Shape-shifting and mind-bending possibilities with solid acrylic

When you have a product that can be shaped, curved, seamlessly joined and router cut, then the only limits on its use for your interior project come down to your imagination.

Durasein solid acrylic surface is a recent addition to the NZ Panels Group product portfolio and Group Marketing Manager, Desiree Keown, says the opportunity to acquire the brand for the New Zealand market has given them an exciting opportunity to shape the range specifically for New Zealand interiors.

Newly relaunched with an expanded range of 24 colours, she says the range has been developed with the knowledge that the product is equally favoured for both commercial and residential interiors.

“From residential benchtops, vanities, splashbacks and cabinetry fronts, through to commercial seating, shelving, countertops, wall cladding and furniture, there are endless creative possibilities.

“The fact you can router cut it, means you can create anything from fluted profile fronts through to embedding your company logo into the surface. And if you use our translucent Durasein colour then you can backlight it for an even more dramatic effect.”

Desiree says the new colour line-up addresses the classics with a solid white and a range of soft organic designs that see patterning flowing across the acrylic sheet. “These are hugely versatile designs that can work beautifully when paired with woodgrain cabinetry or other solid colour surfaces.

“The inclusion of some soft terrazzo designs offers a great option for retail and hospitality but also look terrific in bathroom vanities, especially when pared with pastel and terracotta shades.

“At the darker end of the palette we have some stunning options with a black or grey base that again provide so many creative options.”

She noted that one softly veined design would be sure to attract a strong following. “It was beautifully showcased in the new Durasein showroom at the Home Ideas Centre in Parnell but a week before the showroom was due for completion, the site was hit by flooding. With the entire flooring underneath needing removal, the showroom’s launch is now delayed until the Centre re-opens.

The New Zealand range also includes one kitchen sink option in Polar White that can be seamlessly inserted into a benchtop along with an oval and rectangular vanity sink option.

The absence of joins creates a more hygienic option, boosted by the fact the surface is food-safe, non-toxic, non-porous and anti-bacterial.

It is also low VOC and resistant to mould and mildew, which makes it a very safe option for hospitality and retail environments, in particular.

Desiree says one of the key advantages of solid surface acrylic over other benchtop surfaces is its ability to be easily repolished – to remove light scratching and any dullness that can occur over an extended period of use.

“It’s also warm to touch which appeals to those who want a great looking surface but without the coldness associated with a stone or granite.

“However, the most fun part is when designers let their imaginations run wild and have Durasein thermoformed into some amazing shapes.

“It’s certainly a great option for commercial seating and desks, but we’ve seen it used on overscale balustrading in large public buildings and for a wide array of reception desks and surrounds.

“We can’t wait to see what New Zealand architects and designers create with it. Thermoforming – when the solid acrylic is heated up and moulded to a desired shape, is such a great way of adding interest and drama, but the ability to cut patterns into it adds even further layers of textural interest.”

The entire New Zealand range is 12mm thick with a sheet size of 760mm by 3660mm but other sizes can be sourced on request. The best selling Polar White is also available in a 6mm sheet size.

Easy to clean, low maintenance and with excellent resistance to chemicals and stains, the Durasein range is backed by a 10-year warranty.

“We’re proud of our newly launched Durasein website which offers useful technical information and makes it easy to order samples of all the new colours. For design professionals, a newly launched Durasein sample folder is also available – and our specification team from NZ Panels Group are the ones to approach for anyone needing to view the range.”

Desiree says the company is excited to have the Durasein brand to add to its already extensive range of interior product brands that pretty much cover the spectrum of interior materials – from melamine, veneer, acrylic and HPL panels, through to sinks and taps, high-pressure laminates and engineered stone.

“Durasein is certainly a fabulous product to have and we look forward to sharing some creative projects from New Zealand architects and designers in the future.”

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