Combining the best qualities of laminate and stone, as well as boasting its own special features, has ensured that the use of quartz countertops has truly grown in popularity – especially in high-end developments.
The new Long & Waterson development, which will showcase 119 stunning one-, two- and three-bed apartments offers the option of premium quartz worktops, splashbacks and vanities in beautifully contrasting colours. The project is the result of an exciting collaboration between the developer’s London and New York design teams; drawing the best inspiration from both cities’ way of life into character-filled apartments.
Unlike stone, engineered quartz countertops offer an array of other design possibilities. Because it’s more flexible to work with and is held in place using glue and epoxy rather than screws, quartz can be used on larger vertical surfaces like kitchen splashbacks, without the fissures and seams that are often all too visible with natural stone.
In contrast to other types of stone countertops, quartz is durable as it resists staining or corrosion from cooking oils, liquids and most household cleaning products meaning there is no need for regular resealing of the surface.
Although some quartz countertops are actually made of quarried slabs of the natural stone, a high percentage are man-made, formed by combining the new engineered material created through a manufacturing process that mixes approximately 90 to 95% ground natural quartz with between 5 to 10% polymer resins. This forms a super-hard, granite-like, low-maintainance natural stone-look countertop that is available in an array of colours. The appearance of the quartz countertop depends on how the quartz is ground – if it is coarsely ground, the quartz produces a flecked appearance, whereas a finely ground quartz produces a much smoother look.
Steven Gibbs, Commercial Manager at Caesarstone, says: “As a global leader in solid quartz surfaces renowned for having the best colours in the industry, Caesarstone is completely at home in this development alongside fellow premium brands such as Miele and Poliform Varenna that carry a great synergy with our product. We are confident that as soon as prospective buyers step into the striking show apartments they will conjure up visions of happy and sociable mealtimes with friends and family in the kitchen and dining areas. We look forward to much success with our partners Long & Waterson.”
Lior Rabinovitz, Chief Operating Officer at Long & Waterson, comments: “Our architect team chose Caesarstone for this project as it is globally-recognised as a pioneering and innovative surface brand, often pushing design boundaries with its colours and designer collaborations. The surfaces are incredibly hard-wearing and renowned for their durability. We specified Organic White and Vanilla Noir as they’ll provide the striking first impression our clients expect when purchasing an apartment of this calibre.”