate in protection without compromising on touch, colour, and look.

Decospan’s artisanal manufacturing process employs a unique mix-match technology, enabling its craftsmen to create a harmonious surface out of choice cuts of veneer, without compromising on quality. Shinnoki timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests.

For more information visit shinnoki.com/en-us/

_{*Horizontal use is not recommended for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.}

The White Paper comes after the fourth-generation family business recently announced its new campaign for sustainable practices called “Act today, think of tomorrow.”, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and addressing environmental concerns on a daily basis, starting at the employee level.

The White Paper highlights that recent studies looking at Global Warming paint a grim picture for the future and businesses need to adapt a practical sustainability strategy that is not only easy to understand and implement, but also is also pertinent to their operations and settings.

For cabinetry hardware fittings, various factors come into place such as energy consumption, waste management, operational safety, worker rights, environmental friendliness and social responsibility.

Hettich has already accomplished a lot in terms of sustainability, but they have committed to doing even more. Their key targets include avoiding CO2 emissions, continuously reducing remaining emissions, conserving resources, improving energy efficiency, optimising the recyclability of their products, and promoting biodiversity at their operating bases. Hettich also offer climate change awareness workshops, incentives for using climate-friendly transportation, and works with suppliers to find alternative sustainable materials or improve the recyclability of Hettich products.

Read the White Paper here or for more information on Hettich, visit web.hettich.com/en-au/home

This publication features a range of exciting new products and showcases additions to Lincoln Sentry’s current brand portfolio.

The March 2023 issue will help you discover how the Gold Coast’s MacLean brothers from Latitude Motorhomes are making the most of every space in the premium motorhome market with the help of Lincoln Sentry. Motorhome ownership in Australia is at a record high and, with the level of detail that goes into manufacturing, it’s easy to see why.

As the world deals with the long-lasting effects of the pandemic, many are taking this opportunity to rethink their priorities and a motorhome lifestyle is the perfect way to “live in the moment”. A motorhome is not only a new home, but it allows the owners to create a “holiday” lifestyle and explore new interests in a more flexible living environment.

This issue also celebrates Lincoln Sentry’s 2022 Supplier of the Year – Gollinucci. Gollinucci designs and creates cabinet accessories that make everyday tasks a pleasure. ‘Designed for every day’ is a brand promise that combines beautiful aesthetics with robust functionality. Gollinucci is creating exciting spaces with Lincoln Sentry, a leading Australian trade distributor of specialty hardware products for residential and commercial cabinetmakers and window & door manufacturers.

Plus, take a closer look at Blum’s recent MERIVOBOX box system release and Breezeway’s energy-saving Double Glazed Altair® IGLU® Louvre System (above), alongside other innovative products that are sure to help you transform ordinary spaces into the extraordinary.

Run, don’t walk, to read Issue 2 of The Collective by Lincoln Sentry to read up on the latest products and additions to various ranges to help you create exciting spaces to live, work and play.

Read Issue 2 here: lincolnsentry.com.au/page/the-collective

The company will be exhibiting at Interzum in Hall 10.2 at Stand H83 with its new products set to make messy cables a thing of the past. As access to wireless charging has become the expected standard from consumers, these solutions enable businesses to provide a simple and powerful convenience to their customers by incorporating them into desks, dining tables, nightstands, kitchen counters and other furniture in public and private spaces.

The latest innovations from Zens push the boundaries of wireless charging and continue to improve everyday living through advancements in technology coupled with clean, modern designs. Zens offers a broad assortment of different wireless charging solutions, varying from ultra-luxury to basic and from single to multi chargers, all sharing the newest technology and a modern design.

Liberty Built-In Glass & Liberty Built-In Solid White

The 4-in-1 Zens Liberty Built-In wireless charger provides ultimate freedom of placement making wireless charging even more convenient and truly effortless. The see-through tempered glass surface reveals the inside technology, giving a luxurious and inspiring look and feel. It is the ideal charging solution for a premium hotel room or luxury suite, allowing guests to charge up to four devices simultaneously.

The Liberty Built-In Solid White blends almost invisibly with most office furniture and kitchens. In addition to the wireless charging option for two devices, the Liberty Built-In’s feature both a built-in USBA and USB-C port to charge up to four devices.

