Gone fishing

A contemporary bach, with a link to the past that was the brief given to the designer of this kitchen in a new holiday home.

Glen Johns says the owners live on a farm and wanted their holiday home to have some visual connection with the family's farming roots. At the same time, the kitchen needed to reflect the coastal location and the laid-back feel of a typical bach, while being highly functional.

"The clients liked the idea of furniture-style cabinets that would blend with the living area," Johns says. "They also provided recycled rimu timber taken from an old farm dwelling."

The rimu was laid horizontally to enhance the strong, linear look of the cabinets, which appear as box-like insertions within the living area. Recessed pulls create negative detailing that reinforces the contemporary aesthetic.

A 3.6m-long island sits on a mirrored base, creating a floating effect and making the space seem larger. It also provides plenty of space for food preparation and serving, and allows the cook to socialise with family and friends.

"Working with the architect, we chose to incorporate elements of the family's farming background with a lighting feature on the underside of the island," says Johns. "Back-lit graphics of trees and flaxes evoke the country theme, but in a subtle, rather than obvious way."

The modern, asymmetrical look of the island is further emphasised by a narrow Quantum Quartz benchtop with a waterfall edge.

Stainless steel appliances complement the clean lines of the kitchen. These include a Fisher & Paykel flush-mounted riser cooktop that provides a seamless surface when not in use.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes

Photography by: Trevor Read