These projects, featuring the Thredbo random stone cladding, demonstrated the transformative power of stone in elevating the aesthetics and market value of a home.

The Origins of Stone Cladding

Stone cladding has deep roots, reminiscent of traditional building practices that emphasised both form and function. Initially used for protection and insulation, stone cladding evolved to become a statement of architectural elegance, providing an appealing blend of durability and beauty. Today its application aligns with O’Shea & Sons Builders’ commitment to integrate more biophilic principles into the homes they design and construct.

Thredbo Random Stone Cladding

The Thredbo random stone cladding offered by Stone and Tile Studio is a versatile, natural stone product known for its organic look and distinctive texture. Its unique arrangement creates a striking visual impact that evokes natural rock formations, making it perfect for feature walls, fireplaces, and exteriors.

Benefits:

• Authenticity and Aesthetic Appeal: Thredbo random stone cladding adds an unmatched natural charm to any space, enhancing both modern and traditional designs with its earthy tones and varied shapes.
• Durability: This cladding is highly durable, providing long-term resilience against weather and wear, perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications.
• Market Value: Using Thredbo stone cladding elevates the overall market value of a property. It becomes an eye-catching feature that appeals to prospective buyers and adds to the property’s perceived luxury.

Considerations:

• Installation: Professional installation is recommended to ensure that the natural stones are securely placed for a seamless and enduring finish.
• Weight and Structural Support: Stone cladding is heavier than synthetic alternatives, so it’s essential to consider whether the existing structure can support it or if reinforcement is needed.
• Maintenance: While stone cladding is low maintenance, occasional cleaning and a premium coat of sealer can help preserve its natural luster and protect it from environmental damage.

The Impact of Stone Cladding in Home Design

Stone and Tile Studio’s Thredbo random stone cladding can transform a space by adding texture, depth, and warmth. The organic look of the cladding pairs beautifully with modern architecture or rustic themes, making it a versatile choice for any design. Whether used as an exterior façade or an interior accent wall, it creates a statement piece that enhances the space.

Selecting the right stone cladding, like Thredbo random stone, requires thoughtful planning and consideration, but the result is a home that stands out with timeless elegance and increased market value. When the design team from O’Shea & Sons Builders talk about biophilic they are referring to the practice of connecting people and nature within their build environment. If we think about design as creatively solving the puzzle of look, feel and function, then biophilic design turns to nature for solutions. It is intuitive and fundamental to good design at every step, not an aesthetic trend or afterthought – it’s a way of thinking and working.

For more inspiration and to choose stone cladding that elevates your home’s style and worth, visit Stone and Tile Studio today.

For more information

O’Shea & Sons Builders

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But what really sets this gorgeous kitchen design apart is its focal point – a timber breakfast bar connected to pale island bench in 12mm QuantumSix+ Super White porcelain, the perfect benchtop for the industrial aesthetic of the space. Its solid look not only captures the eye, but vividly complements the style of the space and draws down on the rich black seating arrangement. The splashback and back bench in Costa Concreto are perfect for creating the tying in the modern industrial look, with its rich grey tones.

Not only does the aesthetic of the Super White island tie together the overall appearance of the kitchen, it serves to effectively blend form and function with its extreme durability and low maintenance. Quantum Six+ porcelain not only has a classic profile, it’s also extremely durable while being thinner, lighter and easier to work with than natural stone. The range features all the beauty of natural marble in a stunning array of colour combinations and finishes, allowing homeowners to mix and match to suit their individual style. They are available in three distinct and inspiring styles; marble, stone and industrial.

All WK Marble & Granite’s QuantumSix+ surfaces are Italian-made and created sustainably. Plus, with a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty, you are guaranteed peace of mind when it comes to the renowned durability that porcelain provides.

Want to see how you can make the look work for you? Check out WK’s Visualiser app in your browser now!

The post Set in stone: a porcelain finish for a stunning kitchen design appeared first on Completehome.

The surface material you choose for your benchtops and vanities can make or break a room. As anything and everything will be placed on the surface, it must be able to withstand a high amount of usage. Longevity of the material, easy maintenance and factors such as being chip and scratch resistant are all vital considerations. Kitchen benchtops face the wear and tear of cookie-laden baking trays, spilled wines and as a resting spot for children when on the go.

