There are moments in design where material transcends function and becomes something else entirely: atmosphere, light, experience.

Grid Glass is one of those moments.

Shown here within the interiors of The Ghan, Australia’s iconic long-distance luxury train, travelling from Adelaide to Darwin through the heart of the continent, designed by Woods Bagot. The glass does more than divide space, it shapes it. It captures light, diffuses it, and re-presents it as something softer, more considered. The geometry is precise, yet never rigid. It feels crafted, not manufactured.

This is not a single-process material. It is the result of layered techniques working in harmony.

The glass is kiln-fired, allowing subtle texture to form within the surface. Metal is carefully inlaid into the glass, creating a fine architectural grid that sits within the material rather than upon it; not applied, but integrated as a unified form.

Engraving and frosting introduce depth and tactility, catching and refracting light in ways that shift throughout the day. The system is fully customisable, and in certain applications, 3D printing can be introduced — building delicate relief or colour within or onto the glass, adding a further sculptural dimension.

What results is a material that feels alive, responsive to light, to movement, to its surroundings.

Grid Glass is not simply decorative. It is architectural. It is experiential.

And in the right setting, it becomes unforgettable.

Photography: Rhiannon Taylor
Metal fabrication: Nicholas Fuller

The entrance is more than a point of access. It’s a moment of arrival.

In 2026, we’re seeing a shift towards restraint of clean lines, minimal articulation, and surfaces that speak through texture rather than ornament.

Axolotl doors are crafted to do exactly that.
Metal with depth, lustre and shifting light. 
Concrete with a quiet, mineral softness.

Surfaces that hold shadow, catch the sun, and anchor a façade with confidence.

Door designed by Stafford Architecture

Door designed by Luigi Rosselli Architects

Whether pivot or hinged each door is finished by hand in our Sydney workshop. Available in our variety surfaces to integrate seamlessly into contemporary architecture.

No excess. No distraction. Just refined materials at scale.

For architects, designers and builders who recognise that the entrance is an architectural statement, not an afterthought.

Door designed by Louise Walsh

Door designed by Smyth & Smyth

Restraint does not mean absence of design.

Subtle detailing can be incorporated into a door, as seen in this striking piece designed by Marcus Piper. The door was finished in Pewter, and both the door surface and the custom pulls were produced using our advanced 3D printing capabilities.

Door designed by Marcus Piper

Or, inlaid into Glass.

When a repeated pattern becomes a texture, layering a minimal interior.

Axolotl’s custom glass technologies allow for extraordinary expression.

Through our Link process, any pattern made in metal, terracotta, or concrete is inlaid directly into toughened glass panels, suitable for doors and fixed glazing applications. The system allows for custom patterning while maintaining clean detailing and installation efficiency.

The result is clarity with depth, seen in this beautiful entrance door by MHNDU. Light passes through, metal remains suspended, and architecture feels light with presence.

Door designed by MHNDU

Our Grid Glass pushes the boundaries further. A hybrid of Axolotl expertise: kiln-fired glass, metal inlay, frosted effects and 3D-printed textures, unified within one seamless architectural element. The creative possibilities are virtually limitless.

Because an entrance is more than a door.
It is where architecture becomes art.

Contact our team to begin the conversation.

Door designed by Thomas Hamel

For those specifying — key details

• Custom sizing – Oversized pivot doors and large-format garage doors available to suit residential and commercial projects

• Finish options – Brass, bronze, nickel, zinc, terracotta, and concrete textures with subtle ageing or uniform lustre

• Patination control – Choose soft, even finishes or gently varied tonal depth depending on project intent

• Integration – Doors can be designed to align seamlessly with façade cladding for a continuous material expression

• Hardware – Compatible with concealed pivots, integrated pulls or custom handles to maintain minimal form

• Durability – Suitable for exterior applications; finishes engineered for long-term performance

• Lead times – Efficient production schedules for standard detailing (speak with us early for oversized formats)

Long admired for their ability to filter light while defining space, glass bricks are experiencing a bold revival in contemporary architecture. At Axolotl, we’ve reimagined this classic material — expanding its creative potential through handcrafted finishes, sculptural forms and custom fabrication technologies.

