Audrey de Filippis

iving on Waiheke Island, I’m surrounded by sculpted coastlines and stunning beaches. I find the juxtaposition as a feature within a hospitality environment – the 12mm* porcelain product can be featured as a splashback and benchtop of an open-display kitchen in a restaurant. The travertine’s earthy, layered tones – reminiscent of the weathering effect of tidal movements on the white sands – are enriched by other elements found along Onetangi Beach: boulders, driftwood, dune grasses and the deep red of the pōhutukawa flower. Material selections can also support wellness and biophilic design, with sustainable and renewable products complemented by natural antimicrobial materials, such as copper.