German Kitchens wins 2026 TIDA New Zealand Imported Kitchen of the Year
Congratulations to Damian Hannah of German Kitchens, winner of 2026 TIDA New Zealand Imported Kitchen – overcoming challenges for a dramatic result
Extensive renovation work was needed to transform a dated, multi-level interior in Queenstown, into this sophisticated home in harmony with its stunning alpine backdrop.
The original kitchen sat on a restrictive raised pedestal, so the designer first successfully navigated complex sub-floor plumbing to level the footprint, to create a singular, expansive social hub.
Another significant architectural challenge involved the original mismatched window heights.
This was resolved by strategically closing up one, while designing the layout so that key functional zones still receive maximum sunlight from the remaining north-facing window.
To optimise the space for frequent entertaining, the layout was then completely reimagined.
The aesthetic centrepiece is the large Sensa Black Beauty granite island, which incorporates the sink, cooking zone and casual seating.
Hand-picked and in a leathered finish, the stone was sourced globally to replicate the rugged Greywacke rock and snowy crevices of the Remarkables mountain range visible through the glass.
For the TIDA judges, the impressive nature of this kitchen design comes not only from the drama of what can be seen, but also the wide-ranging detailed work behind the scenes that made it all possible.
Congratulations to Damian Hannah of German Kitchens – winner of the 2026 TIDA New Zealand Imported Kitchen of the Year.
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