Add a creative dimension to driveways and paths – or an element of surprise – as with this impressive circular driveway feature at a residential project in Sydney’s Vaucluse by Landsberg Garden Design and Quercus Gardens featuring our Charcoal Granite Cobblestones.
Image: This impressive circular driveway feature in Vaucluse in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs was created by Landsberg Garden Design and Quercus Gardens using our Charcoal Granite Cobblestones.
While they are often used for residential driveways and paths, Sareen Stone cobblestones also make a great choice for commercial space interior floors, including at Bankstown Sports Club’s iconic Lucky Cheng’s Noodle House. Sareen Stone’s Charcoal Grey Granite Rectangle Cobblestones was installed on the restuarant’s floors by Paynter Dixon constructions.
Byron Martin Photography
Image: Visit Canterbury-Bankstown’s Lucky Cheng’s restaurant to see Sareen Stone Charcoal Grey Granite cobblestones in situ. Installed by Paynter Dixon Construction. Image Credit: Bankstown Sports.
Keith Pike Associates is an architectural design practice located in Birchgrove, in Sydney’s inner west. Their work is contemporary with a focus on detailed luxury, specifically the use of premium stone.
Recently, Keith Pike Associates and Pilgrim Building completed a makeover of an existing two-level waterfront property in Hunters Hill.
The project involved extensive reorganisation of the floorplan to provide a natural spatial flow, from the entry, through the house, downstairs and out to the extensive alfresco facilities fronting the harbour.
Lookalike Travertine Porcelain Tiles for Elegant Indoor Living
Keith Pike chose to use Sareen Stone’s Lookalike Travertine Porcelain tiles and Statuario Marble Look Porcelain tiles throughout the kitchen, dining and living areas of the house.
As 2022 draws to a close, we recently sat down with Michael to hear his thoughts about 2022 and the trends he anticipates in 2023.
What observations do you have to share from 2022?
People are ready to put Covid behind them and start looking forward to the future.
The interest rate rise has slowed a small percentage of the market, but I know of quite a few new projects that are commencing early next year where there has not been any impact by the rate rise.
What people were wanting and buying in 2022 and why?
I thought grey tones were on the way out but alas, architects and interior designers are still specifying them.
Once clients see our Luna Chiaro Limestone, they love it for its sleek, clean appearance.
Our newest mid-grey limestone from Egypt is Tuscan Gris which is sandblasted for suitability of external flooring and hand chiseled to appear distressed and of Old World appearance.
I know I’m biased, but I love the Tuscan Gris Limestone. Specifically, I love that it looks similar to an old courtyard from a vineyard in Tuscany.
Who doesn’t want to imagine they’re lounging and relaxing in Tuscany?
Your favorite project, product and why of 2022?
I always love seeing how Sareen Stone looks in the finished project.
One of the standout projects was the Filetti driveway in Fairlight. The area was transformed from old cracked concrete to a beautiful Italian Villa style driveway. The earthy grey, brown and red tones make a stark yet lovely contrast to the green grass.
Audrey Watson initially contacted Sareen Stone about the possibility of using the more traditional cobblestone for the driveway. Once I learned the specifics of the situation, I recommended the Italian Filetti to her, and happily she’s thrilled with the end result.
As a bonus, Audrey was a delight to deal with and recommended Scott Pecar from Top Deck Landscapes for the installation of the Filetti.
I’ve since recommended Scott to various clients, and he eventually installed another of our Filetti projects.
Scott’s eye for detail, ability to blend natural stone colours and professional manner are a credit to him.
One trend that you see developing or emerging in 2023?
I am increasingly being asked about poly pads or similar system installations. Not sure of the reason but there are lots of benefits to using this system of installation.
Drainage, data cables and other utilities can be laid in the void beneath the pavers with easy access if required.
What you’re looking forward to in 2023.
I’d love to be more involved with commercial projects such as Concord Oval where Sareen Stone’s Porphyry 2 Colour Cobblestones were installed at the main gate entrance.
