Australians may have some of the biggest homes in the world but this enviable reputation comes with the burden of high build cost, a large share of which goes into the purchase of materials. Building designers and homeowners are under pressure to consider alternative materials to address the issue of rising build costs in new homes and renovations. Additionally, the big push towards sustainable construction is seeing clients question the green outcomes of using natural materials, given valid concerns about sourcing, transportation, durability and overall environmental footprint of the product.
Aesthetics are a major consideration in material selection across residential, commercial, retail and hospitality sectors. Natural stone fits the bill perfectly for its ability to achieve the desired design outcomes especially in kitchens and bathrooms; however it also comes at a high price – not only in terms of the actual expense but also the environmental cost of being sourced using energy-intensive quarrying processes. Achieving a Green Star rating can be difficult when the build uses natural materials such as marble or granite.
Quartz is increasingly being considered as an alternative to natural stone. Found in abundance on Earth, leading manufacturers now recognize the importance of producing quartz surfaces which are certified by Greenguard in the US, guaranteeing a low-emitting product that does not harm indoor air quality[i].
Material selection is a critical part of the kitchen design process, especially for benchtops, splashbacks, island benches and cabinetry, with the overall style taking design cues from the choice of material on these surfaces. While aesthetics continue to be the primary driver in material choices, homeowners are also prioritising more practical factors such as maintenance, durability, sustainability and cost in the selection process.
Engineered quartz surfaces: the smarter choice
The growing popularity of engineered quartz surfaces has seen the product replace marble and granite as the material of choice for benchtops and splashbacks in residential as well as commercial environments. More durable than granite or concrete, quartz surfaces are less likely to chip or crack, do not require sealing, are non-porous, resist spills and stains, and can be maintained hygienically, making them a highly practical choice for modern working environments. Best of all, engineered quartz surfaces also replicate the beautiful aesthetic of natural stone.
Smartstone engineered quartz surfaces: the smarter alternative to natural stone
Australia’s leading distributor of engineered quartz surfaces since 2002, Smartstone offers an excellent range of beautifully finished durable surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms. Smartstone’s surfaces are composed of a minimum 93 per cent quartz and a unique mix of resins and pigments, perfectly balanced and expertly engineered to create natural stone finishes.
The Smartstone collection is a carefully tailored palette of visually striking options, comprising of four classic ranges with 24 unique styles that match the luxury and elegance of real natural stone without the expensive price tag. By offering the natural stone aesthetic in a more affordable and durable product without compromising on quality, Smartstone is the perfect value-for-money solution for projects of all sizes from designer home kitchens and bathrooms to luxury retail stores and world-class hotels.
The Smartstone collection of engineered quartz surfaces combines a natural stone-like aesthetic with low maintenance qualities. Being non-porous, Smartstone surfaces do not need sealing, are stain-resistant and absorb very little moisture, making them perfect for kitchen worktops and splashbacks as well as bathroom vanities and bath surrounds. Smartstone engineered quartz surfaces also come with the assurance of a 15-year limited warranty.
Smartstone quartz surfaces are NSF approved and have Greenguard and Greenguard GOLD accreditation.
Interested in finding out more? Read this free whitepaper "Kitchen worktops that don’t cost the earth"
[i] http://greenguard.org/files/JazzUptheKitchen&BathwQuartz11-12-08.pdf
