Architecture Architecture

After years in the making, it’s exciting to see this propped-up in bookshops around town. It’s a book on the architectural works of Australian architect Paul Couch. This was a collaboration between , .xyz, and , now available for purchase from (or link in my bio).
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Paul Couch has long been an elusive figure in Australian architecture. For over six decades he has busied himself creating substantial works, rarely stopping to document his achievements, or to speak of them in public. As a result, his built works have gone largely unrecognised. Paul Couch, Field Studies seeks to redress this, introducing readers to one of Australia’s most significant and enduring architects.

The book focuses on four major residential projects spanning the breadth of Couch’s career, from his own family home in 1975, to the Kew House completed in 2019. Each of the four projects is represented by Couch’s original hand drawings, a written essay and a photo essay. In addition, accompanying extracts from a series of interviews introduce the reader to Couch’s voice, distilling the ideas, images, memories and dreams that animate his aspirations for architecture.

Paul Couch, Field Studies includes essays by Juhani Pallasmaa, Philip Goad, Michael Roper and James Mugavin, a photo essay by Tom Ross exploring the influence of local rock formations on Couch’s architecture, and a brief meditation on concrete by the architect himself. All of this is brought together in an exquisitely presented hardcover book, designed by multi-award winning book designer, Stuart Geddes.

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Big thanks to and for generously hosting our book launch and to .boyd.foundation for hosting a chat with the authors. Event and product photography by .xyz, and .

After a long day in the lab, there’s no better way to let off steam than shooting a few hoops with your buddies. In a convenient marriage of brains and brawn, South Oakleigh College’s new science facility and gymnasium bring the cerebral and the physical into convenient proximity. The new facilities are the first stage in the school’s masterplan, offering contemporary spaces for learning, sports, and collaboration.

In the words of school principal, Helen Koziaris:

“The Aa team have been wonderful to work with over the last two years. They are professional, intuitive, responsive and set high standards in all areas of their work with South Oakleigh College. The master plan, design and build process was a team effort, a partnership between the college and Aa that has delivered an outstanding STEM centre and gymnasium.”
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Photography by .xyz
Landscape by