The Geoshine™ floor features a stunning satin gloss and Creswick white quartzite with off-white base and white oxide.
Melbournites clamour to copy Brighton East beauty
A high-end renovation in Melbourne’s Brighton East is inspiring design enthusiasts with its glamourous and unusual polished concrete floor.
Paul Warner, one of Victoria’s most skilful polished concrete craftsmen, said he is often asked by his Geocrete clients to replicate the floor’s stunning white hue and satin sheen.
The renovation was conceived by Jane Riddell Architects, who sought Paul’s expertise to polish all 220m2 of the downstairs living rooms, including the kitchen, dining and sitting rooms, laundry and office.
Inspired by Paul’s work at Kangaroo Ground, the floor was created with an off-white concrete base and white oxide tint, and a sparkling aggregate that includes Creswick white quartzite. According to Paul, it’s one of the most expensive concrete mixes to produce, costing around $500-$600 per cubic metre. “It’s a sensational design mix that also happens to be my personal favourite. The expense is partly due to the fact that white quartzite is becoming increasingly rare now – most quartzite is tainted with an orange tone that characterises a high iron content.”
It’s easy to see why this floor is proving to be a favourite. Brimming with luxury and style, it has a sophistication that’s truly breathtaking, and up close, the stonework – with its blues , greys, whites, creams and blacks – is mesmerising. “The polished concrete is a beautiful complement to other design features in the home, including amazing rammed earth walls, Victorian Ash ceilings and granite stone tops. I love how this home celebrates the richness of its raw materials,” Paul said.
Paul said his clients are delighted with their floor, and love the aesthetics of its satin finish. “A satin floor has only a slight diffused reflectivity, so is a great choice for customers not wanting the huge shine and mirror-like clarity of a high gloss finish. It’s also very easy to live with and keep clean, and suits families with animals and children.” It’s no wonder then that Melbournites are clamouring to copy such a distinctive yet practical product!
