A House of Curves and Stone – Matteo by Trinity Architects
Combining soft organic forms and robust sculptural stone, Matteo is an oasis of sweeping curves with a heightened sense of luxury.
A challenging site informed Trinity Architects’ approach to the Matteo residence, an organic, sculptural form set among the tree-lined streets of Toorak, Melbourne. Balancing curved forms, cantilevered canopies and elliptical-shaped voids, Matteo is intentionally free-flowing in its design and functional in its form. Its light-filled spaces are teamed with an evocative material palette to create a home that is both sophisticated and luxurious.
One of the stand-out materials used in ‘The House of Curves’ is stone, notably Tundra Light Sandblasted Limestone from RMS Traders. Self-proclaimed as ‘The Home of Stone’, RMS Traders supplies high-end stone for projects where a feeling of luxury is paramount. The company started as a small family business in Melbourne with a mission to provide affordable stone, and began by importing stones from India and Portugal. Forty years on, it has become a leading supplier of carefully sourced natural stone tiles from across the globe for residential and commercial applications, and for both internal and external use.
The Tundra Light Sandblasted seamlessly integrates with Matteo’s minimalist architecture and sense of luxury. “It’s a European stone and it really is the luxe of luxe,” says RMS Traders Director, Shaun Palkhiwala. “The Matteo residence required a stone that was strong enough for a pod system but that also had beauty – this product is aesthetically appealing but it provides structural integrity, too.” The stone’s lightness and highly refined quality make it consistent, with a deep character. “It also has a perfect neutral grey tone, and its subtle veins and movements tie in really well with the home’s surroundings.”
Luxurious while remaining cost-efficient, Tundra Light Sandblasted is as captivating as it is sophisticated due to its density and colour variation. The textured finish is anti-slip while still being smooth underfoot, which means it is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. With those qualities, it’s not surprising that limestone remains one of RMS Traders’ best-selling stones. “Limestone is without doubt the most popular range,” Shaun says. “It comes in so many colours and textures, offering endless options for our clients. It’s also incredibly durable and versatile, making it easy to use in any environment.” One of his favourite stones in the RMS range is the Tundra Grey Honed, which was used in the home’s bathrooms: “It’s essentially the same as Tundra Light Sandblasted but in a smoother finish that is better suited for internal use.”
Tundra Light Sandblasted is one of a host of clever materials that beautifully complements Matteo’s organic, all-white architectural form. The end result is a home that feels quintessentially modern but rich in character.