Coconut Crab is a regenerative ceramic studio located in Inner West Sydney, designed in collaboration with Casa Adams Fine Wares and landscape architect Jason Monaghan. The studio’s purpose extends beyond creating meticulously hand-painted porcelain plates; it aims to foster preservation and curiosity about marine life. This mission is visually embodied by the striking giant tiled Coconut Crab climbing the facade, an Indo-Pacific species listed as vulnerable due to overharvesting and climate change. The crab’s prominent presence serves as a catalyst for conversations about conservation, engaging visitors and the wider community in discussions on environmental stewardship.

Nestled at the rear of the site, under a large canopy tree, the studio is strategically positioned across from the family’s existing home. It flexibly accommodates ceramic production, workshops, and business administration while being seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings. The studio and home share a thriving central native landscape that supports vulnerable endemic species of frogs, birds, and insects, as well as an edible garden.

Sustainability is at the core of the studio’s design, incorporating dematerialisation strategies, recycled content, and construction following Passivhaus principles. Through a combination of business offsets and a 7kW solar system, the studio offsets its embodied energy by 149 times over a 50-year period, making it a model of environmental responsibility and sustainable design. Coconut Crab is not just a ceramic studio but a beacon of conservation, creativity, and community engagement.

Photography by Barton Taylor