Why you should love limestone, according to top Australian designer Hugh Altschwager

 The rugged beauty and natural textures of South Australia’s Limestone Coast shine in Hugh Altschwager’s creations.

Domain Prestige spoke with Hugh on everything from his inspirations to his love of a certain “brilliant natural building material.” 

What was it like growing up on South Australia’s Limestone Coast?

There were wide, open spaces, abundant natural resources and the rugged west-facing coastline. Growing up on a farm provided me access to tools, materials and freedom to turn my imagination into tangible things.

Were you always interested in making things?

I’ve always been drawn to building things using natural materials – mostly timber and stone. My approach is self-taught; to make and build by feel, work it out as I go and use what I have on hand. I am inspired by textures, character, warmth and tactility.

How did your early career paths help prepare you for the work you do now?

I worked in agriculture, construction management and property development. My experience highlighted that creativity will always be my strong point. The organisational and business skills I learnt have also been invaluable.

• Related: A look inside Darren Palmer’s kitchen
• Related: Holly Hipwell is taking on the floral world
• Related: Household items worth splashing extra cash

Tell us about your business, Inkster.

Inkster is a vehicle for all my creative endeavours – lighting and furniture design, place design, fit-outs and one-off art and sculptural pieces.

About 18 months ago, I returned home to the Limestone Coast after establishing the business in Melbourne.

I’m focusing more on personal interest projects, with a desire to keep evolving my work.

What appeals to you about working with limestone?

I grew up in an area with an abundance of limestone   and I’ve been drawn to its workability and texture.

It has long been a popular material with sculptors and is also a brilliant natural building material. 

I have developed processes and techniques by trial and error to shape the material into refined products and pieces that really highlight the natural grains and textures of different types of limestone found in the south-east of South Australia.

How would you describe the style of your lights and other works – and what sort of spaces do they suit?

My products and pieces are intended to sit within a space rather than be a dominant feature.

They are also intended to reveal a depth of tactility and promote conversation about materiality when inspected more closely.

Who are your design heroes?

I admire artistic entrepreneurs who use tactility to create products and build a brand, style and niche all of their own, such as Tok Kise of Truck Furniture, the interior designer Axel Vervoordt, Isamu Noguchi, Olson Kundig architects, Tyler Hays of BDDW, Herbst Architects, Greg Hatton, Glenn Murcutt, architect John Wardle, Dare Jennings and LAND Boys.

How would you describe the interiors of your own home?

Modern, eclectic, coastal.