More than skin deep
With its durability, versatility and visual impact, Quantum Quartz® engineered stone was the obvious surface choice in these residential developments
In a major departure from its purely functional days, the kitchen is now being viewed as an element around which the entire kitchen design can be anchored.
This shift in perception has not gone unnoticed by WK Marble & Granite. The company, which imports natural stones such as granite, marble and limestone, now offers another option quartz-based engineered stone.
Made from more than 93% natural quartz and a mix of coloured glass, metals and pigments bound together by plastic resins, Quantum Quartz® is becoming a popular choice for designers working on leading residential developments.
Among these projects is the Leftbank village at Sydney's King Street Wharf. A joint venture by Multiplex and Australand, it comprises 246 high-specification apartments with interiors designed by Multiplex Living. In keeping with the high-spec finishes used in this project, interior design manager Jo Irwin selected Quantum Quartz for the apartments' kitchens and bathrooms.
"We chose Quantum Quartz Luna Grey because its warm green-grey tone complements the con-temporary lines of the interior design," says Irwin.
In the apartment kitchens, the Quantum Quartz Luna Grey benchtops tie in with the pale timber floors, glass splashbacks and white cabinetry. The engineered stone is also found on the bath surrounds and vanity benchtops to enhance the bathroom's sleek, streamlined look.
While it can be worked and shaped in the same way as marble and granite, the non-porous nature of Quantum Quartz means that it doesn't require sealing and is highly resistant to stains, heat, chemicals, chips and scratches, says Irwin.
"The durability and strength of this product, together with its low maintenance requirements made it well suited to this project," she says.
Another project to feature Quantum Quartz finishes is the 52-apartment, medium-rise residential tower, City Beach Pavilion at Wollongong.
Designed by Wolff Architecture International, each apartment is fitted out to high standards. Senior interior designer, Danielle Bonello, says they feature subtle shades and textures to complement the beachside environment.
"To enhance the kitchens' warm, sand-dune colour scheme, we chose Quantum Quartz Pebble Cove benchtops with a 40mm square edge," she says. "It contrasts well with the cool colourback glass and sleek satin polyurethane cabinetry."
Bonello says Quantum Quartz's resistance to stains and scratches was another important factor in its selection.
The palette of shades ranges from subtle neutrals to vibrant tones, such as Starlight Ruby, accented with chips of coloured glass, mother of pearl, mirror, granite or quartz. Its manufacturing process ensures uniformity of colour, and the finish has no veins, pores or cracks.
Quantum Quartz has many domestic and commercial applications including flooring, fireplace panels, hearths and window and door surrounds. Slabs come in three different sizes, in standard 20mm and 30mm thicknesses, and tile formats.
WK Marble and Granite works closely with designers, architects and project managers to provide a solution for every project.
For details, contact WK Marble & Granite, 129 Fairford Rd, Padstow, NSW 2211, phone (02) 9772 2377. Email: marketing@wk.com.au. Queensland office: 30 Brendan Drive, Nerang, Qld 4211, phone (07) 5596 7989. Email: wkgoldcoast@bigpond.com. For national enquiries phone 1800 555 696. Website: www.wk.com.au. Contact Wolff Architecture International, phone (02) 9901 4733; or Multiplex Living, phone (02) 9256 5000.
Story by: Trendsideas
Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
