We’ve collaborated with Austaron for over 15 years, developing a great relationship with the family-run company and their quality products. Having worked with many different types of materials throughout our projects, it is telling that as designers we chose Staron Solid Surface for all worktop surfaces in own new home.
The vision for the design was to create a space that not only looked good, but was also liveable and practical – somewhere our busy family could enjoy and call home. Taking a ‘less is more’ approach, our new build is highlighted by sleek finishes, modern materials, clean lines, and a neutral and light palette. Seeking a seamless and integrated look for Bayview One’s interiors, Staron Solid Surface from Austaron Surfaces features throughout the property, from the working spaces like the kitchen, scullery and study to the wet areas like the powder room, main bathroom and laundry.
Now if you’ve never heard of it before and wondering what we’re banging on about – Staron Solid Surface is a highly functional and beautiful mineral and acrylic surfacing material. It is known for its ability to create long and wide continuous surfaces with no open join lines, and its ability to be thermoformed into flowing curves or sculpted into any shape imaginable. These properties enable sinks and basins to be incorporated seamlessly into countertops, which was an important aspect of Bayview One’s design brief. The material is also highly durable and low maintenance, which gives us peace of mind.
So why Staron Solid Surface above other benchtop types?
CLEANING FRIENDLY
Having had Staron Solid Surface in our previous kitchen, and seeing how well it held up to constant wear and tear by a family with young kids, we went with the material once again for Bayview One’s benchtops. The material is long-lasting, and super easy to clean as you can bring back to brand new with a simple quick buff, making it the ideal choice for demanding interior applications.
If you’ve been to our studio you will know that we also have this product on our big sample room table which gets a real bashing by the team lunches, supplier meetings, project schemes and the occasional dinner soirees!
With 3 busy kids adding an extra wash basin to the WC has been a lifesaver (especially during that pre school time rush!) and of course we added in an additional integrated wall hung Staron Solid Surface basin.
CUSTOM SHAPES
We did a custom curved vanity top in the powder room and kitchen island which both include integrated Staron Solid Surface sinks/basins. In fact, many of the soft curved ends and surfaces throughout the home are thanks to Staron’s ability to be manufactured or thermoformed into almost any curved shape. The capability of this material is endless and it’s so nice being able to design with freedom! Many of the shaped forms and details within the home where made so easy using Staron Solid Surface!
With Staron, you can determine the gloss level of the product with the installer, which allowed us to achieve the required finish that complemented the Taubmans ‘Cotton Sheets’ 2pac joinery throughout the home. We love a matt white on white look so the ‘Bright White’ colourway was the perfect pick for our project – however the colour range of their solid surface is extensive so there’s something for every project.
HARDWEARING
The benchtops are the workhorse of the kitchen and probably the most important finish in a home. We used Staron Solid Surface in our previous kitchen and absolutely loved it! The kids were a lot younger (and messier!) and the material really stood up to the constant wear and tear. So easy to clean and bring back to new at any point in its life.
Not only that, but as we have previously mentioned we did actually move that old house including the kitchen over to the island before kicking off our Bayview One build on the same block (you can read more about this here). Yet again the Staron stood up to the test and was able to be easily removed, transported and reinstated in the house’s new location.
We also love that the integrated kitchen sink completes the seamless look we wanted to achieve in our ALL WHITE design of the island bench. With it’s seamless look also comes hardwearing edges and no pesky hard to clean nooks and crannies!
OUTDOOR SUITABLE
So let’s chat about one of Darren’s favourite parts of the home – the outdoor kitchen! With a big love of the outdoors and an inherent connection to textures, both in visual and textural importance, meticulous attention to detail is always paramount. Ensuring we had consistency between the indoor and outdoor spaces was important. It was achieved by mimicking similar details from the kitchen and the same Staron Solid Surface benchtops in ‘Bright White’ – which we can use outside as it’s completely warranted for outdoor use!
Additionally, connecting interior elements of the home to the alfresco dining area was important. Not only does the Staron Solid Surface connect back to the kitchen elements inside, but it also adds another layer of white to play within the outdoor environment.
You can discover more on each of the spaces in our Bayview One home here.
