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Ombra House by Urban Abode Building Design and Studio K Interior Design
At Ombra House, Dekton surfaces by Cosentino unite indoor and outdoor spaces to create a kitchen and alfresco area that harmonise beauty, durability and functionality in Far North Queensland’s tropical climate.
Ombra House in Cairns in Far North Queensland exemplifies modern living in harmony with nature. Designed by Urban Abode Building Design with interiors by Studio K Interior Design, the award-winning residence effortlessly blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a tranquil retreat that embraces its tropical surroundings. The kitchen and alfresco area highlight how thoughtful material choices and innovative design can make spaces both functional and visually captivating.
“It was the design intention to use the same materials for both kitchens so that the transition between indoors and outdoors was seamless.”
The hero of the kitchen is a sculptural central island, made with Dekton Laurent by Cosentino. At one end is a dramatic curve, constructed using a repeating pattern of 8-millimetre- and 20-millimetre-thick Dekton slabs, cut into 40-millimetre strips to achieve the curve. The result is both visually striking and highly practical – and a testament to the stonemason’s skill – as the robust surface can withstand the demands of a busy kitchen.
In Cairns’ warm and humid climate, alfresco dining is a way of life, making the integration of the indoor kitchen with the outdoor kitchen a key design consideration. A large sliding glass door separates the two spaces, disappearing almost entirely when open. “The benchtops in these two zones are set at the same height, and it was the design intention to use the same materials for both kitchens so that the transition between indoors and outdoors was seamless,” explains interior designer Bronte Skaines. Dekton was the ideal solution, offering resistance to UV, heat and humidity – critical for the outdoor kitchen – while maintaining the same balance of functionality and aesthetics indoors.
Beyond its visual appeal, Dekton’s smooth, seamless surface ensures minimal maintenance and ease of cleaning, making it ideal for kitchens and outdoor entertaining areas. Resistant to heat, scratches and stains, the surface provides long-lasting durability for everyday use. In Ombra House, its versatility is also highlighted, with the dramatic tones of Laurent featured not just on the island but on the splashback and in the adjoining butler’s pantry, as well as for the outdoor kitchen.
The homeowners couldn’t be more delighted with the result. “The strength and moodiness of the Laurent appealed to us because we were looking for something that was sophisticated and bold but would also bring understated drama to the space,” they say. “The matt finish and texture felt amazing and paired beautifully with our natural oak flooring. We love being able to use the benchtop to prep food and place hot dishes directly on it, and know that the material will need minimal maintenance in the long term.”
Meaning ‘shadow’ or ‘shade,’ Ombra House embodies serenity and connection to nature. “Our vision was to deliver a home that worked with the surrounding environment and also showcased a contemporary design,” says Skaines. “Dekton Laurent is not only a stunning feature of the home as soon as you walk through the doors, but it is also a robust, functional material that withstands the elements and works perfectly in the tropical environment.”
Building design by Urban Abode Building Design. Interior design by Studio K Interior Design. Surfaces by Cosentino.