Bathroom vanities need to be particularly heavy duty. They need to meet the challenge of a humid environment combined with enduring the variety of creams and liquids that are often spilled on them. Knowing which surface can have a straightening iron placed directly on it, or is easy to clean, is crucial. Especially if maintaining a bathroom that is high functioning and aesthetically pleasing if central to your agenda. From neutral tones and eye-catching marbling to rugged industrial textures, there is a surface for every home design.

1. Concrete:

Image credit: Rugged Concrete by Caesarstone

Benefits

Besides having an appealing industrial aesthetic that can give any space a raw edge, concrete is an extremely durable surface. It is strong enough to support skyscrapers, and it certainly has the strength to support any household’s kitchen or bathroom demands. When sealed, the surface is heat, stain, scratch and chip resistant. So, no need to fear any wine spills or toothpaste remnants! Concrete is easy to clean, simply wipe down with warm, soapy water to wash away any spillages or crumbs.

Drawbacks

It is extremely important to ensure your concrete surface is sealed from first installation. Concrete is a highly porous material and without proper sealing, strong heat, stains and bacterial growth can cause unwanted problems. Despite being more affordable than many other surface types, there are some upkeep costs that can arise from the recommended resealing of the concrete every one to three years. We advise hiring an experienced installer to place the joins, as they will require fillers to keep their sleek appearance.

Pair With

Soften concrete’s raw industrial edge with natural marble-inspired designs and beautiful timber finishes. Neutral palettes can soften any harshness that may arise from concrete’s eye-catching appearance and can provide a smooth finish to this rugged material. Alternatively, embrace industrial vibes, using dusky greens and weathered wood as the backdrop of your kitchen or bathroom. Hanging pendant lamps or aluminium light bulb cages, as well as copper accessories (think tapware!), are the perfect finishing touches to your urban-styled room.

We Recommend

Rugged Concrete by Caesarstone is an engineered stone that delivers the authentic look of a hand-poured concrete benchtop with a robust, industrial-inspired design. Each Caesarstone slab is unique; the colour variations arising from a mixture of white haze surface patina and the new “rough” matt surface finish.

This engineered stone is exceptionally functional with many of the same sturdy qualities as concrete and it is resistant to stains, scratches and chips. The rough, low-reflective, matt surface finish is more susceptible to showing everyday marks and spills, but this just means a little bit of extra care when cleaning may be required. Caesarstone’s Rugged Concrete is heat resistant but not heat proof. It is recommended to place hot pans or baking trays onto a chopping board to best preserve the material and avoid scorch marks.

2. Natural Stone:

Image credit: Sensa Orinoco benchtop by Cosentino

Benefits

Natural stone such as granite is one of the hardest materials on the market and is extremely heat resistant, perfect placing the family roast or a hot hair dryer onto. Natural stone is also unique in appearance — no two slabs will look the same, as the veins that run through the rock are created from nature in action. It offers a dramatic beauty that can tie a bathroom or kitchen together.

Drawbacks

Because of the valuable properties of authentic natural stone, the price often reflects the quality of the product and uniqueness in composition. Due to the porous nature of the stone, marble benchtops are prone to being scratched or stained. They might be difficult to repair. Natural stone should be resealed periodically to keep the stone looking as polished and protected as possible.

Pair With

Natural stone goes well with almost everything. Showcase a sleek, modern kitchen with marbled countertops, a more uniform base cabinet and a shiny coffee maker. Alternatively, for a more rustic and European-style kitchen, choose wooden accents for window frames and pantry doors, or add some contrast with timber flooring.

We recommend

Sensa by Cosentino® is a range of granite surfaces that provides exclusive stain-resistant protection, combating the stone’s major weakness of high porosity. These surfaces repel liquids such as water and oil, perfect for both kitchens and bathrooms, and are a maintenance-free and durable material. The stunning collection of granite is unique and versatile, suitable for either classic or traditional designs.

3. Solid surfaces:

Image credit: Designed by Shaynna Blaze, Corian Charging benchtop by CASF

Benefits

Cost effective and low maintenance, solid surfaces have many advantages. Ideal for a bathroom or kitchen, solid surfaces are durable, water resistant and easy to clean. The surface itself is warm to the touch, and perfect for the chillier winter months. Solid surfaces can also be joined seamlessly, so are great for long island benches or curves where no ugly joins can be seen.