Far from standard, Axolotl Glass Bricks are available in a spectrum of transparent and coloured finishes, from softly frosted surfaces to richly tactile textures. Choose from rippling sand-cast patterns, shimmering air bubbles suspended within, or dynamic faceted and zig-zag profiles designed to scatter light and create visual movement.

Sizes range from petite bricks perfect for joinery details, to monumental panels suited to facades, with the ability to produce custom formats up to 2.5m x 1m. Designers can also 3D print directly onto the brick surface or develop bespoke moulds — opening up endless possibilities for façades, partitions and feature walls that blur the line between structure and sculpture.

Behind the visual elegance lies engineering. For external façades, white mortar offers strength and purity of line, while interior installations can achieve invisible joints using UV-curing acrylics or silicone adhesives — resulting in surfaces that appear almost liquid in their continuity.

Our Glass Bricks are available in:
• Custom sizes — from small-format bricks to large-scale panels
• Bespoke colours — matched to your project palette
• 3D faceted profiles — sculptural, light-scattering forms
• Distinct textures — including suspended air bubbles and real sand-cast surfaces applied to one face

Our Glass Bricks are available in:
• Custom sizes — from small-format bricks to large-scale panels
• Bespoke colours — matched to your project palette
• 3D faceted profiles — sculptural, light-scattering forms
• Distinct textures — including suspended air bubbles and real sand-cast surfaces applied to one face

From building block to Trophy

To launch this new collection, Axolotl collaborated with Bates Smart to reimagine the Glass Brick as a bespoke sculptural award for the 2025 IDEA Awards. Each brick was carved and colour filled using Axolotl Spectrum in an ice-blue hue, the trophy details were 3D printed on the front face to create an embossed, tactile effect.

A simple material is celebrated as an object of pure design expression.

Bates Smart Directors Jeffery Copolov and Mark Healey describe their concept:

“The IDEA Award trophy, designed by Bates Smart in association with Axolotl, embodies a consistent theme found in award-winning projects: a clarity of both concept and realisation and a certain purity of thought. Crafted from cast low-iron glass, its layered minimal text and subtle use of colour direct attention toward the award’s significance rather than the object itself. The design achieves a visual lightness balanced by a tangible weight, reflecting the gravity and honour of receiving such an award.”

Axolotl Glass Bricks lend themselves effortlessly to a wide range of architectural applications. From façades and internal partitions to joinery details, counters, shower enclosures, stairwells and furniture.

Whether used rhythmically or as a singular statement, invite light, texture and colour to become architectural protagonists.

To explore custom possibilities for your next project, connect with our team or visit our showroom. Call 02 9666 1207 or reply to this email to start the conversation.

A LEGACY CAST IN METAL

In 1995, a spark of curiosity ignited what would become one of Australia’s most iconic and innovative surface design companies. What began as a bold idea, to transform everyday materials into architectural works of art, has grown into a global benchmark of craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration.

This year, Axolotl turns 30.

And with that milestone comes a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate not only what we’ve created, but how we’ve evolved, and who we’ve become.

Our name was once synonymous with applied metal, a process we pioneered that redefined what was possible in surface design. Architects and designers discovered a new material vocabulary in Axolotl, one that allowed them to realise ideas that had previously lived only in their sketchbooks.

But we didn’t stop at metal.

Over the years, Axolotl expanded into glass, concrete, timber, terracotta, and stone — pushing boundaries and unlocking new ways of storytelling through material. From bespoke textures to sculptural forms, from large-scale public art to intimate residential details, each piece has carried our signature blend of technical mastery and emotional resonance.

We didn’t just coat surfaces. We brought them to life.

We’ve proudly been awarded over 70 national and international design awards, a testament to our unrelenting pursuit of innovation and excellence. Today, Axolotl’s surfaces feature on some of the most iconic buildings in Australia and abroad. We’ve contributed to transformative public artworks, helped redefine hospital environments with warmth and beauty, and supported cultural institutions with works that connect architecture to memory, history, and place.

