Caesarstone’s 4011 Cloudburst Concrete surface enhances a warm, tactile kitchen that blurs the line between inside and out, as Studio Merlin transforms a compact urban space into a radiant culinary sanctuary.
In the heart of Stoke Newington’s historic Gibson Gardens neighbourhood, a compact flat has been reimagined into a vibrant, character-rich home. Designed by Studio Merlin, Sol de Arcilla – Spanish for Clay Sun – is a celebration of warmth, creativity, and the colours of its surroundings.
Pricing based on approximate cost of supply, fabrication and installation of Caesarstone product(s) when priced as a direct to consumer installation. May not reflect actual price paid.
Pricing based on approximate cost of supply, fabrication and installation of Caesarstone product(s) when priced as a direct to consumer installation. May not reflect actual price paid.
At the centre of this thoughtful refurbishment is a kitchen defined by its material richness and architectural sensitivity, brought together by the use of Caesarstone’s 4011 Cloudburst Concrete surfaces.
Chosen for its quiet elegance and textured matte finish, Cloudburst Concrete brings a calm, refined contrast to the layered environment. With tones that gently echo the cobbled streets and grey skies outside, the worktop lends a subtle industrial edge while remaining tactile and organic – a perfect complement to the surrounding materials and hues. Now part of Caesarstone’s innovative ICON range, Cloudburst Concrete features a new crystalline silica-free formula, offering the same beloved aesthetic with a more sustainable composition.
Studio Merlin’s design draws inspiration from the world just outside the window: London’s iconic tan and red brickwork. Instead of treating the exterior as a mere backdrop, the interior welcomes it in. Pigmented clay plaster walls mirror the surrounding masonry, while grey tiles and steel details reflect the urban palette. The result is a kitchen that doesn’t just serve as a functional hub, but as an artistic statement – grounded, expressive, and full of personality.
Discussing the worktop selection process, Josh Piddock, founder of Studio Merlin says: “We didn’t want something too plain, but we needed it to hold its own quietly among a lot of visual texture. 4011 Cloudburst Concrete’s semi-neutral quality was key. In a kitchen where terracotta tones, Mondrian-inspired plasterwork, and exposed steel beams are all in play, Caesarstone provided a sense of calm – balancing tactile richness with restraint.”
Beyond the kitchen, the rest of the flat has been kept intentionally minimal. Restored floorboards, clean-lined furniture, and a muted palette allow the central space to radiate warmth throughout the home.
Sol de Arcilla is a compelling example of modern design rooted in context and material honesty. With every surface chosen to echo the building’s legacy, the result is a home that feels both contemporary and timeless. At Caesarstone, we’re proud to contribute to projects like this – where craftsmanship, creativity, and considered materials come together to tell a unique and lasting story.
Caesarstone surfaces are renowned not only for their timeless aesthetic appeal but also for their exceptional durability. Crafted to withstand scratches and stains, they ensure longevity in even the busiest homes. This blend of enduring strength and classic beauty, underpinned by a lifetime residential warranty, makes Caesarstone a smart investment for both functionality and lasting style.
Are you planning to embark on a kitchen renovation? Explore our catalogue to discover a wide range of worktops or book a visit to one of our studios – located in London and Dublin – to view our surfaces as full slabs.
Photography by Richard Chivers
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