Drawbacks

There aren’t too many disadvantages of solid surfaces, as the material is composed largely of natural minerals and a high-performance acrylic binder. Aesthetically, solid surfaces can look homogenous or unnatural, as they are normally uniform in appearance. However, this can be a plus for a homeowner who doesn’t want the unpredictability of natural stone. Like many finishes, darker colours tend to show more everyday wear and tear, especially in high-use areas such as the kitchen.

Pair With

Anything you’d like! For every room, there is a solid surface colour or style to match. There are numerous finish options such as matt, satin or gloss. For a more natural look, we advocate a neutral benchtop that mimics a stone’s natural veining, complemented with modern accessories.

We recommend

CASF’s Corian® Wireless Charging Surface uses the latest technology in benchtop surfaces. It offers unique and highly practical functioning of charging your phone while it is placed over the pre-installed charging station.

A simple solution to decluttering your power board and benchtops and fuelled by state-of-the-art technology, this wireless charging option is more affordable than expected, coming in at $180 plus GST for the transmitter unit. Newer phone models have the wireless charging function built in, while older models have the option of a charging ring: you can buy this separately to enable the same wireless function.

4. Timber:

Image credit: Designed by Kim Duffin for Sublime Architectural Interiors. Spotted gum veneer benchtop.

Benefits

Timber is a classic material that suits both country- and modern-style kitchens. Wooden benchtops or vanities are warmer to the touch — something that many stone surfaces are not able to achieve. They are also warm to look at. Their earthy, natural tones perfect for turning a kitchen into a welcoming family area. There are many environmental benefits of timber. You can also buy recycled or salvaged wood at a fraction of the cost. Plus, for the DIY-savvy homeowner, at the end of a countertop’s life, you can re-purpose the timber for shelves or window frames.

Drawbacks

Timber is a soft material and, consequently, scratches and spills can cause more damage. However, with the right care and maintenance, it can last a long time. Imperfections that arise from frequent use can be easily sanded away and resealed to leave the surface looking fresh and clean. Timber does require a bit more upkeep as, depending on the sealant, you may need to reapply the finish two or three times a year to add longevity to the life of the surface.

Pair With

Wooden accents and soft pastels create an inviting space where the family can gather. Black or white tiled floors in the bathroom look particularly sleek. Due to a combination of such tiles with a timber vanity,  a modern space with homely charm can be achieved.

We recommend

Jarrah timber is glossy and chic, suiting a range of kitchens and bathrooms. Its dark wooden tones pair well with a lighter colour scheme, drawing the eye to the benchtop or vanity. This Australian tree can be sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers that are carbon friendly, so that when a tree is cut down, the carbon that is normally released will be captured.

Want more advice like this? Visit our kitchen or bathroom advice pages for more useful information

Written by Cassie Haywood

Originally in Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly Volume 25 Issue 1

The post Beyond the surface: how to choose the perfect countertop for your home appeared first on Completehome.

Rough. Refined. Rugged Concrete is an authentic, robust, industrial-inspired design. Accentuated by dramatic gradients of grey textural patterns, white haze patina and a rough matt surface finish, each slab is distinctly and individually unique.

Symbolic of urban environments and the converted loft aesthetic, Rugged Concrete blends well with neutral palettes that soften its raw industrial edge.

For more information

Caesarstone

The post Rugged concrete: a robust, industrial-inspired surface appeared first on Completehome.

The COLOURpyne® range of melamine laminated board has for many years been well suited to and widely used for doors, panels and shelves in any interior joinery application, where a practical and durable decorative surface has been the desired outcome. In keeping with ever changing trends, the COLOURpyne range has been enhanced by the addition of 4 new solid colours and 3 woodgrain designs. These new solid colour and woodgrain designs broaden the scope and opportunity even further for an individually unique joinery colour selection that will add attractive feature to any new home or renovation.

Melamine Colour Range and Finishes

Elegant, practical and versatile COLOURpyne® is a tough, scratch resistant and hygienic surface which can be used on cupboards, shelves, pantries and cabinets, storage units, bathroom cabinetry, wardrobes, general shelving, and much more. Melamine technology ensures high quality, durable panels available in a variety of colours and surface finishes. The complete range is matched with a tough and durable ABS edging.

