Located in Perth’s lovely Mount Pleasant suburb, The Pleasant is an architectural project that not only sets the standard for contemporary architecture, but also redefines the concept of outdoor space. We spoke to the Prince Design team behind this architectural wonder to find out more about the inspiration and execution of the project.

A multipurpose central island: The heart of the project

The most striking aspect of the exterior of the house is undoubtedly the central island in the courtyard. Designed as a multipurpose leisure area, the island is the focal point of the outdoor space. “The central island was conceived as a leisure area that works in all directions,” says the designer. On one side it has a high bar top clad in Dekton Laurent, perfect for socialising and enjoying a drink. On the other, it has a large, low bench that provides additional seating and doubles as a comfortable divan for relaxing outdoors.

One of the highlights of the island is the fire pit at one end, which provides warmth in the colder months and adds a touch of charm and functionality, ideal for family gatherings where roasting marshmallows is a favourite activity. In addition, “all seats face the main areas of the kitchen, maximising communication between hosts and guests.”

The Dekton effect outdoors

A key design decision was the choice of Dekton for the cladding of the island and other areas in the courtyard. Located directly opposite the Swan River and completely exposed to the natural elements, a surface was required that could withstand the extreme conditions of the environment. “We needed a material that could withstand the exposed nature of the site, and Dekton was the perfect choice,” says the studio.

Dekton was chosen for its exceptional durability and resistance. In addition, its ability to maintain its appearance in adverse conditions made it the perfect choice for the project. The aesthetics of Dekton Laurent contributed to a sophisticated, high-end look, without the maintenance drawbacks associated with natural stone.

The use of Dekton ensured not only a visually pleasing finish, but also the long-term durability of the project. This ultra-compact surface is highly resistant to UV rays, temperature changes and stains, making it ideal for outdoor spaces exposed to varying weather conditions.

Project details

Project: The Pleasant – Multipurpose Central Island

Location: Mount Pleasant, Perth

Architecture/Design: Prince Design

Material: Dekton

Application: Outdoor kitchen worktop, island, front and seat cladding

Colour: Laurent

Thickness: 12mm

Completion: 2023

Architecture & Design Team

Cosentino

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