A design studio emblematic of the beauty and timelessness of refined imperfection

Relishing the opportunity to showcase their singular design approach in their space, Our Studio by Casa62 takes on a distinctly residential tone, defined by the use of simple forms and natural materials.

Established by Enzo Campus and Attila Csaplar of Stonnington Group, Casa62 is the result of over three decades of experience creating spaces that merge aesthetics with functionality. Forging its own unique design identity, Casa62 spaces embody a contemporary take on relaxed European living, adapted for the environment in which they sit.

For Enzo, Our Studio represented the chance to not only convey Casa62’s signature aesthetic, but to convey the full breadth of what the studio offers. “We really just wanted the opportunity to be able to showcase what we do,” Enzo told ArchiPro. In addition to architecture and interior design, the Casa62 team also are the lead builder on each of their projects and has a manufacturing facility where they produce bespoke joinery and furniture. A dexterous display of the vast end-to-end offering encompassed within Casa62, Our Studio exhibits the qualities Enzo and Attila desire the homes they design to embody while providing clients with an all-encompassing experience.

“Clients quite like coming to a space where they can actually see what they get and also be involved in the process of how it all comes together,” notes Enzo, with the combination of design, building, and joinery manufacturing allowing Casa62 to be involved throughout the home building process from conception to completion.

Located in an industrial estate southeast of the Melbourne CBD, stepping into Our Studio transports visitors away from the utilitarian surroundings and into a refined yet relaxed setting with a residential feel. “It’s a warm, calming space – it’s quite a surprise when people come into the space, walk up the stairs, and the door opens,” says Enzo. “It’s quite unexpected.”

Our Studio comprises two main spaces; a seating area designed with casual conversations in mind and an oversized table intended to emulate a dining area, where in-depth meetings can be conducted. The space is divided by elliptical columns crafted from American oak, serving to delineate the two areas while allowing light to pass through.

The hearth is quite literally the heart of Our Studio, with the space centred around the fireplace. The oversized arch-shaped fireplace is a testament to Casa62’s love of organic forms, taking shape in soft white polished plaster. The same material choice extends to the split coffee table, with the statement piece hand-finished to develop a rustic-style patina.

From the central coffee table to the shelving unit and dining table, every facet of Our Studio is designed and manufactured in-house; with early investment in 3D modelling software and CNC machinery allowing Casa62 to produce and manufacture almost anything they ideate. “Whatever we can dream up, we can manufacture ourselves,” says Enzo. “So we're quite unique in that sense”. This allows Casa62 to develop samples for their clients in a matter of days or even hours, without reliance on third-party suppliers.

In addition to polished plaster, American oak takes centre stage in Our Studio. Selected for its characteristic graining and aesthetic, both in its natural state and when hand stained, it's often the timber of choice for Casa62. “It’s also a responsible, sustainable species as well,” adds Enzo. “It’s forested and harvested responsibly in the correct manner, which we like to support.”

For Casa62, chasing current trends isn’t a priority. Instead, Our Studio reflects its ethos of timelessness through the use of beautiful materials that age gracefully. The core trio of materials – American oak, polished plaster, and natural stone – in the space, wear well and patinate over time, developing character as the years pass.

“It’s like when you go to Europe,” Enzo explains. “You walk through these buildings that are hundreds of years old, and more often than not, it’s the ageing that catches your eye.

“Quite often I think it's the transition period between something being brand new and getting worn that tends to concern people initially. But once you get over that, I think it's great for a space to look lived in.”

Explore more projects by Casa62 on ArchiPro.

Words by Tanisha Angel