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Open sesame from Kitchen Trends volume 2602
Kitchen renovation projects are invariably subject to restrictions, from the position of key services to the size of the available space. For this remodelling project, the position of the kitchen was non-negotiable, which meant the design team needed to work around a central staircase with prominent steel balustrading.
Architect Melonie Bayl-Smith of Liquid Architecture says the balustrading wasn't the only challenge. The team also needed to bring light into the dark kitchen, which had been designed originally for use by catering staff.
"The kitchen was an enclosed galley space, which meant there was no communication or visual connection with people outside of the room," says Bayl-Smith. "With dark timber cabinetry and black granite benchtops the room was also quite overbearing."
To lighten the space, the architect removed a structural wall between the kitchen and the main circulation area. This maximises the natural light from high windows above the stairwell, and also provides a view through the house to the harbour.
"Just as importantly, removing the wall made the space work better for the family," says the architect. "There is now a real connectivity between the kitchen and the rest of the house – people working in the kitchen no longer feel shut off from the rest of the family."
New satin polyurethane cabinetry in a light Spanish Olive shade replaces the timber, but avoids a hard-edged minimal look.
"We wanted to introduce a softer feel," says Bayl-Smith. "This colour provides a very warm, welcoming aesthetic. It also complements a new Eco gas fireplace in the living room."
Overhead cabinets incorporate door panels with sandblasted glass, which is similar to the frameless glass door that separates the kitchen from the family living area.
"The glass helps to break up the expanse of cabinetry and softens the transition between the units and the window," says Bayl-Smith. "It also has a reflective quality that helps to brighten the space, as do the glass splashback and the front of the breakfast bar."
The architect says the existing natural stone flooring was retained, but was re-buffed and sealed to look like new. To complement the use of this natural material, warm-toned Pietra marble benchtops were selected.
This new kitchen has been seamlessly integrated into the main circulation space of the house. To achieve this, a structural wall was removed – this also provided more light and maximised a picturesque harbour view.
The original dark timber cabinetry was replaced with satin polyurethane cabinets in a light shade.
Other surfaces include sandblasted glass doors and Decoglaze glass splashbacks.
As the owners love to entertain, there is a bank of four Miele ovens at one end of the kitchen. The pantry is positioned on the other side of the ovens.
Most of the storage is provided by drawers, and a set of cupboard doors beneath the sink. The tower element at one end houses the refrigerator.
Credit List
Architect
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Melonie Bayl-Smith RAIA, Liquid Architecture (Willoughby, NSW)
Cabinetry
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Satin polyurethane Dulux Spanish Olive; obscure glazing with aluminium frame
Tapware
:
Gessi
Ovens, cooktop and dishwasher
:
Miele
Story by Colleen Hawkes
Photography by Willem Rethmeier
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