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Balmain Hideaway

Cockle Constructions teamed up with Miwa Design to reimagine the possibilities of a traditional Sydney home.

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Project by Cockle Constructions
Photography Chris Warnes Photography
Landscape Secret Gardens
Place Balmain, Sydney
Project Type Residential
Pool Artesian Pools
Architect Vaughan Architects
Category Residential
Year 2018
Interior Design Miwa Design
https://sareenstone.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/banner-mid-11.jpg

Project Highlights

Natural Stone Landscaping in Balmain, Sydney

This project highlights the versatility of natural stone in transforming compact outdoor areas into functional and elegant living spaces. Premium stone paving and wall cladding are used to define zones while maintaining a consistent and sophisticated design language.

The integration of stone across multiple applications ensures durability and visual continuity, making it ideal for residential environments. The result is a well-balanced outdoor space that supports both relaxation and entertaining within a Sydney urban context.

Products Used

Ocean Grey Granite tiles, pavers and coping for indoor and outdoor spaces

Ocean Grey Granite

Autumn Blend Cobblestones laid on a garden pathway showcasing natural tonal variation and texture

Autumn Blend Quartzite Cobblestones

Other Projects

ALBA Apartments

Balmain Hideaway

Assembly Label Fitout

FAQs

Why is natural stone ideal for urban residential projects like this Balmain home?

Natural stone offers durability and timeless appeal while maximising the functionality and aesthetics of compact outdoor spaces.

Can natural stone be used effectively in small outdoor areas?

Yes, natural stone is highly versatile and can be used for paving, pathways and wall cladding to create a cohesive and visually spacious design.

What types of natural stone are suitable for urban landscaping?

Limestone, granite and travertine are popular choices due to their durability, texture and ability to complement modern and heritage-style homes.

Is natural stone suitable for outdoor entertaining spaces?

Absolutely. Natural stone provides a durable, low-maintenance surface ideal for high-use areas such as patios and courtyards.

How does natural stone enhance indoor-outdoor living in urban homes?

It creates a seamless visual transition through consistent materials and tones, improving flow between interior and exterior 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