Our team — makers, designers, dreamers, and perfectionists, have grown together, many of them walking alongside us for decades. We’ve weathered challenges, embraced change, and continued to work with integrity, creativity, and a deep respect for the art and the people behind it.

And our clients? They’re our co-creators. Their imagination, trust, and ambition continue to inspire and push us. Every project is a shared journey, one we never take for granted.

At 30, we’re not slowing down. In fact, we’re just getting started.

We’re investing in new technologies, expanding our Axolotl Art Projects initiative, and exploring even more sustainable and expressive materials. We're collaborating with the next generation of artists, designers and architects, while continuing to honour the craftsmanship and curiosity that got us here.

To everyone who has been part of this incredible journey — clients, collaborators, team, and supporters — thank you.

Thank you for believing in the power of material to tell a story.

Thank you for challenging us, trusting us, and dreaming with us.

Here’s to 30 years of innovation. 

Here’s to the next 30 of wonder.

Materials. The connective thread that weaves a design together, shaping atmosphere and experience.

Beyond spatial planning, the interplay of forms, and the nuance of lighting, it is the materials that create the space - the way they feel underhand, the way they catch the light, the tonal shifts that stir emotion, and the indelible imprint they leave on memory.

Axolotl’s surfaces transform sculptural walls and feature panels into immersive design statements. Whether a monolithic balustrade catching the afternoon glow or a textural statement wall that invites both the eye and the hand, these elements do more than divide or define - they tell your story.

From the restrained elegance of smooth metal panels enveloping a space to the layered artistry of a mural, from the rhythmic fluting of Doric metal to the organic patinas of aged Bronze and Zinc, from kiln-formed Textured Glass that filters light to Ripple Stainless Steel polished to emulate water, and custom-carved Concrete etched with depth and character - each surface becomes a chapter in your design narrative.

At Axolotl, materiality is not an afterthought; it is the envelope that holds the client’s vision, the tangible experience, the lasting impression that endures.

Your entryway is the first impression - the opening note of your architectural composition. 

It’s an ensemble of elements working together to create an unforgettable design moment. Think of it like styling the perfect outfit. The door is your statement piece, while the pull handle, lighting, and surrounding details are the accessories that complete the look.

At the core is your door: a bold sculptural piece, a refined minimalist panel, or a textured surface that captures light and shadow. 

But, an outfit isn’t complete without accessories, an entryway comes to life through the details - oversized pull handles that command attention, refined metal inlays that add understated luxury, or carefully positioned lighting that heightens drama and depth.

Some designs thrive on a hero piece: a striking, hand-applied patina door that sets the tone, with hardware and lighting as subtle complements. 

Others find beauty in contrast - a minimalist façade punctuated by an oversized bronze pull handle or an intricate relief texture framed by sleek metal accents. 

Whether grand pivot doors, custom garage façades, or integrated lift finishes, Axolotl’s surfaces transform functional elements into sculptural statements.

With an expansive palette of metals, glass, and custom finishes, every entry can be tailored to reflect its architecture, context, and personality. 

The question is: how will you style yours?

Some homes are built for the moment. Others are built for life.

Perched above the crystalline waters of Gordon’s Bay, Emerald Sound is a home designed not to follow trends, but to stand the test of time - both in material and intent. Created as the owner’s forever home, every element of its design has been meticulously considered, materials selected for longevity and built without compromise.

As a design industry professional, the owner approached this project with an unrelenting focus on quality. Collaborating with Luigi Roselli architects and interior design studio, Atelier Alwill, the vision was clear: to create a luxurious residence that would endure, evolve, and enrich daily life.

A Threshold Between Land & Sea

The home’s architectural journey begins with an Axolotl door featuring the Doric Design. A fluted surface design echoing a minimal, modern take on the ripples of the ocean beyond. Finished in an aged Bronze, the portal into the home commands attention in the changing light. 

Stepping inside, Axolotl’s Linen Glass graces the main and butler’s kitchen as an ethereal sliding partition. Made to order from bronze tinted glass with 3D Embossed Linen texture and framed in walnut timber, the glass filters light with a soft textured diffusion, balancing privacy and openness in equal measure.

