Austaron, typically, is associated with interiors with a sense of grandeur. Smooth, high quality surfaces and finishes that create an additional dimension to a space, one of elegance, style and conviction. Austaron Surfaces, established at the turn of the 21st century, have aimed to provide these surfaces to the designer market through a range of brands of the utmost standard. Staron Solid Surfaces, Mario Romano Walls, Acrylic Couture and Kaynemaile architectural mesh.

Staron Solid Surfaces is the flagship product of the Austaron Surfaces family. Manufactured by Lotte Chemical from a safe natural mineral refined from bauxite and blended with pure acrylic resin to create a high performance solid surface, Staron® Solid Surfaces is available in a multitude of colours made to suit any aesthetic or architectural era.

While Staron is typically associated with benchtops, its value as an exterior surface in other spaces is often overlooked. Working within various settings and utilised for a range of purposes, Staron’s benefits to the built environment industry moves beyond the humble kitchen bench.

As Staron Design Awards opened its doors to entrants, so in an effort to inspire and inform, we have curated a range of exemplary design projects that each specify Staron Solid Surfaces and together culminate an impressive showcase of the material’s versatility and quality, 

Columns in Cairns | Riley Hotel, Cairns, ThomsonAdsett

Crystalbrook Collection’s Riley Hotel is a high-end luxury resort built in Cairns. Staron Delphi cladding was utilised by ThomsonAdsett due to its superior finish and ability to mold into elliptical cladding for the existing columns. The elliptical shape is the key design element of the foyer, drawing one’s eye over the pool and out to the esplanade. The hotel’s reception counters also consist of Staron Delphi to emulate the curves of the columns and continue the exterior theme.

Behind the glass case | Upper Coomera Centre, Upper Coomera, Jackson Architecture

Upper Coomera Centre

Staron’s Sanded Icicle was utilised for the Artisan’s Showcase by Jackson Architecture. Designed for Gold Coast City Council to display a number of works in the Upper Coomera Centre, the design consists of shelving, display boards, frameless glazing & glass doors with recessed LED lighting all framed by a natural oak case. Staron was selected by the practice for its clean aesthetic appearance and the ability to fabricate the product seamlessly into the desired form.

In a place of solitude | Goondiwindi Library, Goondiwindi, Aspect Architects and Project Managers

Aspect Architects and Project Managers were hired by Goondiwindi Regional Council to refurbish the heritage listed theatre, with a new library and lounge constructed that would link to the original building. Staron’s 12mm panels were utilised for the seating and shelving in the children’s space of the library, with the Pebble Frost finish a suitable and stylish acquisition. Easily cleaned and resistant to a range of hazards, the surface was a logical choice in a space amongst children.

Mix & match | George Town Hub Child and Family Centre, George Town, Alex Miles

Commissioned by the Tasmanian Government to produce an interactive, outdoor sculptural work for the newly completed George Town Hub Child and Family Centre, Alex Miles turned to Staron to create an artwork titled ‘’Friends, Family and Something Fishy’. The work consists of five illustrative ‘totems’ that depict native animals, local landmarks and familiar people from the community. Each comprises moveable boxes that rotate and mix and match to form new and fun combinations for the children. The boxes were fabricated in Staron’s Sanded Cream and Heron finishes, due to their durable and smooth finish and the illustrations were routed into the surface.

Across the front | Quench, Fortitude Valley, Thetsu

A truly striking visual, Thetsu’s designers were tasked with creating a fresh design to match the outlets around them and to reflect the food served by the shop. Staron was incorporated to effectively create the company’s logo across the shopfront, with the practice overlaying 6mm Staron® in colour Bright White in a ‘lime pith’ pattern onto a striking green glass facade that enclosed the entire tenancy. The entire pattern was divided into a Staron® skeletal structure, tiled and cut, then mounted directly onto the green glass.

In a tertiary context | Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, ThomsonAdsett

Another project completed by ThomsonAdsett, Staron was this time used for a staircase. With the word salient very much an understatement, Staron’s Sunflower was specified for the stairs itself, with Quasar White continuing above the stair handrail over the other side of the wall making the staircase a striking design feature that introduces a unique brilliant colour and character to the space. With some 90 finishes available to choose from, designers are encouraged to take the plunge and apply a distinctive colour palette to projects of their own, through the use of Staron.

The Staron Design Awards asks for all users of Staron from all corners of the industry to submit their entries before September 30th and to have their efforts recognised in creatively using Staron for their projects. To submit your entry, click here.