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How Cosentino’s Dekton Helped Transform a 1950s Bungalow
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, Dry River sees a 1950s bungalow morph into a modern family home that blends contemporary design with rustic charm. Mackit Architecture, in collaboration with Workshop Designs, faced the challenge of preserving the warmth and character of the original build while enhancing 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.
“Durable materials like Dekton ensure the kitchen will stay looking fresh and polished, no matter the demands of daily use.”
The kitchen of Dry River is both functional and inviting. A central 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. Dekton Portum, with its rich tones and polished finish, enhances the warmth of the dark timber cabinetry while delivering durability. Used in the kitchen for countertops, splashbacks and a custom recessed sink, the surface is resistant to scratches, stains and heat, making it perfect for a 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, ensuring the kitchen feels both modern and grounded in its rural surroundings. “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 for its ability to meet the demands of high-traffic areas while maintaining a luxurious appearance. The ensuite features Dekton Marmorio on the walls and floors, its striking veining adding a sense of opulence and continuity. In the family bathroom, Dekton Grigio is used across the floors and walls. Its strength and low maintenance make it ideal for families, ensuring it withstands daily use while keeping a refined appearance.
“The client brief was for a bathroom that is predominantly used by three children – two teenage and one near teenage – with a passion for motocross, fishing and everything outdoors,” says Clinton-Baker. “This called for a space that had to be robust in materiality and colour selection, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.”
Beyond its aesthetic and functional qualities, Dekton stands out for its sustainability. As a high-performance, carbon-neutral surface, it aligns with the home’s connection to its natural environment, reinforcing the designers’ thoughtful approach.
Throughout Dry River, the integration of Dekton serves as a testament to Cosentino’s commitment to innovation, design and sustainability. From the centrepiece island in the kitchen to the serene bathrooms, Dekton ties the spaces together, creating a cohesive and timeless home that complements its surroundings. By selecting this ultracompact surface, the design team ensured that Dry River is not only beautiful but built to last – a home that will grow into the future with the family.
Architectural design by Mackit Architecture. Joinery by Workshop Designs. Surfaces by Cosentino.
