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Journal // Studio Visit with Raumform Studio

We visited Raumform Studio at their Modernist beachfront cottage in Karaka Bay.

View Karaka Bay Studio by Raumform Studio

Words and images by Matilda Stein

 

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A short ramble down a path through the kawakawa towards the sea brings me to Raumform Studio. There, I find Gidon and Daniel, and we drink coffee from Stackable Mugs made in collaboration with Everyday Needs, one of Raumform Studio's first projects. We talk about Gidon's love for furniture by Ernst Plischke, ceramic composition, and travel. Gidon can discuss food and swear in multiple languages, but claims he's not multilingual like his cousins. Only the necessary essentials, I say. Raumform Studio's work has been described in this way before, forms celebrated for their very essence, with a sophisticated appreciation of culture, history, and materials. <format> medium left
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The name Raumform is a play on the architectural term raumplan, which was coined by Gidon’s grandfather. Raum is a german word loosely translating to room or “a space to move within”. Form nods to the multi-disciplinary nature of the studio. They work in a wide variety of mediums from architecture and bespoke interior restoration, residential and commercial, to product design and development. They like to keep their parameters fluid, with a deep understanding that is both academic and practical bridging across the field of design. This allows them to eloquently navigate a variety of projects, from larger scale to minute detailing, approaching each step with a seemingly undying passion for craft and making. <format> large

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The Raumform Studio space is an excellent case study of theirs, a completely restored and sensitively converted 1960’s cottage, featuring matai flooring and rimu joinery and an uncovered original woven wall matting that is beautifully complimented by bronze sconces. Utilitarian plywood built-in furniture is sympathetic to the cottage’s period and sits under framed picture windows like it has always been so. <format> large
We walk back up the path to a workshop bathed in dappled light from an ancient pōhutukawa. Gidon explains to me the process of slip casting, a ceramic method used in much of their work, including our Stackable Mugs. He expertly demonstrates pouring a mould, I watch in awe. Daniel is excited about a new ceramic lamp in development, and shows me a prototype. The workshop feels like a truly creative space, and I can see how inspiration can easily spark looking through the trees and out to the motu lining the Waitematā Harbour. <format> medium left
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For more information on Raumform Studio, visit their website raumform.studio. <format> large

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