Travertine Palace, Mentone

At its heart, Travertine Palace was designed to bring light, space, and a touch of luxury to every corner. “The client wanted a comfortable home that was easy to maintain but still had a sense of space, light, and functionality,” says Pietro Giordano, director of CBG Architects.

Travertine stone—a key feature throughout—adds elegance and warmth to the home. “What really brought it all together was the homeowner’s love for travertine,” explains Giordano. “We used it extensively, including on the floors, benchtops, and even in the bathrooms.” The natural tones of the stone give the house a cohesive, high-end feel while remaining understated.

The home’s layout takes full advantage of its north-facing block, ensuring the living areas are filled with natural light. “We wanted to orient it towards the north so the garden and living spaces could enjoy as much sunlight as possible,” says Giordano.

Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious flow. The master suite, tucked away at the rear of the house, is a private retreat complete with its own landscaped garden view. “The ensuite feels like a six-star hotel,” Giordano says. “It’s finished entirely in stone, with a curved shower that’s a real standout feature.”

One of the most striking elements is the central atrium stairwell. “The stairs are simple but classy, focusing on form, shape, and light,” says Giordano. “They make the house feel connected and bright, even on overcast days.” Upstairs, generous bedrooms and a rumpus area continue the home’s focus on light and space.

The home’s exterior also deserves attention. The entryway is both welcoming and dramatic, with a custom front door and a feature stone that draws the eye. “From the street to the front door, there’s a lovely sense of scale,” adds Giordano.

Selecting Sun Shading

One of the biggest challenges in designing the Travertine Palace was managing the northern sun. With large windows and a strong indoor-outdoor connection, the home needed a solution to keep the living spaces comfortable throughout the year. Enter the Lamaxa L70 retractable louvre roof from Warema, a feature that blends practicality with style.

“The client wanted an alfresco area that could work in all seasons,” explains Peter Considine, Director of Secon Constructions. “The louvre roof provides protection from the summer sun and allows light and warmth into the living room during the cooler months.”

Finished in dark bronze to match the home’s modern aesthetic, the louvres integrate seamlessly with the design. “This sleek product fits perfectly with the modern facade,” says Considine. “It completes the alfresco area, merging the indoor and outdoor spaces.”

For the homeowner, the louvre roof has transformed the area into a year-round living space. “At some point, you can’t just have it open,” says Giordano. “Being north-facing, the sun would just blast in. The louvres tick all the boxes by protecting against the heat on hot days while still letting in light when you need it.”

Shade Factor’s reliability and craftsmanship also impressed. “We use Shade Factor’s louvres in many builds,” says Considine. “They’re well-made, durable, and versatile. The team is professional and makes the process enjoyable every time.”