In partnership with Cosentino
Published
26/08/2025
Words
Sophia Fawdry
Photography

Dekton by Cosentino brings beauty, durability and sustainability to Dry River, a rejuvenated 1950s bungalow on New Zealand’s North Island.

In the picturesque Wairarapa landscape of New Zealand’s North Island, Mackit Architecture faced the challenge of preserving the warmth and character of an original 1950s bungalow while enhancing its functionality for a family of five. The result is a space that celebrates rural living while meeting the demands of modern life, with Dekton by Cosentino playing a pivotal role throughout.

The homeowners worked with custom kitchen and joinery firm Workshop Designs to create the kitchen, the centre of the home. Here, an expansive island serves as a hub for cooking, dining and socialising, with Dekton surfaces by Cosentino tying the design together. Selected for their beauty and practicality, the large-format slabs provide seamless continuity, extending from the kitchen to the laundry and powder room.

Selected for their beauty and practicality, the large-format slabs provide seamless continuity, extending from the kitchen to the laundry and powder room.

Dekton Portum, with its rich tones and polished finish, enhances the warmth of the dark timber cabinetry while delivering durability. Utilised in the kitchen for countertops, splashbacks and a custom recessed sink, the surface is resistant to scratches, stains and heat, making it perfectly suited for the busy household.

Natural light floods the space through large windows, accentuating the textures of the materials and creating a connection to the outdoors. Thoughtful lighting design adds depth and highlights the subtle elegance of the Portum. “The kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics,” says Phoebe Clinton-Baker of Workshop Designs. “It’s designed for real-life functionality. Durable materials like Dekton ensure it will stay looking fresh and polished, no matter the demands of daily use.”

In the ensuite and family bathroom, Dekton continues to elevate the design, chosen not just for its robustness but also for its luxurious appearance. The ensuite features Dekton Marmorio on the walls and floors, its striking veining adding a sense of opulence.