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Killara Residence

The house in Killara underwent a major renovation with the goal to build an open light-filled environment embracing modern architecture and blending the outdoor and indoor environment.

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Project by Toki Constructions
Photography Anson Smart
Project Type Residential
Architect Jorge Hrdina
Category Residential
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The Striato Coliseum Travertine that was used for the main bathroom features highly visible stripes and dominant mineral deposits throughout. For the balcony, steps, front entrance and the other outdoor areas, our Concha Bonita Limestone was supplied on a custom order. The unique “Waterjet” finish adds texture and makes it suitable for outdoor use.

Project Highlights

Natural Stone Landscaping in Killara, Sydney

Natural stone paving defines the home’s outdoor living areas, framing pool surrounds, alfresco entertaining zones and landscaped gardens. The stone surfaces establish a cohesive design language that enhances both usability and aesthetic appeal across the property.

Selected for its durability, slip resistance and performance in outdoor environments, the natural stone ensures longevity while maintaining a refined finish. The result is a sophisticated residential landscape that balances architectural elegance with everyday functionality.

Products Used

Tavira Limestone natural stone flooring and wall tiles by Sareen Stone

Tavira Limestone

Coliseum Striato Vein Cut Travertine tiles used in modern interior design

Coliseum Striato Vein Cut Travertine

Striato Domus Vein Cut Travertine stone tiles featuring elegant linear veining in soft greys and warm taupes

Striato Domus Vein Cut Travertine

Other Projects

Nine-Square Bondi

Vaucluse Project

60 Martin Place

Seaforth Project

Darling Point Residence

FAQs

What makes natural stone suitable for residential landscaping in Killara?

Natural stone offers durability, weather resistance and a timeless aesthetic, making it ideal for leafy suburban environments like Killara.

Is natural stone a good choice for pool surrounds?

Yes, it provides excellent slip resistance and remains comfortable underfoot, making it ideal for safe and stylish poolside areas.

Which types of natural stone are commonly used in projects like this?

Limestone, granite and travertine are popular choices due to their durability, natural textures and versatility in outdoor applications.

Can natural stone be used across both paving and wall cladding?

Absolutely. Using consistent or complementary stone across surfaces creates a cohesive and architecturally refined outdoor design.

How does natural stone enhance outdoor living in Sydney homes?

It improves both functionality and aesthetics, creating durable, weather-resistant surfaces while strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

TAKE US THROUGH THE INITIAL STAGES WHEN YOU WERE DESIGNING THE HOME.

We were very fortunate to work with the noted Southern Highlands Architect, Martin McGrane, on the creative design and layout of our home. Together with Martin, we created a beautiful, contemporary open plan home to enjoy with our family and friends.  This is our forever home.

Through a friend of ours, we came across an interior designer, and a beautiful outdoor material, the Cathedral Limestone, which we just fell in love with. We worked closely with Peta Daniel, Interior Designer from Daniel Baker Design, based in Sydney.  Which was wonderful, Peta just got us and what we were wanting to achieve in our home and helped us to make it a reality, in the selection of materials and finishes.

 

WERE THERE CERTAIN PEOPLE/PLACES THAT YOU TOOK INSPIRATION FROM WHEN DESIGNING/BUILDING THE HOME?

We were looking for a contemporary design, however, I didn’t want it to be too modern.  Inspired by a property in LA, that my husband came across, which we took some concepts from and added our ideas, and made it our own.

The LA contemporary look and detail leading into the house from the front door was something that we just loved.  Along with having one row of tiles that runs along the inside of the glass sliding doors leading into the living/dining room from the alfresco space was also a unique detail we wanted to include.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING PROCESS?

The build started in February 2020, and with all the delays throughout COVID, material delays, supplier issues, constant rain, mud pools, you name it, we had it!  Encountering all the possible elements, it felt like we were living in gumboots most of the time during the build.  It took 3 years to build the property, and 8 months just to get the roof on!

We had a deadline for our home to be finished by, which was our daughters’ wedding, being held in March 2023.

There were delays happening everywhere, including issues and delays with the quarry who were providing the Limestone that was to be used in all the outdoor areas surrounding the property.  We had chosen Cathedral Limestone in an alfresco finish with a lovely organic distressed finish on the edge, that we knew would complement the other natural materials we were using.  Time was of the essence, and it came to crunch time and the quarry could not provide a guaranteed time of delivery.  We thought what a disaster!

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH SAREEN STONE.. AND HOW THE TEAM HELPED TO OVERCOME THE SUPPLY ISSUE WITH THE CATHEDRAL LIMESTONE.

Working closely with Michael Mastro, from Sareen Stone, he had been in constant contact updating me as best he could.  Then an alternative solution was presented, another Limestone of the same size and finish, with similar tones, which I hoped would work and arrive in time.  Sareen Stone had been behind the scenes working closely with another quarry, to create a new product ‘Lavarosa Anticato’, just for our project, so that we had a solution and were able to finish our home in time for our daughter’s wedding.

When the material arrived, we couldn’t have been happier.  We just loved the Lavarosa Anticato, and it worked so well with our colour palette, and love it even more than our previous selection.  We were over the moon!

 

DESIGNER COMMENTS:

Working with Kate and Eugene on this project was wonderful. They were passionate about the overall design but also the finer details and the interplay of the natural materials with the surrounding landscape.

It was very important that the natural material palette was harmonious, and that each element was both complementary and warm.

I’ve worked with Michael from Sareen Stone on a number of projects and have always been impressed with his professional advice and clear communication. The magnificent home warmly wrapped with the “Lavarosa Anticato” is simply stunning.   A beautiful project!

Peta Daniel, Daniel Baker Design

 

IN COLLABORATION WITH:

Interior Designer:  Daniel Baker Design, 0414 341 778
Architecture:  Martin McGrane Architects, 0412 242 253
Photography and short film:  Bolt Media, 0426 607 040