Contemporary family kitchen in an open-plan space by Architecture Saville Isaacs

Long considered the heart of a home, the kitchen is often rewarded with a central position in the house for this reason. And with such a pivotal placement, it makes sense for the kitchen to take on another role that of circulation. This kitchen, part of a whole-house design by Steven Isaacs of Architecture Saville Isaacs, makes a prominent show of its secondary function as a pedestrian hub.

With bifold doors opening the adjacent living area to the outdoors on two sides, the interior focus is the kitchen, says Isaacs.

"However, we didn't want the functional side of things to dominate. This is a weekender and having pots, pans and other cooking paraphernalia on show was not appropriate."

"Instead, understated white wall panelling was introduced to conceal cabinetry space and small appliances. This, together with the choice of a glass splashback, also white, and the integration of most appliances, ensures the more practical aspects of the kitchen are downplayed.

"The neutral design aspect is contrasted by the more prominent vertical timber slats, which add warmth, and link with similar wooden elements on the exterior. However, the slender slats also fulfil other key roles.

"The slats to the right of the kitchen disguise a door to a powder room," says Isaacs. "In the kitchen itself they form an upper edge for the glass front and sides of the island, and its entire back, which is visible through the glass."

The slats also form the sides of a stairwell under the island, as well as the stair supports. Seen from side on from the front door for example the transparent island is in the centre, with the working part of the kitchen almost completely sidelined.

"By doubling the functions of the island we were able to turn a practical advantage into an interesting one the effect of someone climbing up the stairs is visually arresting," Isaacs says.

Story by: Charles Moxham