Melbourne’s Central Business District is home to a mix of historic and modern architecture, and the recent renewal of 300 La Trobe Street demonstrates how careful material selection can transform a building’s presence while respecting its original character. Completed in July 2025, the project forms part of a broader upgrade of this A-grade commercial building, aiming to enhance street presence, durability, and long-term performance.

The design team, led by Gray Puksand and BG&E, approached the facade upgrade with a clear goal: to introduce a contemporary intervention that harmonises with the existing structure. To achieve this, they turned to Dekton Lunar, installed as ventilated facade cladding, replacing the original granite panels.

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Precision meets performance

Dekton’s large-format panels, dimensional stability, and colour consistency enabled a crisp, modern facade across multiple elevations. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Dekton offers resistance to UV exposure, weathering, and impact, making it particularly suited to Melbourne’s urban environment. The material’s low porosity also simplifies maintenance, supporting the building’s long-term asset value.

Installation was facilitated by the DKT1 concealed mechanical fixing system, allowing the team to accommodate structural tolerances while maintaining a clean, uncluttered finish. Cosentino provided technical support and coordination, ensuring the project ran smoothly from design development through to completion.

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Architectural challenges and thoughtful solutions

Upgrading an existing facade in a busy urban setting posed multiple challenges. The team needed to minimise disruption, integrate new materials with the retained structure, and achieve a modern aesthetic that enhanced the building’s market positioning without overpowering its architectural DNA.

Alternative materials, including granite and composite panels, were evaluated but ultimately rejected due to weight, maintenance, and limited flexibility. Dekton emerged as a solution that delivered both technical performance and design integrity, providing a subtle, concrete-inspired finish that complements the building’s renewed identity.

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A facade that stands the test of time

The result is a contemporary, cohesive facade that demonstrates how innovative architectural materials can combine design elegance with structural resilience. With 800m² of Dekton Lunar panels installed, 300 La Trobe Street sets a benchmark for durable, low-maintenance, high-performance facades in Melbourne’s evolving skyline.

With Dekton’s versatility, durability, and seamless appearance, it’s the perfect fit for creating a sophisticated and functional space that enhances the sense of openness and harmony in the Westwood home.

Architecture & Design Team

Cosentino

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