KEY POINTS:
Right at the end of Layla Tweedie-Cullen's new design studio and bookshop is the definitive, if not exactly retro, chat room: a four-metre by three-metre alcove, defined by a wrought-iron coffee table, chunky designer seats, a pair of battered-looking chairs from a French classroom, and lots of foliage.
The courtyard emulates the "conversation pits" of a groovier era: it is low to the ground, intimate and the ideal spot to nurture my design projects, says Tweedie-Cullen.
"A centre for debate but without the sofas and shagpile carpet."
Located in a cigar-shaped space on K Rd, the newly-opened studio s/f, or split/fountain, is sure to generate lots of talk about its range of fringe publications sourced from around the globe.
Spread out on industrial-style shelving is a collection of magazines and books on design, art, fashion ... "and yes, we're looking for books on gardens and food".
"It's about focusing on publishing. Good design or subject matter is what matters," says s/f partner and gallery owner Michael Lett.
"And it feels good to be part of the K Rd scene."
In its former incarnation as an Indian restaurant, the brick-lined courtyard was used as a dumping ground by the former tenants. "It was a lot of work to turn it into a place you want to spend time in," says Lett.
"We hauled out masses of rubbish and water-blasted it from floor to ceiling. It's been scrubbed to within an inch of its life."
The area has been transformed into a sunken haven for book lovers, decorated with Oriental novelties and French country sensibility.
A bamboo screen disguises the semi-industrial backyard, and despite the muffled sound of motorway traffic, you could be in a boutique courtyard anywhere in suburbia.
In the corner, a sculpture by artist Michael Parekowhai nestles among the pots of bamboo, clivia and climbing fig.
"There's not too much sunlight in here, so we've selected plants suited to the conditions. But I'm not sure how the lettuces and herbs will get on."
After eight years studying and working in Europe and America, Tweedie-Cullen returned home, and was soon "intrigued" by the idea of doing something different in publishing. The partners launched their publishing venture after collaborating on a catalogue project for artist L. Budd.
"There's not a huge amount of independent publishing happening in this country and we wanted to show publication not normally seen in retail shops."
A former design fellow with the Walker Art Centre in Minneapolis, and now part-time graphic designer at Auckland Museum, Tweedie-Cullen will also work on specialist design projects.
"A number of artists and galleries are keen to work with us. Publishing is a good way to show their works."
It's early days for this publishing venture, although it "will evolve to include book launches and openings". For now, the bookstore will open on Saturdays only.
"But we're not a bookstore with a cafe," reminds Tweedie-Cullen. "People will have to bring their own coffee."
Sitting on the table in the courtyard is a rare 1973 catalogue on American art, its cover crafted from an old pair of faded denim jeans. A suitable relic from the swinging 70s. Artist Cindy Sherman would feel right at home in this conversation pit.
