PROPERTY

Slab Shapers

WORDS: PHOTOGRAPHY

What do you get when you combine a carpenter, a boat builder and an

architectural designer?

 

 

Pretty much anything you want – when it comes to interior design.

May I introduce you to Slabshapers, a local Byron Bay-based concrete fabrication business making serious waves in home interiors. Tyson McDuff, Greg Loughlin and Zoe Pohlmann are the perfect combination of skill, creativity and nous. This is simply the perfect mix for a new concept in interior fixtures and fittings. Basically, if you dream it – they can create it.

 

 

Tyson seriously loves concrete and what can be imagined and created with this traditional building medium – how far it could be stretched from ‘just a slab’ with a little bit of love.

Greg comes from a background in construction, fibreglass and boat building; he has an amazing eye for detail and is somewhat of a perfectionist. He eats, sleeps and dreams concrete.

Then there’s Zoe, adding the feminine touch to this team. She’s the architectural designer and the whip-cracker. Her ability to push the design limits for the client and the workshop will guarantee you receive not only exceptional service but also an end result beyond expectation.

Enough of the hype – what do they do with concrete that is so unique?

Well, it’s actually GFRC or Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete. Which means you get the strength and aesthetic of a concrete finish without the weight. It’s a new product here in Australia and it’s taking home design to new levels. As you can probably tell, I am really excited about this!

I love concrete. I love that it’s a great choice environmentally – yep it’s ‘greener’ than most other types of bench tops.

 

 

“Solid surface materials are made of plastic, engineered quartz materials contain a synthetic resin binder, and granite and marble are non-renewable mined resources. Concrete contains mostly just good old sand, rock and cement,” explains Greg as he mixes the secret recipe in the lab/workshop out the back of the showroom in the Arts and Industrial estate on the way into town.

I love the versatility and I love the look. Concrete, believe it or not, gives a real softness to traditionally hard surface finishes; it’s not as shiny or clinical as other options such as stone or stainless, and these guys can mix a colour just for you – just perfect for your project.

I’m in the process of building a new studio in my front yard so the boys have kindly allowed me to not just witness the pour, but do it myself!

I’m on the tools and creating my own bathroom sink.

Seeing the process first-hand has given me so many ideas for future projects and I love the idea of customising everything including the kitchen sink.

 

I’m thinking a fully integrated kitchen bench and sink in a shade of dusty green that they’ll name after 
me (dreaming).

Don’t just think kitchens and bathrooms. The possibilities really are endless. Bars, wall panels and cladding (internal and external), custom furniture and homewares, street furniture, planter boxes, pool surrounds, custom hanging light surrounds, vessel basins, outdoor kitchens, splash backs, baths, stairs and slides, ping pong tables!

Oh yes!

I love a new find and a new way to reinvent the wheel. Keep your eyes peeled because I guarantee you will start seeing concrete being used in so many new and creative ways. It will be everywhere you look and it is a trend that is here to stay!