Country fresh

Designing a kitchen to suit owners with two different wish lists is always a challenge. But it can lead to an innovative design solution, as this country house kitchen demonstrates.

Architect Geoff Prentiss of Prentiss Architects says one of the owners wanted a very modern design, while the other was more interested in a transitional approach.

The house itself was designed to merge the two architectural styles preferred by the owners, he says.

"It comprises a series of solid stone volumes reminiscent of traditional French farm houses. These are linked by wedge-shaped transparent elements that contrast with the primary forms, both in lightness and in geometry."

To provide a sense of town meets country for the kitchen, natural materials were used but refined to present a sleek, contemporary palette with what Prentiss calls "edges of newness". The cabinetry features flush doors and drawers in beech veneer. For visual definition, overhead display cabinets are framed by dark-stained beech.

"The detailing throughout the house emphasizes the concept of light versus mass," says the architect. "Some cabinets, notably in the butler's pantry, have acrylic doors. These cabinets have LED light strips inside so they appear to float with light at night. The cabinets are also held off the floor by a reveal that reinforces the light floating feel."

Prentiss says in key areas, the cabinetry is wrapped by other materials.

"The island, for example, is wrapped across the top and down one side in Calacatta marble. And the countertops and acrylic cabinet doors in the butler's pantry are wrapped by a stainless steel strip."

Similarly, a pull-out bar top element in the kitchen is asymmetrically wrapped across the top and down one side in stainless steel. Prentiss says the pivoting bar enables the owners to view the television while eating in the kitchen.

"Functionality was critical to the design. Items are stored right where they are needed. Oils and spices, for example, are stored either side of the cooking center, and a decorative niche stores everyday plates within easy reach."

Additional storage is provided in the butler's pantry. Both the pantry and the casual dining area next to the kitchen are positioned within two of the transparent wedges between the larger stone volumes of the house.

These areas are not only defined by their Kalwall translucent roofs, which appear to wrap down the walls, but also by the flooring, which changes from wood to limestone.

Story by: Trendsideas