Dovers Drive
In Dovers Drive, a grand clifftop residence south of Sydney, effortless indoor-outdoor flow is enhanced with Dekton surfaces by Cosentino.
Situated on the headland at Port Kembla, 90 minutes south of Sydney, this polished, three-storey residence offers panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean. Defined by its robust materiality, generous proportions and refined geometry, Dovers Drive is a striking yet understated presence along the stunning Illawarra coastline.
Designed by Design Workshop Australia and built by Allara Building Co. and Insight Development Group, the vision for the project was to create a luxurious yet low-maintenance home for contemporary coastal living. The generous concrete interiors, expansive windows and clean, minimal palette exude a sense of simple elegance, while a fluid layout allows for easy transition between spaces. “The concept of circulation and movement was a key part of the design,” says Fabian Ciguenza, director of construction at Allara Building Co. “We wanted to ensure that the internal and external space all blended into one.”
A consistent material language was central to this approach, and Dekton by Cosentino was chosen to ground the residence. The large-format, ultra-compact surface not only complements the soft, grey tones of the concrete, but is also incredibly durable and fit for a wide variety of applications. Extending from the kitchen and living room floors to the alfresco zones, bathrooms, lift, stairs and courtyard – as well as the large garage and pool area – Dekton creates an elevated, cohesive look throughout.
“From a builder’s perspective, the things we really appreciate are durability, longevity and peace of mind for the homeowner,” says Ciguenza. “The team from Cosentino came to site several times throughout the installation process to make sure everything was done to the highest possible standard.”
The Cosentino team also provided expert advice on the selection of two colourways for the home – Albarium and Argentium from the Kraftizen collection, both inspired by the beauty of natural stone. “Albarium is reminiscent of Venetian plaster and Argentium offers a soft grey tone,” says Barbe Dolan, senior design sales manager at Cosentino Sydney. “We used Albarium on the floor downstairs and Argentium on the walls and floors of the bathrooms.” In wet areas such as the pool area and bathrooms, Dekton Grip+ ensures slip resistance without compromising the clean finish.
Custom Dekton pieces were even used for the garage turntable – a high-performance, high-impact application that speaks to the product’s flexibility. “There is nothing stronger or more durable than this product,” says Dolan. “Each slab is pressed with 25,000 tonnes of pressure, hence cars can drive over it without any worry in the world.” Its most evocative use, however, is in the main bathroom, which is reminiscent of a luxury spa – here, Argentium-clad walls surround a freestanding bath, framing the stunning ocean view.
Beyond aesthetics, Dekton’s eco-friendly credentials also played a role in the material selection. Manufactured using 100 per cent renewable energy and 99 per cent recycled water – and certified carbon neutral over its lifecycle – Dekton aligns with a broader industry shift towards sustainable design. With its seamless detailing, tactile finishes and commitment to performance, Dovers Drive offers a compelling model for luxury coastal living defined by clarity, cohesion and connection to place.