Materiality as a Legacy

In a location as exposed as Gordon’s Bay, material selection is critical. Every finish in Emerald Sound was chosen not only for its aesthetic merit but for its ability to withstand the coastal climate - where salt, wind, and sun are constant forces.

Axolotl’s handcrafted metal and glass materials have met the brief.

True luxury is in the details

From the architecture to the interiors, this is a home shaped by a commitment to bespoke craftsmanship - where surfaces are not off-the-shelf but handmade, textured, and finished with an artisan’s touch. 

In this way, Emerald Sound is more than just a residence; it is a reflection of its owner’s deep appreciation for design as a lived experience.

True luxury is in the details

From the architecture to the interiors, this is a home shaped by a commitment to bespoke craftsmanship - where surfaces are not off-the-shelf but handmade, textured, and finished with an artisan’s touch. 

In this way, Emerald Sound is more than just a residence; it is a reflection of its owner’s deep appreciation for design as a lived experience.

As 2024 draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the designers, architects, artists, builders, and clients who brought their visions to life with Axolotl this year. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones across residential and commercial projects, pushing the boundaries of materials, design, and craftsmanship. 

Your creativity and collaboration inspire us, and we’re honoured to play a role in shaping such extraordinary projects.

Residential Elegance

In residential design, we continued to elevate everyday living through bespoke finishes and standout features. 

Our custom kitchen finishes have added a layer of sophistication to homes, showcasing the seamless blend of functionality and artistry. 

Front doors remained a focal point, with each design making a lasting impression. One highlight was the bronze front door created for Jamie Durie which will be featured on his Channel 7 series, Growing Home with Jamie Durie. Collaborations like the Bronze Linen Glass project with Luigi Roselli and custom Grid Glass and Linen Texture with Thomas Hamel further enriched possibilities, where the interplay of texture and light transformed interiors into spaces of refined beauty.

Commercial Design with Personality

In the commercial sphere, Axolotl’s work has brought personality with purpose to a diverse range of projects. 

At Machine Hall, our custom finishes for the revamped substation for the blackened steel front door and champagne bronze counter are jewels that compliment the industrial space. Get the details on the latest Australian Design Review article.
The Stainless Steel Ripple Sheet used in +81 Japanese restaurant added a contemporary edge to joinery. 

While aged Zinc ceiling panels remind us that the ceiling is truly the fifth wall that can transform any space into a marvel. 

This year, we were also proud to contribute 20 hand-crafted Bronze doors to Sydney’s Metro at Martin Place, a monumental project that signifies our continued collaboration on this city-shaping initiative.

Looking Ahead: What’s Hot for 2025

The design trends for the coming year promise fresh ideas and bold statements.

Mixed metal tones will play the starring role. Ahead of the curve, Henderson & Co have curated a brand new multi-residential project in Bellevue Hill which features Gold Nickel and Silver Nickel throughout each apartment. 

A push for individuality in design and functionality is making a call for glass to be reimagined, with organic textures, colours and shapes leading the way in modern interiors and exteriors.
Forget the white on white, we can expect 2025 will be filled with earthy-tone comfort created with layered texture, colour and patterns. A finish that perfectly embodies these characteristics is Terracotta, a natural material without any limitations.
Continuing the revival of natural finishes, our signature Verdigris patina is poised for even more creative applications, adding character and elegance to architectural and artistic projects alike.

Thank You

We wish you a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with inspiration. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue bringing your visions to life with unparalleled craftsmanship and creativity.

Warm regards,

The Axolotl Team

Trends have a way of coming full circle, and few are as exciting to see back in the spotlight as Formed Glass. Once a hallmark of Victorian, retro and nineties design, this textured glass is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence. This time with a modern twist that balances nostalgic charm with contemporary sophistication.

Whilst Axolotl is renowned for innovation, our team deeply values the preservation of specialised crafts. One such tradition is the kiln-firing process, where flat glass is transformed into sculptural surfaces. Here, light and shadow dance together, creating a dynamic aesthetic that harmonises perfectly with today’s trends of layering textures and designing warm, inviting spaces.

