Bathroom spaces are no longer merely functional rooms in the house. They have taken on a more intentional and considered purpose. As a result, bathroom design in the past couple of years has increasingly incorporated biophilic principles. These principles are based on the human need to feel calm, conscious, and connected to the world around us through incorporating a touch of nature into our homes.
Indoor materials have also changed from being about purchasing ‘instant interiors’ to investing in products and features that will last a lifetime and a consideration for how they will be disposed of at the end of their lifecycle. At Sticks & Stone Co., we are already witnessing a shift in the way people are designing their bathroom spaces, looking beyond the immediate eye appeal and creating environments that not only feel good but also look good and do good for the planet.
Natural materials and textures are increasingly being used and this has allowed our sustainable GFRC concrete basin design to really shine. Of our various concrete basins, the pedestal basin is a favourite amongst designers and homeowners alike. Functional and sculptural at the same time, it’s the perfect choice to ground modern bathroom design.
If you haven’t already considered how sustainable design is incorporated into your bathroom space, here is a good place to start. Visit our online collection of concrete pedestal basins, made in Australia by us, for your bathroom.
Handcrafted with immense patience and care, our basins are made to last, and not to fill up landfills. Our pedestal basins are bold and make a statement in a bathroom space, while also maintaining a sense of grounding and gravity, thanks to the rawness of the material they are cast in.
In this blog, we look at why concrete pedestal basins are paving the way forward for eco-conscious bathroom design.
Table of Contents
- Why EcoFriendly Bathroom Design Is on the Rise
- What Is a Pedestal Basin?
- Why Choose a Concrete Pedestal Basin for Your Bathroom
- Pedestal Basin Installation: How to Fit a Pedestal Basin
- Professional Maintenance Tips & What To Avoid
- Pedestal Basins in Australia: The Sticks & Stone Co. Design Perspective
- The Future of Concrete in Eco Bathroom Design
Why Eco-Friendly Bathroom Design Is on the Rise
We are seeing a trend in interior design that moves towards slow, considered materials. Natural materials like concrete, timber, and stone can be worn in with age and have a timeless quality that simply can’t be found in man-made products.
When choosing such a high-impact space as the bathroom, it’s worth going slow in your design considerations. Not only are natural materials beautiful, but their longevity also minimises the carbon footprint of your home without sacrificing aesthetics.
Concrete is a well-loved natural material that is strong, tactile, and sculptural. At Sticks & Stone Co., we are pushing the boundaries of concrete in sculptural design through glass fibre-reinforced concrete (GFRC). This high-performance concrete is much thinner and lighter in weight than traditional mixes while maintaining the same durability and longevity.
This is not only great for minimising material use, but it also allows for more freedom in design. The fluid and organic basin shapes we use are elegant and beautifully refined in a way that traditional concrete mixes just cannot replicate.
Sustainable concrete is made even better for the environment through the use of smart materials and technologies. From low-emission manufacturing methods, to custom sealers that further increase longevity and sustainably sourced concrete itself, our products are made with beautiful design and environmental responsibility in mind.
The result is a basin that is as kind to the planet as it is luxurious to use.
What Is a Pedestal Basin?
A pedestal basin is a sink design that is freestanding, as it features a basin bowl with a “pedestal” (a vertical column) that supports the basin from underneath. The pedestal also covers the plumbing and waste pipes that would otherwise be exposed, which creates an uninterrupted, streamlined aesthetic that draws the eye to the form of the basin itself.
Pedestal basins do not sit on cabinetry (as is the case with most wall-mounted or countertop sinks), and so instead, they are supported by the pedestal. This gives the pedestal basin a sculptural appearance that is as decorative as it is functional. This simplicity of design is the key to the pedestal basin’s timeless aesthetic. It is minimalist, yet purposeful, balanced, and not at all cluttered.
Pedestal basins have traditionally been made from porcelain and date back to early 20th-century Europe. They were created as a way to hide plumbing elegantly in residential bathrooms.
Modern Pedestal Basin Styles for Today’s Bathrooms
The classic pedestal basin has been transformed in recent years to include a wide range of designs, textures and materials. In recent years we have seen the pedestal basin experience a resurgence of interest as both interior designers and homeowners are utilising this elegant statement bathroom design as a feature to set the tone of a bathroom space.
The full-height pedestal basin is architectural in design. Creating a strong, monolithic style that stretches from floor to basin top it has an impressive grounded stature. Ideal for creating a solid bathroom or ensuite installation the full-height pedestal basin is a design that commands a room as a sculptural element of functional artistry.
In contrast to this, the half-height pedestal basin offers a more delicate variation of the pedestal form. Offering a slightly lighter presence in the bathroom space. The half-height pedestal basin leaves room underneath the basin for storage or to simply open up the floor to other elements within the bathroom. Half-height pedestal basins are the ideal pedestal basin for smaller bathroom spaces or powder rooms.
At Sticks & Stone Co., we see both the full and half-height pedestal basin as an opportunity to push our design sensibilities and create beautifully refined and texturally diverse functional bathroom art.
Why Choose a Concrete Pedestal Basin for Your Bathroom
Concrete is an incredibly versatile material and is often an overlooked choice when it comes to adding strength and soul to a design. With a conscious ethos, its properties make it a perfect fit.
One of the benefits of concrete in interior design is its ability to bring warmth and texture into spaces that might otherwise feel clinical or cold. Ethically sourced and produced locally, it is durable, made to last for decades and reduces the need for replacements over time.
