BackCase Study
A luxurious rental building chooses Cosentino for its durability, elegance and sustainability
Hillam Architects
Location
Subiaco (Australia)
Material
Silestone | Dekton | Sensa
Application
Worktops, fronts, showers, wall cladding
Photography
Silvertone Photography
Architecture/Design
Hillam Architects
Color
Charcoal Soapstone Suede, Kensho Suede, Miami White Polished, Calypso Suede | Opera, Domoos | Black Beauty Caresse
End date
2022
High durability and care for the environment thanks to Dekton, Silestone and Sensa
Common areas to relax in, stunning roof terraces, two swimming pools, barbecue huts, lounges, gym… The second phase of Element 27, the first rental community in Western Australia, has just opened its doors in a luxury setting with every possible amenity.
Element 27 is also a sustainable complex, with charging stations for electric cars, energy-efficient appliances and innovative strategies for water and energy treatment. As a result, it has become Australia’s first carbon neutral flat community.
To obtain the strength that the materials of a rental flat require, the sophistication inherent in this high-end complex and the respect for the environment that Element 27 embodies, the award-winning firm Hillam Architects had it clear: Cosentino surfaces would be their reference product.
“Any Cosentino surface is extremely hard and resistant to stains and marks. This development was built for rental purposes, so the durability of the materials is very important”, explains the studio. And they further say: “Seamless shower walls and trays are a great advantage in terms of maintenance, especially considering Perth’s hard water. At the same time, Cosentino products offer a visually appealing quality”.
In fact, Sentinel, the developer of the complex, always uses materials from the Cosentino brands in their projects: “Sentinel’s overall policy is to use Dekton, Silestone or Sensa by Cosentino for worktops, splashbacks, etc. This helps to maintain consistency between the projects they own and manage, and to ensure a global supply chain”.
Powerful and sophisticated colours
The worktops and fronts in Element 27 feature Cosentino surfaces. Specifically, the material used was Silestone Charcoal Soapstone with a velvety Suede finish. Inspired by the popular soapstone, this tone has a blue-grey finish with strong grey veins, which stands out for its character, depth and movement.
Silestone was also the material of choice for the worktop and front in the laundry area. In this case, Miami White’s warm shade and glossy Polished finish was chosen. In the bathroom, the walls are clad in Dekton Opera, a colour inspired by the elegant Italian Carrara marble thanks to its simple light grey veining that adds depth and character to its creamy white background.
Meanwhile, the shower tray features the Kador Suite model, a rectangular-shaped tray with a contemporary style, for which Silestone Kensho Suede was chosen. Its silky, harmonious grey surface creates environments with an Asian and Zen touch, which makes perfect sense given the decorative aspects of the project.
A rich, textured colour palette inspired by high-end ceramics
“The design of Element 27 responds to the identity of the Fine China precinct, where the complex is located. The rich material palette used for the project conveys the industrial heritage of the site, while blending in with the materiality of the surrounding developments”, says the studio.
In addition, the details of its façade, specially the nuances in its pattern, allude to the subtle variations in texture and colour of this type of ceramic.
For instance, Silestone was used for the walls of the lift and the custom-made desk at the entrance of the building. In this case, the colour chosen was Calypso, a sober and refined tone that adds contrast and depth to bright spaces.
Last but not least, a different Cosentino material was used for the worktop in the barbecue area. The surface chosen was Sensa Black Beauty, an Indian granite with exclusive anti-stain protection. With its black background crossed by white veins reminiscent of the foam of the waves in a wild ocean, this tone is perfectly suited to the richness that Hillam Architects wanted to capture.