From the understated sophistication of Faiba and NoZone textures to the striking presence of TidalZone and SoftZone, each design offers its own unique dialogue between privacy, light filtering, and depth.

The Modern Alternative to Fluted Glass
With its organic aesthetic, Formed Glass is quickly becoming the preferred choice over traditional fluted or reeded glass. Its softer, more flowing textures provide a gentle elegance that fluted glass cannot achieve, offering a refined alternative for spaces that demand both style and subtlety.

Customisable to Your Vision
Formed Glass is more than beautiful, it’s adaptable. Choose from a palette of flat float glass colours, including low iron, clear, bronze, grey, green, and blue, and with the freedom to customise your vision. Looking for something truly unique? Axolotl Spectrum opens the door to bespoke designs, enabling limitless creativity to suit your project where any colour can be realised.

Handmade for Perfection
Every panel of Formed Glass is meticulously handcrafted by Axolotl’s artisans to meet your exact specifications in size, shape, and thickness. This ensures a perfect fit for every design, giving you the flexibility to explore without compromise.

Carnarvon Courthouse, design Warren Langley, Glass processing Axolotl.

Design tips, here are some of our favourite applications:

• Windows (now that homes are so close together, instead of gazing into our neighbours home, use textured glass to allow light and keep privacy)

• Shower screens

• Wardrobe doors

• Furniture

• Entry doors

• Room partitions

• Facades

• Glass splashback

Let light do the work for you. When used strategically, Formed Glass filters natural light to cast intricate patterns that shift throughout the day, adding a new layer of interest to your space; your very own artwork in motion.

Elevate your next project with the organic beauty and versatile potential of Axolotl Formed Glass. Contact us to order a sample today.

The allure of verdigris is that it can take decades to form naturally, shaped by the elements over time. Yet, with Axolotl’s mastery of patina, waiting a lifetime is no longer necessary.

In an age where design increasingly seeks to stand out from the crowd, be it with colour and form, a sense of depth and history, or the connection between the indoors and the natural world, Verdigris is emerging as the latest trendsetter.

Part of Axolotl’s core patina range, this renowned finish captures the beauty and essence of weathering when copper, bronze, and brass metals are exposed to the forces of nature — sea salt and moisture — producing a striking, bluish-green hue. The oxidation process, when left to its own devices, can take years, but Axolotl’s skilled artisans have perfected it, delivering this timeless texture with artistic precision within days, ensuring that each piece is a unique expression of the organic world. 

Verdigris brings a sense of depth and antiquity, making it a compelling choice for contemporary spaces. Whether applied to doors, facades, or bespoke furniture, Verdigris introduces an understated yet captivating touch of colour - its green-blue tones both grounding and evocative of nature’s own palette.

Aged bronze doors become art pieces, delicate lighting fixtures gain a refined pop of colour, and even joinery takes on a textured beauty. Verdigris, with its nuanced approach to colour, is a perfect companion to neutral materials like stone, timber, and concrete, lending a timeless patina that evolves with a distinctive character and charm over time.

Beyond its visual appeal, Verdigris offers functional advantages. As metal oxidises, it forms a protective layer, guarding the surface against further corrosion. This makes Verdigris an ideal solution for outdoor applications, where beauty must meet durability. Axolotl has refined this natural process, ensuring that the finish is not only stunning but also long-lasting. Verdigris fuses with the metal surface and, unlike paint, will never deteriorate or peel away. 

Each piece, whether used in interior or exterior projects, is a work of art. The patina is hand-applied in our Sydney factory, guaranteeing that every surface is an original. Each project, whether bold or understated, is tailored to your aesthetic and architectural vision.

Explore how Axolotl’s Verdigris patina can redefine your next design concept. Visit our showroom, or contact our team to learn more about customising this exquisite finish for your space.

For more information on our innovative treatments and how they can elevate your next project, we welcome you to visit our showroom or explore our website. Our team is always ready to guide you through the possibilities and help you discover the perfect door solution for your project. You can also contact us directly by calling our office at 02 9666 1207.