Seeking a respite from the dynamic pulse of the Victorian capital, city-dwellers Jarrad and Michael were captivated by the seaside charm of Rye on the Mornington Peninsula. It is in this delightful township, nestled between the tranquil beauty of the bay beaches and the rugged coastline of the Bass Strait, that they created their dream holiday home.
At the heart of this lovingly renovated coastal oasis lies a reimagined kitchen where a careful balance of beauty, function, and environmental consciousness defines the ideal gathering place crafted for culinary creativity. “We wanted our kitchen to be the hub of the house – somewhere we could cook up a storm, entertain and gather with friends and family,” explains Jarrad. This vision translated into a highly considered material selection – the couple yearned for the timeless elegance of natural stone, yet sought a surface with superior resilience and low-maintenance qualities.
The couple’s kitchen manufacturer, Häcker Australia, recommended Neolith, a cutting-edge product that combines the allure of natural textures with innovative properties of sintered stone. Neolith‘s range, quality, and lifelike emulation of natural stone proved unmatched. In addition, the brand’s commitment to carbon neutrality and the use of all-natural, recyclable materials, reflected the homeowners’ environmental ambitions for the dwelling.
Borne out of shared values and design vision, this architecturally striking kitchen is defined by a harmonious interplay of elements. Neolith Estatuario’s refined, classic veining and luminous, marble-inspired surface bring a sophisticated presence to the benchtops and splashback, establishing elegant dialogue with Häcker Australia’s stunning joinery in sleek Nordic Oak. The angled veining of Estatuario offers an intriguing juxtaposition to the vertical timber pattern of the joinery, creating a dynamic and elevated backdrop for daily life’s activities.
“We wanted the kitchen to be modern and minimalist, but with a coastal edge – the cool undertones and soft movement in the joinery captured this perfectly, and it looks incredible with the Neolith surfaces,” enthuses Jarrad.
Estatuario’s quiet, captivating confidence continues beyond the kitchen, transforming into a spacious TV cabinet – tailor-made from the product’s offcuts – that brings a cohesive flow into the adjacent lounge room. “We were amazed at how versatile Neolith is and how many different ways you can use it, inside and out,” says Jarrad. “It meant no piece, however small, had to be discarded.”
Neolith Arabesque, with its bolder pattern, became a stunning textural counterpoint to Estatuario. The homeowners used the finish to frame the kitchen doorway, punctuating the portal with a visually striking touch of architectural grandeur. The remnants of Arabesque were then cleverly repurposed into an elegant display plinth positioned in the open-plan dining area across the kitchen. A dramatic statement piece in its own right, the pedestal establishes a delightful visual dialogue with its surroundings, reinforcing the sense of cohesion that anchors the space.
The homeowners’ commitment to elevating even the smallest elements proved to be the perfect challenge for the versatile sintered stone product. One of the ingenious applications was a sleek, round pop-out outlet nestled discreetly within Neolith benchtop. Designed to conceal a visually jarring power point, this unexpected application is a testament to the sintered stone’s outstanding pliability.
Jarrad and Michael’s ingenuity, paired with the exceptional qualities of Neolith and Häcker Australia’s craftsmanship, has yielded a renovation that gracefully responds to the needs of its inhabitants. With intuitive functionality, dedication to sustainable material selection, and a commitment to maximising resources, the homeowners infused this coastal getaway with an unwavering focus on environmental impact – elevating their holiday home into the realm of considered luxury.
Neolith
neolith.com