Because every textured concrete pedestal basin is handmade at Sticks & Stone Co., there will be slight variations in tone, surface pattern, and finish across the range, with no two pieces ever being exactly the same. It’s this difference that gives concrete pieces a soul or quality of authenticity that you can’t get with mass-produced bathroom vanity units.
Concrete’s quiet solidity and neutral palette also works so well with timber, stone, and metal. With its humble tactile nature, a concrete pedestal basin can complement any combination of these materials to create an atmosphere of harmony through contrast.
Pedestal Basin Installation: How to Fit a Pedestal Basin
You might think it’s a straightforward task to fit your pedestal basin and decide to do the job yourself. However, as concrete basins are an investment, heavy and handmade items, it’s more sensible to employ the services of a professional.
You can avoid mishaps, such as breaking or chipping the basin, misaligning plumbing or cutting the seal, by having it fitted by a professional plumber.
Step-by-Step Overview
For your peace of mind and the long-term health of your investiment, we recommend you have your concrete pedestal basin fitted by a licensed plumber. Not only will they make sure your new basin looks and works perfectly, but they’ll also help to ensure it provides you with many years of trouble-free enjoyment.
Here is a step-by-step guide of what to expect with your concrete pedestal basin fitting:
1. Set the Pedestal and Basin in Place
First, place the pedestal and basin in position, matching it to the available plumbing. It’s a good idea to make sure that the basin is sitting in the available space with room to spare for pipework movement, access to taps and drains, etc. Addressing these issues before fixing will save time and unnecessary effort further down the line.
2. Mark the Fixing Points
When you are happy that the pedestal and basin are in the correct place, mark the wall and floor fixing points with a pencil. Accurate fixing point marking is an important step that will help ensure that the pedestal and basin are both level and solidly fixed, especially when working with heavier materials such as concrete.
3. Drill the Holes and Fix in Place
Now drill the marked holes in the wall and floor, taking care not to damage tiles or walls, and fix the pedestal and basin in place with the provided fixings. (Remember to follow any manufacturer’s instructions.) This is the time to use a spirit level to ensure the basin is perfectly horizontal before fixing.
4. Connect the Plumbing
Connect the water supply and waste pipes, making sure all fittings are secure and leak-free. On concrete pedestal basins, it is worth spending a little more to get good-quality fittings to maintain a high standard of installation and keep your basin trouble-free for years to come.
5. Apply External Sealant
Finally, apply a waterproof, mould-resistant silicone sealant around the edge of the basin. This will help protect from water damage and add to the overall professional finish of your concrete pedestal basin installation.
Professional Maintenance Tips & What To Avoid
One of the luxuries of GFRC is how easy it is to care for your concrete basin. GFRC is extremely dense and durable and resists staining naturally, so there is no need for sealants or special coatings. Cleaning your basin is as simple as wiping it down with a soft cloth or sponge and mild, pH-neutral soap. Harsh cleaners, abrasive scrub pads and acid-based or degreasing cleaners should be avoided as they can prematurely dull the finish.
Daily maintenance can be as simple as rinsing the basin after use and wiping down the basin to remove any standing water or surface spills. As your concrete basin ages, it will start to develop a natural patina that is the unique character of concrete. This will also accentuate that this was made by hand, which makes your basin special.
Avoid using harsh scrubbing pads, harsh chemical cleaners, or placing extremely hot items directly on the surface. Minor scratches and marks can happen. They are also part of the natural texture of your Sticks & Stone Co. basin. Consult a professional for larger repairs to maintain the lifespan of your high-quality GFRC product.
Pedestal Basins in Australia: The Sticks & Stone Co. Design Perspective
Inspired by the country’s open spaces and casual elegance, Australian design is all about embracing simplicity, sustainability, and natural materials. The goal is to create beautiful spaces that are both functional and environmentally responsible, without sacrificing comfort or style.
At Sticks & Stone Co., we bring this design ethos to life with our concrete basins. Each basin is handcrafted using durable materials and eco-friendly production methods that celebrate the beauty of imperfection and uniqueness.
Our collection features a range of concrete basins in a variety of earthy tones and neutral hues inspired by Australia’s natural landscapes. From soft sandy neutrals and warm terracotta shades to deep charcoal grays, our basins will blend effortlessly into any space, whether it’s an urban apartment or a beachside bungalow.
We’re committed to supporting a more sustainable design industry, one that values craftsmanship and quality over mass production. The result is a product that not only looks beautiful but also has a deeper connection to its makers and the world around it. Each basin is a unique work of art, with subtle imperfections and variations that make it one-of-a-kind.
Our concrete pedestal basins are a testament to Australian design at its finest, a beautiful combination of raw materials, craftsmanship, and an enduring commitment to sustainability and functionality.
The Future of Concrete in Eco Bathroom Design
The future of bathroom design is thoughtful, sustainable and timeless. We’re veering away from interiors full of short-lived trends. Homeowners are selecting fixtures and materials that will stand the test of time — limiting waste and creating spaces that feel purposeful and intentional. Concrete is a leader in this movement.
Strong, versatile, and endlessly sculptural, a concrete pedestal basin is a statement piece that stands proudly at the centre of your space. Our concrete basin designs are carefully conceived to be both a focal point and a mirror of your personal style.
Step into the future with a concrete basin that blends sustainability and sophistication. Explore our full collection of concrete basins.
By selecting a piece that’s handcrafted to be functional and beautiful for years to come. Contact our team to learn about bespoke design options. Made with intention, each piece is designed to elevate your home and constructed to last a lifetime.