When starting work on a kitchen in an architectural new build for a busy young family, Annika Rowson of Rowson Kitchens knew she wanted to use Sensa’s White Macaubas, a striking surface that brings the wow factor to any space.

“I hadn’t used it in a project before, but the homeowners requested texture and natural stone, and I knew White Macaubas was the perfect product, so I brought it up as an option very early on,” explains Rowson. “I had to design a functional kitchen that could withstand their needs, but also one that sat beautifully in the space, and having worked with the owners before on their previous kitchen, I knew the surfaces had to be practical and beautiful.”

Rowson came up with the idea of a mitred, 3400mm White Macaubas kitchen island that is curved at one end and angular at the other. It was fabricated by AGB Stone Waikato in the Sensa surface, with just one centre join. The pattern of the Sensa stone adds natural texture and drama to the open-plan space and the result, Rowson says, is “immaculate and very minimal.”

White Macaubas is paired with dark oak veneer cabinetry, which she says, “enhances the darker veins of green and blue in the granite, anchors the kitchen in the generous space and allows the island to stand out”. A hob is integrated in the island, with an induction downdraft that removes the need for a rear riser or suspended hood; the sink is a custom granite piece for seamless integration with the Sensa surface.

“A real bonus with Dekton is that there is a variety of thicknesses to choose from for all types of applications, including 4mm which we used for our drawer fronts and 12mm for our splashback. It’s great to be able to use the thinner product, which makes a big difference and gives you a lot more options and space for your benchtop.”

In the powder room tucked behind the kitchen, a vanity top in Kelya and a concrete basin reference the aesthetic in the kitchen and creates a moody, contemporary space. Outside, Kelya gave the designer the durability she needed in the outdoor cooking area. Because it is scratch- and stain-resistant, the Dekton surface, which is carbon neutral from cradle to grave, could stand up to the harsh exterior elements.

“Sensa is stain resistant which is important for longevity in these rooms and it also has a 15-year warranty which is reassuring to clients selecting benching,” says Rowson. “Selecting a natural material is also a lovely option, as it is completely unique.”

Explore the full range of colours across Sensa®, Dekton® and Silestone® here.

Photography by Gina Fabish.