Parallel universe

Paring back a design so that it expresses a kitchen's pure functionality can provide a strong visual impact.

This kitchen an integral part of the living area in a contemporary new house designed by architects Tim Hay and Jeff Fearon evolved from such an approach.

"The design was driven primarily by the magic triangle the dynamic relationship between the sink, cooking centre and refrigerator," says Hay. "At the same time, the kitchen needed to work on a social level, as the heart of the family living area. Effectively, we wanted the kitchen to provide the same views and social interaction as the living room.

"In terms of the hierarchy of the home, the kitchen is not on a level removed from the best position it's right there."

To reinforce the kitchen's sense of importance, Hay wrapped the front and sides of two 4.5m-long stainless steel islands in black Nero Marquina marble. Two vertical bays at one end are faced with stainless steel, but backed with hand-rendered dark oxide plaster.

"The dark marble and black rendered plaster elements form the kitchen's shell a cocoon that envelops the stainless steel cabinets," Hay says.

With recessed stainless steel toekicks, the cabinets appear to float above the floor an effect that helps to visually lighten the mass.

"The open-ended design creates a kitchen in the round," says Hay. "It provides a bit of theatre. But the layout means everyone can be involved in the production there are several workstations and more than one person can work at the same time."

To further enhance the sleek, rectilinear look, the benchtops have a 6mm knife edge, which slants back to provide a 20mm-thick top.

Darren Lloyd of Trend-Wood Kitchens, the manufacturer of the kitchen, says the drawers also feature negative detailing, with a 45° profile edge forming handles.

"Every aspect of the design was a direct expression of the functionality," says Hay. "For example, the open shelving makes it easier to reach the plates. We didn't need to create another layer to the cabinetry.

"Similarly, the vertical bays are almost like a butler's pantry, without the door. The tall cabinetry obliquely screens the open shelves from the seating area, so there is no obvious clutter on display."

As an integral part of the living space, the kitchen opens to the outdoor living areas.

"Essentially, the doors and windows evaporate so the entire pavilion is directly connected to the garden beyond," says Hay.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes