A splash of bayleaf green
Part of a bach with a central courtyard and relaxed indoor-outdoor flow, this kitchen connects with the open living spaces and the verdant outdoors
Designed by Marcus Stufkens, Stufkens+Chambers Architects
The setting
This family bach is a collection of two buildings unified by an internal courtyard.
The design process took inspiration from the local surroundings to create a unique exterior and interior form.
The resultant home sits modestly on a flat semi-rural site with mountain scene outlooks.
Interior spaces unfold from a bright lit living space before recalibrating the experience as you move to each space via a sun-drenched gallery that doubles up as an extension of the bedroom and media spaces.
The spaces wanted to be comfortable, while at the same time extending to take in the connections to the outside environment.
The home is understated on the outside, creates a calm demeanour on the inside and responds to the greater environment with pocket connections.
The kitchen
The interiors are texturally rich, from the Birch ply linings, rough concrete tiles around the log fire to the kitchen with the cool smoothness of the Caesarstone Oyster grey engineered stone bench and finally the oak timber flooring securing a warm embrace.
The splash of Melteca Bayleaf green not only accentuates the kitchen as the central hub but also reflects the earthy tones of the rural setting.
Kitchen joinery is sleek with continuous horizontal recesses functioning as handles and larger feature shelf recesses for display.
The hexagonal tiled splashback forms a textural diversion from the clean-lined movement.
Interior-exterior flow is enhanced by the opening-up of the living and kitchen areas to an internal sundrenched courtyard creating additional natural light.
The project includes a number of sustainable features – recycled materials, passive solar design, thermal mass and grey water harvesting.
Internal linings are mainly prefinished Birch plywood, giving a real warmth to the spaces.
Windows orientated to maximise sunlight and views also help enhance the interior environment.
An external window seat orientated towards the mountain views provides a moment to pause on the site and reflect on the beauty of the Ben Ohau range.
Designed by: Stufkens+Chambers Architects
Story by: Trendsideas
Photography by: Anthony Turnham Photography
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