A six-metre long island forms the centrepiece of this family-friendly kitchen

Even when the needs of a kitchen are many, a strong, simple layout can be the best solution. Such was the case with this workspace in a new home designed by architect Clinton Cole of CplusC Architectural Workshop.

"Given the demands on a busy family with several small children, we decided on an easy-access galley-style kitchen," says Cole. "This layout also worked well with the adjacent double-height circulation and dining space."

The islands dramatic waterfall benchtop is in hard-wearing spotted gum. The benchtop is purposely deep to make easy work of prepping and to accommodate the children's activities.

"Spotted gum is a hardwood and we envisaged the entire benchtop could be used as a giant prep surface or chopping block meaning the surface will grow in character over time."

The all-purpose island has two dishwashers and storage at the rear. It also includes a high-tech zoneless induction hob and a prep sink.

The rear cabinetry is off-white and recedes to the eye, letting the spotted gum benchtop and cedar-strip cladding on the island stand out. The cladding is a little like an abstract artwork with each baton positioned and glued by hand.

Part of the secret to the large kitchen's clean, sculptural nature is literally hidden in the walls. Concealed doors to the left of the family-size refrigeration units and to the right of the rear coffee station lead respectively to a large walk in pantry at left and a laundry at right.

A large round circle of concrete in the wood floor in front of the island delineates the dining area and also leads the eye back to the kitchen.

"We also designed the kitchen so there are sight-lines right across the living spaces and out to the courtyards meaning a chef can always keep an eye on the children," Cole says.

Story by: Charles Moxham

Photography by: Jackie Chan