Changing places

An interior rethink provided the perfect opportunity to reorganise this penthouse apartment and ensure the kitchen took a central position

This light-filled kitchen is orientated to harness the countertop, interior design, kitchen, real estate, gray, white — This light-filled kitchen is orientated to harness the views of Auckland Harbour in the distance. A stainless steel bench continues past the floor-to-ceiling windows to maintain privacy and was lifted off the ground to allow light in. A built-in wood dining table runs parallel to this benchtop. The design is by Leuschke Kahn Architects.

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Apartment renovations come with their own set of challenges, but they can also be an opportunity to carefully re-evaluate and optimise the space at hand.

When designing this kitchen, part of a two-storey penthouse renovation, Paul Leuschke of Leuschke Kahn Architects ensured it would take a central position in the home.

Originally built more than 20 years ago, the penthouse sits above a three-storey building, and was tired and in need of a remodel, says Leuschke.

"The owners wanted to maximise the views and create a sense of spaciousness. This really drove the design of the penthouse and ensured the kitchen was an integral part of the wider living space."

With this in mind, several walls and floor joists were removed to create a light-filled space that opens into a double-height void, and the kitchen and living room were relocated.

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"We moved the kitchen to a position where it had some links and substance and where we could create that height. This meant changing places with the living area, where you spend most of the time sitting down. We felt it was more important to have height in the kitchen it isn't so important elsewhere," says Leuschke.

The large contemporary family kitchen centres on the island bench, which extends into the floating timber breakfast table, harnessing the waterfront views.

However, with large floor-to-ceiling windows and the elevated aspect, privacy was a concern. To address this, the architect carried the long stainless steel bench past the windows and raised the cabinetry off the ground to let in light. This bench forms the cooking centre of the kitchen, with an integrated cooktop, steam oven and sink.

To maintain a connection to the wider open-plan space, the island bench faces into the living area.

At the end of the island unit, a Fisher & Paykel CoolDrawer was installed, alongside a separate drawer for glassware to ensure easy access from the living areas.

Directly opposite, dark-stained timber cabinetry provides additional storage and houses both the refrigerator and built-in coffee machine.

The warm richness of the stained oak is set against the crisp white Caesarstone surfaces of the island unit and benchtop, giving definition to the streamlined kitchen, says Leuschke.

"The stained oak on the floors and cabinetry gives the kitchen warmth and strength while the bright, clean white pares it all back and connects nicely with the rest of the penthouse."