Penthouse preference
From its contemporary fit-out to the Miele appliances in the kitchen, this Melbourne apartment complex is fully equipped for the high life
Designing for the top end of the market has its own challenges, including meeting the expectations of a very discerning client base.
For Sol Sapir, the architect of The Hallmark a new 155-apartment complex in Melbourne there was never any question that only the best would do.
The building's location, opposite the Shrine of Remembrance, provided spectacular views of the bay, the city, and the Botanical Gardens. Not surprisingly, the interiors needed to reflect the upmarket location, with a high standard of specification.
"For this reason, the kitchens feature top-of-the-line products and materials," says Sapir. "The cabinetry in the penthouse kitchens, for example, is finished with a Mercedes Benz, two-pack metallic paint finish. The kitchen also features Innotech drawer systems from Germany. The benchtops offer a Rimex scratch-resistant stainless steel surface imported from London, while a European composite quartz Quarella benchtop was specified for the island."
Sapir says there was also no question that the kitchens would feature a full range of co-ordinated Miele appliances.
"There is an expectation that such kitchens will be matched by high-end European appliances. Miele fits the bill perfectly. As well as providing 90cm-wide cooking appliances that are well suited to entertaining, the company offers the added benefits of a coffee machine and combination microwave."
Sapir says product knowledge and experience was another factor in his choice he has specified Miele appliances on many projects over the past few years.
Penthouse kitchens feature the new Miele H4900B 90cm-wide oven, which has a stainless steel front with onset handle. As well as providing extra capacity, the oven offers nine operating modes, including enhanced fan heat and intensive bake functions. Other features include a roast probe, two-stage grill and a storage compartment for oven accessories.
To complement the oven, the penthouses feature the Miele KM390G 90cm-wide, five-burner gas cooktop, which offers high-speed burners, a wok burner and a simmer burner. Surface-mounted dial controls are designed for easy use, as is the electric ignition.
The Miele M635-45 microwave oven incorporates a microwave grill function. This offers the best of both worlds the convenience and speed of microwave cooking and the browning function of a grill.
The microwave also has a keep warm setting, which is an easy way to ensure all food items are served at the correct temperature.
Coffee aficionados haven't been overlooked, either. Miele's integrated CVA620-1 coffee machine was designed for the serious coffee drinker. It not only brews coffee to suit, it also grinds the beans to ensure freshness. Two cups can be prepared simultaneously and there is a choice of three cup sizes.
To complete the line-up, the kitchens have a fully integrated Miele G863scvi dishwasher. Designed to provide a quiet operation essential in an open-plan apartment this dishwasher can accommodate 12 place settings. Its programme range includes an economy mode.
For more details, contact Miele Australia, phone (03) 9764 7130; South Melbourne showroom, phone (03) 8633 8300; NSW: phone (02) 8977 4230; Qld: phone (07) 3632 2430; SA: phone (08) 8352 9500; WA: phone (08) 9478 0466; NZ: phone (06) 350 1350 or (09) 573 1269. Website: www.miele.com.au.
Story by: Trendsideas
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