There is nothing more rewarding than to see a public works project where products that I assisted with the specification and supply have been installed.
Caballo Estate is sophisticated, luxurious, yet subtle at the same time. Using raw materials and a minimalist colour palette to create a beautiful facade, this project demonstrates the power of simplicity.
We talked to Neil, founder of Turrell Building to learn more about the project.
Stunning luxury selections of fixtures and finishes brought it all together, keeping the house modern and contemporary for decades to come.
Marble is a metamorphic rock with characteristic veining and movement throughout. It has been prized in architecture since classical times and has therefore become a symbol of culture and refined taste.
When working with the quarries, only high-grade class Marble is selected, providing a consistent finish and durable product.
Marble is recognised for its characteristics of bold colours and striking veining. To accentuate this look, Marble is typically supplied in a honed or polished finish, and is used in kitchens, bathrooms, or selected for hotel lobbies, and commercial projects, for its premium appearance.
As the honed or polished finish on Marble tiles has a low slip rating, it is commonly used on interior floors and walls, and because of this low slip rating, it is not suitable for outdoor areas.
Pictured: Pietra Grey Marble in collaboration with Stillone Design, image by Maree Homer
The home was architecturally designed, and the clients came to Chateau with the drawings completed, looking for a local and reputable builder and designer, to bring their vision to life, and to assist with the final selection of materials.
Inspired by the demand for our best-selling beige and sandy-coloured Cathedral Limestone, which our clients love for its beautiful texture and large format that looks stunning in alfresco areas, we were looking for a mid-grey coloured Limestone.
We have been following the journey of Ocean Point Avenue being built on Instagram. We’ve witnessed how the bare land in the coastal Coffs Harbour location was developed into a stunning home with unique features, premium finishes and a tranquil atmosphere.
In this article, we talk to Nathan from Bentley Homes NSW, a local builder in Coffs Harbour, in charge of both the build and the design behind this project.
The Vision
The outdoor and alfresco areas were a focal point of this build. The house wraps around the alfresco and pool area making it a stunning feature of the home.
The master bed, kitchen, dining and living rooms all overlook the north-facing pool and alfresco area, flooding the home with natural light.
Where did you draw your inspiration for this home?
“Given the location of the block we were mostly aiming for a modern coastal feel to this home, but I feel we drew inspiration from a range of different styles to create this place,” explained Nathan.
Any Kid’s Dream Backyard
“Being a battle-axe block of land it was tricky to design but we feel we did the best with the space we had and it really created a unique and beautiful home.
And of course, we have made the most of the backyard space including dedicating the entire back triangle of the block for a kid’s zone, including a sand pit, trampoline and climbing frame with space for a swing set and mud kitchen in the future. It is truly any kid’s dream backyard, ” said Nathan.
We love the alfresco area. It looks like you’ve got everything covered. What are all the different features and the thinking behind them?
“The alfresco area really is something else, probably our favourite part of the home! With a northern aspect, it is full of light and overlooks a large backyard and pool area including a Balinese-style hut and tropical gardens.
The alfresco area includes a large outdoor kitchen with BBQ that can be used all year round and seems to have become an essential part of the modern-day build in our Aussie climate,” said Nathan.
Premium Silver Ash Travertine In A French Pattern
The Silver Ash Travertine is a mid-tone grey stone with soft patterns of brown and dark ash tones interwoven into its surface to add contrast.
With its dominant grey and brown colours, it contrasts well against light and dark fixtures and showcases the patterns and beautiful natural variation present in natural stone, which adds a design statement to any space.
This Travertine is suitable for all modern and period-style homes and commercial spaces. It is popular in residential projects when used for floors, walls, pool surrounds and footpaths. It also works beautifully when connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
French Pattern also referred to as Ashlar pattern or Versailles Pattern, is a modular pattern that is reminiscent of a stone floor from historic European palaces, adding an interesting feature to the floor and making it look elegant and impressive.
