MAKING OF CARBON
DESIGN DIALOGUE
MAKING OF CARBON
We have been exploring ways to refine our collection of metal faceplates, experimenting with modern coating technologies and traditional finishing techniques. What has resulted are two distinct ranges, both made and assembled in Australia.
Alongside photographs of the process, we discuss our ‘making of’ story and why CARBON is so important to us.
IMAGES BY ROGER STONEHOUSE and matthew alexander hill
TAKEN ON LOCATION AT BRIAN MARTIN METALS
how did CARBON come about?
We first began working with metal faceplates for our 13 FLUSH range in 2019. There was a need from designers to pair their electrical with other touch points in a project.
why the relaunch?
Since then, we have been refining our local manufacturing processes and metal selections to a now succinct range of finishes that truly answer the needs of designers whether working on residential, commercial, or public spaces.
ELECTRICAL,
DESIGNED AND MADE
RIGHT HERE.
What’s involved, how many steps are there?
Depends on the finish. Our CARBON hand finishes are a more organic finish, requiring a one-by-one philosophy to ensure quality of patina.
For the CARBON AGED BRASS finish alone, there are a number of steps and processes to achieve the final finish; the metal is laser cut, sorted, sanded, patinated, heated, buffed and waxed - all before hand assembly in our ZETR studio.
why is locally made so important to ZETR?
What’s been important to us in this process is keeping CARBON locally made and assembled in Sydney. Each piece is hand-made, the detail and perfection that goes into this process is unique depending on the finish.
We work closely with our metal sheet suppliers, laser cutters, hand finishers and electroplaters and that’s special to have relationships with so many awesome people across this one series.
what’s the most popular finish?
It honestly changes. We have seen, over the past few years, the popularity move through Natural Brass, through Aged and Bronze, and even a return of chrome and steel. There is no guarantee, and so many finishes work with current design intent - so we broadened the supplied range rather than keeping the best finishes as ‘custom’.
