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With most contemporary homes, kitchens are in the front line. They are literally on show as part of an open-plan living area, not tucked out of sight in a different room. As a result, there's a need to maintain appearances, especially when entertaining on a small or grand scale.

The solution for this house, designed by architect Han Loke Kwang of HYLA Architects was to provide not one, but two back-to-back kitchens a sleek kitchen for preparing light dishes and a wet kitchen for heavy cooking.

"The entire glazed wall of the large living area opens up to a pool terrace, and the owners wanted to be able to serve food directly from the kitchens," Han says. "It made sense to have both the dry and wet kitchens opening to the pool terrace, although the wet kitchen is stepped back a little to reduce its visual impact."

In contrast, the kitchen in the living area makes a dramatic statement. Clad on all sides in black granite, the kitchen appears as a black cube inserted into the space, with a large cutout forming the benchtop and work area.

Han says the highly polished shine of the black granite contrasts with a honed black stone wall that runs the length of the room, and with the light flooring. The reflective nature of the granite also helps to bounce light around the room, enhancing the sense of glamour.

The U-shaped kitchen also doubles as a bar area for entertaining. A slightly elevated bar top ensures food preparation areas are hidden from sight. And although compact, the kitchen is well equipped. The rear wall accommodates the main appliances and a pantry, while plenty of storage is provided in the granite bulkhead.

Doors either side of this kitchen open into the wet kitchen, which features customised stainless steel cabinetry and commercial-style Viking appliances. With its large sliding glass pocket door, the wet kitchen is ideally placed for serving food directly to the pool terrace.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Tim Nolan