You selected our Silver Ash Travertine French Pattern for the alfresco area, pool and spa hut. What was the thought process behind this and how did it work with the rest of the design?
“A standout feature of this build is definitely the use of timber and stone throughout the home both inside and out.
The Silver Ash Travertine floor combined with a blackbutt lined ceiling on the both alfresco and pool area is just stunning together. Using the French pattern Travertine throughout the alfresco, pool and spa hut area made them all flow together,” said Nathan.
What’s your favourite part of the build?
“It is definitely difficult to choose a favourite part, obviously we are in love with the alfresco and pool areas but also need to mention the large open plan living/dining/kitchen area.
The kitchen overlooks the pool and there is a large set of stackable doors that creates a large opening between the living and alfresco.
The living area also has a gorgeous stone-cladded fireplace where the glass wraps around the corner allowing it to face the living and alfresco areas,” explained Nathan.
What would be your #1 advice to people embarking on a journey of building their dream homes?
It can be a stressful time, but don’t let it be. Do your research on products and try to think practically when making tough decisions. Try to enjoy the whole process and everything in between!
About Bentley Homes NSW
Bentley Homes are quality home builders in Coffs Harbour, Nathan Bentley and his business partner, Ashley Trengove. They specialise in quality, custom-built homes, extensions and renovations throughout Coffs Harbour and the surrounding areas.
In addition, they offer a full range of building and renovation services, from decks and pergolas to home extensions and of course, new home construction.
They work throughout the Coffs Coast including Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and Toormina, Bonville, Repton, Urunga, Korora Beach, Sapphire Beach, Moonee Beach, Emerald Beach and Woolgoolga.
We are excited to share this stunning resort-style home in MacMasters Beach built by Balanced Building, which we had the privilege of photographing and experiencing in person. In the article, we talk to James and Chrissy Lewry, the owners, about the renovation and design of their forever home.
They’ve transformed their alfresco area into a resort-style outdoor living with a beautiful pool, jacuzzi, outdoor living room, lounge and entertaining areas, creating a holiday atmosphere in their own backyard.
They’ve used our elegant cream-coloured Crema Vialle Alfresco Limestone to provide soft undertones and beautiful rich texture. The stunning design earned the MBA Award in the Concrete Pools category.
As soon as you step onto the property, you feel a sense of quiet and tranquillity. You are surrounded by beautiful greenery, and the neutral soft colour palette used throughout, makes you feel so relaxed like you’re in a resort on holiday.
Before ImageAfter Image
Chrissy, what a transformation! The difference between your before and after photos are truly amazing! What was your design vision for the project? Was there a particular style you were going for?
“The original home had a country homestead feel, we wanted to modernise the home and give it a Coastal/Modern look with a relaxed resort-style feel,” explained the homeowner Chrissy.
Chrissy has a natural talent when it comes to interior design and styling. Although she has never formally studied interior design, creating beautiful spaces has always been her hobby.
Winning the award for the pool and being recognised by the Master Builders Association, competing with renowned architects, builders and designers, is a true testament to her natural talent.
She has used a beautiful neutral palette throughout the home, all the way from the front door through to the outdoor resort-style living area, from hard materials to soft furnishings and everything in between, creating a fresh, beautiful feel.
With lots of natural light, different areas for lounging, and calming aesthetics, the relaxed style makes you feel like you’re on holiday in a beautiful resort.
This week we talked to Cate from Catherine de Meur Interiors about the stunning interior transformation when renovating the lower level of the family residence and its alfresco living area to create a timeless contemporary design with soft muted colours.
The team at Catherine de Meur Interiors overhauled the kitchenette and the alfresco area of Home Herbert and created a seamless transition from inside out by using our Manhattan Limestone and other design elements.
The bathroom posed a challenge by lacking natural light and offering limited space but revamped it into a stylish space.
Byron Martin Photography