Colours

The COLOURpyne® range features a palette of contemporary and classic prints from solid and special colours to authentic woodgrains, including leading edge colours and designs featured in the Naturale range.

Surface Finishes

Changing the look of your COLOURpyne® Melamine can be as simple as changing the surface finish*.

Gloss: a smooth, shiny finish.
Décor: A lightly textured orange peel like surface.
Naturale: An embossed natural woodgrain like surface.
Velvet: A delicate eggshell surface.

*Not all colours are available in all finishes.

For more information

COLOURpyne® by Carter Holt Harvey

The post COLOURpyne® enhances range with new colours and authentic woodgrain designs appeared first on Completehome.

Rydges is a luxury hotel and resort proprietor operating in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Situated in one of the world’s top 10 travel destinations is luxury hotel Rydges World Square. The housekeeping team have been utilizing the window cleaning benefits of EnduroShield for over 10 years and have recently had EnduroShield reapplied to their feature glass windows.

“EnduroShield for glass was chosen by Rydges World Square to reduce glass maintenance costs and maximise the views from our featured areas. We are satisfied with the outcome and happy to recommend it to others,” Sarah Young, Executive Housekeeper, Rydges

The Rydges hotel lobby features a circle of 30 bay windows which have been treated with EnduroShield’s glass coating in response to maintenance issues. The housekeeping team at Rydges World Square had noticed that due to the circular configuration of the central court creating a wind tunnel effect, dust and dirt were continually spread throughout the area so that even with frequent window cleaning, the windows continually looked dirty.

EnduroShield professional applicators were contracted to give the bay windows a thorough professional clean and then treat the glass with EnduroShield’s easy clean protective glass coating, ensuring the surface stays cleaner for longer, and significantly reducing glass cleaning costs.

As the industry’s best performing, internationally recognised hydrophobic coating, EnduroShield is the smart choice for glass surfaces – a unique value-added solution that turns ordinary glass into easy-clean, non-stick surfaces which reduce maintenance and increase performance.

Developed with cutting edge nanotechnology, the coating is applied by
many of the world’s leading glass companies. It enables them to differentiate from the competition by providing easy clean, low maintenance glass that offers great value to customers, and a value added service that drives increased revenue.

With multiple application options available and improvements in automated solutions, EnduroShield is easy to apply and backed by a true 10 year performance warranty, independently tested and certified by TÜV Rheinland.

EnduroShield’s fully automated application option allows ease of integration into existing manufacturing lines with its very latest automatic coating machine – X-Line, designed and built by EnduroShield. Click below to see the X-Line in action. www.enduroshield.com/xlinetrailer

For more information

EnduroShield

The post Case study: Rydges World Square’s innovative glass coating appeared first on Completehome.

When building or renovating a home, it’s important to focus on the bigger picture. Feature walls are a great way to personalise a home, but there is more to creating features than just adding paint or paper. Wall panels are an effective way to add texture and create an instant impact on a room. Pioneering wall panel products since the late ’80s, Australian manufacturer Easycraft is at the forefront of modern design. The company specialises in wall and ceiling products that can help you create a particular look, and the process is easier than you think!

Easycraft’s range of innovative products offer unique alternatives to the current finishes of solid plaster, plasterboard lining and timber planks. The wall panels are also an appealing alternative thanks to their clean, crisp lines and hardwearing qualities. The endless possibilities of Easycraft products can help you to create and enhance beautiful spaces with ease – turning walls into features, transforming complete rooms, and making ceilings stand out.

A key feature of the Easycraft range is their ease of installation. The products are designed to help avoid drawn out renovations and are made from timber-based moisture resistant MDF, a popular material thanks to its strength, durability and ease to work with.

Each panel of the Easycraft range includes a patented Easyjoin system, which can be installed in less than half the time of traditional tongue and groove boards. The easy installation system enables even a DIY home renovator to transform a room in a weekend. The panels also come pre-coated with a commercial grade primer so you only need one final paint coat.

Being a local manufacturer, Easycraft actively work towards environmental change, only using timber from local Queensland forests and are committed to providing the best available environmentally sustainable options in wall and ceiling lining products.

For easy projects and some great ideas on how you can use these DIY products in your home, visit easycraft.com.au

The post Wall panels: creating your perfect feature wall appeared first on Completehome.

