Live
Russel Koskela and Sasha Titchkosky
A new era for Koskela
Koskela has launched a new concept space and brand headquarters this at the newly reimagined and award winning Sub Base Platypus, a former submarine base in North Sydney on Cammeraygal land. The space showcases the best in Australian design and offers opportunities for visitors to book in-store consultations and see exhibitions by leading First Nations artists from across the country, all while enjoying panoramic harbour views from a listed Sydney destination.
The new 2-level, 500m2 store includes the introduction of solid Australian timbers and Sydney Sandstone. Formerly a torpedo factory, Sub Base Platypus has been reimagined by ASPECT Studio and lahznimmo architects to hero the harbour location.
Koskela co-founder Sasha Titchkosky says, “We are excited to open this curated space to provide a new experience for our customers. The role of the store has changed since COVID and we think our new location reflects the type of experience customers are looking for. We want to connect and make memories with our visitors, bringing true connection and meaning to the pieces that they own… hopefully making them heirlooms to be treasured and maintained as a piece of Australian history. At a pinnacle growth moment for the brand, we believe the destination store will only strengthen our relationships and diversify the brand’s reach further.”
Leaving behind our well known headquarters in Rosebery, the new 2-level, 500m2 Koskela store includes the introduction of solid Australian timbers and Sydney Sandstone, both key features of the site and the area. Koskela have also collaborated with award-winning Koori artist, Blak Douglas on a permanent installation artwork to be revealed in the coming weeks. Black Douglas has been selected as a finalist in the Archibald Prize three times, including in 2019, and has had works collected by the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, as well as internationally.
The gallery space showcasing Frizzon by Michele Morcos.
Detail from the Blak Douglas permanent installation.
Formerly a torpedo factory, submarine base and gasworks, Sub Base Platypus (formerly HMAS Platypus) has been reimagined by ASPECT Studio and lahznimmo architects to hero the harbour location, winning the 2021 Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design, and is one of Sydney’s newest community recreation and work hubs, featuring a scenic waterfront promenade with views across the iconic Sydney harbour, a shaded BBQ area with seating, and a pocket playground. The base is accessible by bus and ferry and makes for the perfect Sydney excursion.
Harbour Trust Executive Director Janet Carding says, “Koskela's reputation for ethical and sustainable design, and commitment to supporting First Nations creators made them a natural fit for the Harbour Trust. Sub Base Platypus is growing into a vibrant community, and this latest collaboration will help to breathe new life into this former maritime base in an innovative and commercially sensitive manner.”
“Looking for a new space we focussed on finding somewhere that captured the essence of Sydney and naturally the Harbour was always front and centre. We are thrilled to have found a new home in this remarkable location - steeped in history and boasting beautiful waterside views. Even the motto for HMAS Platypus ‘Nothing too Difficult’ seems apt for our new home“, adds Titchkosky.
The move to the new space comes at a critical juncture for Koskela; we recently collaborated with branding agency Frost*collective to refresh the existing brand and create a framework that concisely articulates our ambition, purpose and promise.
Shop our modern furniture collection
Frost*collective CEO Vince Frost says, “We are excited to have been able to collaborate with Koskela for many years, but particularly as they look towards this new chapter at Sub Base Platypus. They are well-known for leading ethical practices in Australia but their offer stretches far beyond furnishings and homewares, bringing expertise to the sustainable design of working and learning environments and supporting First Nations creators, events, and more. The new website IA makes it easier for users to better understand all of what Koskela offers.”
Do you have any questions? Get in touch today, and we will connect you with the right person in our team.
Koskela is proud to be the first furniture and homewares company in Australia to be a Certified B Corporation®.
Featured in the press
