Contemporary renovated kitchen now connects living areas and optimises light and space

Dealing with tricky, immovable services isn't the only potential problem when creating a new kitchen in an existing apartment. Often the real issue is addressing any ill-considered previous work that has robbed the unit of its best features.

Before starting on the new kitchen for this project, architect Erik Rudolfsson first removed several added-on rooms in an enclosed verandah that had once been open air. This reinstated light flow into the living and dining rooms the most refined spaces in the unit, says Rudolfsson.

"We did have to cater to immovable service points, but that was easily done by concealing necessary piping behind the toekicks," he says.

Moved from the other side of the unit, the new gleaming white kitchen now fits neatly into the space originally occupied by the verandah.

The kitchen looks into both the family and living areas, while a structural pillar hides the cooktop and rangehood from both these spaces.

"We had to retain this pillar as it was part of the original main structural wall of the building, with the verandah built out beyond that."

To keep the sense of the original verandah, the dining space beyond has low bench seating and is like an extension of the kitchen itself.

While the adjacent living spaces have been restored with appropriate architectural detailing, the kitchen offers crisp, clean-lined modernity.

"Most of the day-to-day function is tucked away behind cabinetry doors at the end. As well as an integrated pantry and appliances, there's also a small appliance cupboard at the right. The benchtop runs right into this, so you can simply draw a toaster straight out for use."

The prep sink and most bench space runs under the windows, which act as a splashback. The white marble on the benchtops is repeated on the fire surround tying the areas together.

Story by: Charles Moxham