DESIGN FEATURE 03 | BLEND CONCRETE DESIGN
Concrete Reimagined: Inside Yarrabee Place
Nestled within five acres of gumtree spotted countryside in Valdora on the Sunshine Coast, Yarrabee Place is a luxury retreat for up to sixteen guests, offering a sense of warmth and welcome that makes you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Yarrabee Place was designed with connection in mind, a place where loved ones could gather, unwind, and enjoy time together in a setting that has a little something for everyone. From kayaking on the private dam to fireside chats under the stars, from shared meals to solo moments by the pool, the property invites guests to embrace both stillness and play—all set against a stunning backdrop of Australian native landscape.
Made up of three unique dwellings, the main house and two self-contained cabins, Yarrabee Place is rich in considered details for larger groups as well as private spaces to pause and connect to nature. But what truly sets it apart are the interiors. A seamless blend of comfort and contemporary Australian design, the spaces feel both curated and lived-in. And threading through it all is one material that grounds the experience: concrete.
With Blend Concrete Design’s fibre-reinforced pieces flowing throughout the accommodation, this often-misunderstood material reveals a softer side, sculptural yet subtle, design-forward yet deeply functional.
Concrete may not be the first material that comes to mind when you think of comfort, but at Yarrabee Place, that perception is gracefully flipped. With Blend Concrete Design’s fibre-reinforced pieces flowing throughout the accommodation, this often-misunderstood material reveals a softer side, sculptural yet subtle, design-forward yet deeply functional.
Concrete Beyond the Industrial Aesthetic
Long tied to industrial style design and often perceived as cold, harsh, or utilitarian, concrete takes on an entirely new character here. At Yarrabee, it doesn’t dominate the space, it complements it. Each piece blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Rounded, sculptural forms and satin-like textures speak the same language as the accommodation’s high-end finishes, elevating the space without overpowering it.
With a careful balance of form and function, Blend’s concrete introduces brightness through colour in some spaces, while in others, its bold shapes provide structure and sculptural impact without overwhelming the interior design. The Siena Concrete Coffee Table acts as a beautiful centrepiece in the entertainment room, while the Comet Concrete Basins, placed throughout the cabins and games room, introduce softness and individuality through their smooth curves and subtle surface variation. In the bedrooms of the main house, Dune Concrete Side Tables are quietly confident in their minimal form.
Each element is intentionally placed, not just for practical use, but to enhance the mood and timelessness of each room. The result, spaces that champion the versatility of Blends concrete. A material that is tactile, mastered, and full of character. Yarrabee Place proves that concrete can be both luxurious, functional and comforting.
A Natural Fit: Blend’s Concrete in Layered Interiors
One of the most impressive aspects of Blend’s concrete is its effortless compatibility with other materials. Throughout Yarrabee Place, you’ll find it harmoniously paired with timber, slate, marble, brushed metals, and soft linens, creating spaces that feel layered, relaxed, and inviting.
In the main house kitchen, a custom concrete benchtop in a soft, faded green hue sits alongside organic subway tiles, a white and grey veined marble island and slate flooring. The contrast and layering of texture and tone forms a beautiful cohesion in what is arguably the heart of the home. In the cabins, small Tuscan Concrete Dining Tables occupy cosy corners, the clean hue, Whitehaven, matched with the curved forms of the table bring lightness to timber-lined interiors.
Outside, a custom concrete dining table runs the length of the side deck attached to the main house, built to perfectly fit the space and seat all sixteen guests in comfort. Its sculptural pillar legs bring a sense of grandeur, contrasting beautifully with the relaxed farmhouse-style timber bench seating. The custom proportions make clever use of what might have otherwise been an underutilised area, this beautiful concrete dining table serves as a durable and welcoming gathering space surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
Blend’s extensive collection, and its ability to create custom pieces makes this level of cohesion possible. Concrete flows effortlessly from room to room, adapting to its surroundings while subtly tying the entire property together. Whether paired with classic timbers, soft textiles, or natural stone, each Blend concrete piece enhances the space it inhabits bringing with it a sense of continuity, and thoughtful design that defines the Yarrabee Place experience.
Concrete as a Luxury Material
There’s a certain kind of beauty in the handmade. At Blend, every concrete piece is the result of careful craftsmanship, moulded, poured, and refined by skilled hands. Due to the unique qualities of concrete, no two pieces are ever the same, making each a one-of-a-kind expression of the material and care from the hands that made it.
This craftsmanship is evident not only in how the pieces look but in how they feel, and function. The texture, weight, and detail are truly unique. Behind each piece is a team of industrial designers and makers who guide it through a complex journey, from intricate moulds to a detailed sealing and finishing process. Every step is intentional and adds to an irreplicable finish.
Each piece tells a story, not just of thoughtful design, but of human hands, local craftsmanship, and a material that’s far more versatile than we’ve been led to believe.
In curated spaces like Yarrabee Place, these subtle interior design qualities are exactly what set the tone. They ground the interiors in authenticity and offer a fresh perspective on contemporary Australian style—one that feels both elevated and inviting. Each piece tells a story, not just of thoughtful design, but of human hands, local craftsmanship, and a material that’s far more versatile than we’ve been led to believe.
Blend’s extensive collection, and its ability to create custom pieces makes this level of cohesion possible. Concrete flows effortlessly from room to room, adapting to its surroundings while subtly tying the entire property together. Whether paired with classic timbers, soft textiles, or natural stone, each Blend concrete piece enhances the space it inhabits bringing with it a sense of continuity, and thoughtful design that defines the Yarrabee Place experience.
Stay at Yarrabee Place
Your private Sunshine Coast sanctuary awaits. Enquire to book your stay at Yarrabee Place today.