PuK Combi USB-C PD & Zens PuK Combi

The Zens PuK Combi enables the user to charge multiple devices simultaneously, including a laptop, tablet, smartphone or headphones without the need for bulky power strips. This integrated charging solution combines wireless charging with a standard power socket or double USB-C port. It can be visibly integrated into an office desk or meeting room allowing users to tap into the power for their devices, without unnecessary cables and adapters that typically leave an office looking cluttered and disorganised.

The Zens PuK Combi is available in two models. With USB-C port or standard power socket and comes with an integrated Qi wireless charger. With these variations, Zens has the perfect combination for all kind of environments, depending on the user’s preferences.

Puk & Play Built-in wireless charger 10- & 15-watt output

The Puk & Play Built-in wireless charger is a unique, ultra-thin, wireless charger designed to provide a simple wireless power source that is easy to install and convenient across multiple spaces. This best-in-class wireless charger features a minimalistic design and is regarded as the thinnest (only 5mm) built-in wireless charger available. The installation is simple, requiring the user only to drill a small 9mm hole for perfect and seamless installation with minimal changes to the furniture. The Zens Built-in wireless charger is available in 10 and 15 watt and is supplied with an adapter (US/EU/UK) and a two meter/79-inch-long cable.

For more information visit https://makezens.com/

The new website features a clean and modern design, intuitive navigation, and a wealth of resources and information to help the market better understand HVG’s diverse brands and unique product portfolio.

The new website was developed with Architects, Designers, Trades and Homeowners in mind, and HVG worked closely with a team of designers and developers to create a site that is both beautiful and functional. From the home page to the inner pages, the new site is designed to be easy to navigate, with quick and easy access to the key information  customers need.

“We’re thrilled to launch our new website and share it with our customers, partners, and the public,” said Mark Thomson, GM of HVG Decorative Building Products. “We believe that this new website will be a valuable resource for our key markets, with the goal to be informative, inspirational and showcase our fantastic product offer, we believe we’ve succeeded in doing just that. “

The new website also features a number of enhancements designed to improve the user experience, including:

• Order samples across all brands in one cart and dedicated samples platform.
• Improved search functionality, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. Search by application, brand, colour or even industry.
• Project profiles from partners and industry focused products to help navigate the multiple surface solutions.
• A resources and news section, featuring the latest brochures, technical data, news and inspiration.
• HVG’s stance and commitment to sustainability and how we work with our partners on common goals.
• One website to home the company’s complete portfolio – Wilsonart, SmartStyle, Homapal, Zenolite, SmartPanel & DIBOND – no need to navigate across three platforms.

Changing the way the industry searches for surface solutions starts here. For more information visit hvgbuilding.com.au.

The campaign reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and addressing environmental concerns on a daily basis, starting at the employee level.

Hettich has a long-standing commitment to sustainability for its offices, building and production facilities, with binding principles having been in place since the early 1990s that recognise the significance of these strategies as a way to preserve the environment for future generations. Hettich prioritises the long-term sustainability of its operations and aims to maintain a business model that is consistent with their principles.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Hettich has set a goal for its sites to become Climate Neutral by 2030. The company is already taking steps towards this target, such as promoting employee mobility, transitioning to electric and hybrid cars for its fleet, and implementing necessary travel and digital meetings. Hettich’s most recent sustainable practices include the new C3 production facility in Kirchlengern, Germany, which exceeds the energy efficiency requirements defined in the German Building Energy Act (GEG) from 2020 by 84%.

Hettich’s commitment to sustainability is not just a slogan, but a core value that is reflected in its operations around the world. One example of this is the headquarters and warehouse in Kemps Creek, New South Wales, where the business has taken significant measures to reduce its environmental impact.

The company’s on-grade loading/unloading docks, for instance, reduce energy usage and increase efficiency in our logistics processes. Hettich has also installed LED lighting and skylights, which significantly reduce its electricity consumption and help to create a more pleasant work environment. In addition, solar panels and rainwater harvesting tanks allow Hettich to generate its own renewable energy and collect rainwater for use in its facilities. The company has also installed sprinkler systems to reduce water usage and help to prevent fires. Finally, it has added electric car charging stations to encourage the use of sustainable transportation options among employees and customers.

To learn more about Hettich’s sustainable practices and commitment to environmental responsibility, visit the website and check out the new flyer.