The EnduroShield coating is the finishing touch to any project in the form of an applied treatment that enhances the performance of the glass. The advantages of the coating can be utilised for so many glass applications around the home from exterior windows to reduce window cleaning, right through to shower screens for protection against soap scum.

Temple Apartments is a $10 million, 7-storey multi-unit residential development in Palm Beach, Queensland. Situated in the heart of this new Gold Coast celebrity hot spot, the luxury beach front property contains 6 penthouse apartments, features a stunning roof top terrace with pool and treated glass, and is at the forefront of the rapidly developing luxury waterfront real estate movement in the area.

EnduroShield Queensland was contracted by owner-developer Condev Construction to apply its easy-clean protection to windows, balustrading and shower screens throughout the property. Condev chose EnduroShield due to the building’s close proximity to the beach for protection against staining from salt spray to make window cleaning easier. The coating has also been used to reduce maintenance costs for the owners of these cutting-edge penthouse apartments.

When constructing a beautiful new home or renovating an existing one, ensure the “wow” factor lasts for years to come. Untreated glass is porous and absorbs contaminants which can lead to permanent etching and discolouration. EnduroShield keeps glass looking new, guaranteed for up to 10 years*. (Based on 10 years of simulated normal use and certified by TÜV Rheinland).

Website: www.enduroshield.com

The post Temple Apartments: an Enduroshield waterfront project appeared first on Completehome.

Glass has been used in construction for approximately 2000 years, and in the last few decades, the use of glass in buildings has increased remarkably. The trend towards eco-friendly materials and open plan living has made glass a very popular choice for residential construction, helped by advancements in glass coatings for a low maintenance glass care process.

The EnduroShield coating is the finishing touch in the form of an applied treatment that enhances the performance of the glass. The advantages of EnduroShield can be utilized for so many glass applications around the home from exterior windows to shower screens.

This designer beach house overlooking Whale Beach, located in one the most exclusive coastal suburbs of northern Sydney, has been constructed to make the most of its seaside aspect. EnduroShield easy clean treatment for glass was professionally applied to the interior and exterior of the building, and pool surround – allowing for low maintenance glass care. The home has been designed with extensive use of frameless glass panels to optimize the view, allowing clear sight lines through to the stunning infinity pool and the beach beyond.

As the home is just metres away from the sea, all of the glazed areas were treated by EnduroShield to reduce the build-up of salt caused by constant ocean spray. The protective coating seals the porosity of the glass helping to prevent permanent staining from salt spray. The professional treatment will reduce the cost and effort of cleaning. Environmental benefits can also be taken into account as areas treated with EnduroShield require less water and no toxic chemicals for cleaning compared to untreated glass.

Website: www.enduroshield.com

The post Whale Beach designer house: Low maintenance glass appeared first on Completehome.

When it comes to your kitchen, bathroom or outdoor surfaces, there are a range of options – but porcelain is perfect for its unbelievable resistance to heat, impact, mould and stains. Porcelain’s UV resistance also makes it the perfect choice for outdoors, and with the new QuantumSix+ 12mm range, you can recreate the look of some of the finest natural stone finishes effortlessly, without maintenance and for a fraction of the cost.

With an ability to be cut on site to any shape and size, the versatility of these porcelain sheets extends beyond the kitchen counter. Superior resistance makes them perfect for outdoor applications, including alfresco areas and even as a conversation-starting feature wall.

All WK Marble & Granite’s QuantumSix+ surfaces are Italian-made and created sustainably. Plus, with a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty, you are guaranteed peace of mind when it comes to the renowned durability that porcelain provides.

Want to see how you can make the look work for you? Check out WK’s Visualiser app in your browser now!

About WK Marble & Granite

WK-Quantum Quartz is Australia’s leading distributor of both natural and engineered stone under the WK Stone and Quantum Quartz brands. The latest addition to our premium range of products is QuantumSix+ porcelain sheets; amazing sizes in a thickness of just 6mm & 12mm. Established in 1989 and remaining under Australian ownership, WK-Quantum Quartz provides innovative design options to the architectural and design communities as well as homeowners.

WK’s selection includes over 40 varieties of Quantum Quartz (engineered stone), 18 QuantumSix+ porcelain options and 150 varieties of natural stone. With an inventory exceeding 30,000 slabs of stone in our Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast locations, we can immediately supply stone and tiles for your large project.

For more information

WK Marble & Granite

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