PROJECT FILE | Inside a breathtaking Taj Mahal family Home!
When Illan Elberg, Managing Director of GIA Renovations in Armadale, set out to design a new home for his young family, he brought with him more than just years of industry expertise - he carried a passion for timeless design and a vision grounded in quality.
With a focus on enduring materials and anatural aesthetic, Illan knew from the outset that natural stone would be a defining feature of the home, not just a finishing touch.
To bring the vision to life, Illan partnered with architect Anna Rozen from A for Architecture. Though it was their first collaboration, her refined style aligned perfectly with the modern,family-focused design concept.
“Designing and building a home from scratch means thinking through every detail,” says Illan. “Stone was always going to be a feature, not just a finish. From early on, we envisioned a warm, natural palette with depth and character. Taj Mahal Quartzite stood out immediately - it's creamy, elegant, never cold or grey, and incredibly resilient, which is important with two young kids in the house.”
Chosen for both its visual appeal and performance, Taj Mahal Quartzite offered the perfect balance of luxury and liveability.
“It's durable, versatile, and easy to maintain,” Illan explains. “Scratch-resistant, heat-tolerant, and stain-proof—it's a dream surface for a busy household.”
Having collaborated with WK Stone on many past projects, Illan trusted their product knowledge and supply quality. When a new shipment of Taj Mahal Quartzite arrived, he didn't hesitate.
“We jumped at the chance to secure 15 slabs,” he recalls. “Because it was such a personal project, we hand-picked each one, looking for the perfect veining and tone to suit the design.”
The result is a home where stone takes centre stage. In the kitchen, a bold Taj Mahal Quartzite island anchors the space with quiet luxury. The same material flows into a sleek bar area and continues throughout the bathrooms, where it forms the vanities and shower surrounds. A striking fireplace surround in the living area and a custom outdoor barbeque bench round out the story, tying the home together witha cohesive, elegant finish.
Skilled stonemason Gabe Groza of GG Stoneworks - a long-time collaborator with both Illan and WK Stone—was brought onboard to fabricate and install the pieces.
“This particular material was really well sourced,” Gabe notes. “We often see veining vary dramatically from slab to slab, but these were very consistent and allowed for beautiful book-matching. The stone was such a feature of the home that we had to make it shine. Some pieces were more intense than others, so the challenge was to map out the layout carefully and use those dramatic sections in focal areas.”
Despite its exotic name, Taj Mahal Quartzite is sourced from Brazil's Ceará region. Known for its creamy beige undertones and soft veining, it's prized by designers for its ability to bring warmth, elegance, and durability to a range of spaces - from kitchens and bathrooms to alfresco zones.
For Illan and his family, the stone is more than just a surface - it's the soul of their new home.
“The stone gives the house a real sense of calm and continuity,” he reflects. “It's beautiful, practical, and brings everything together.”
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