Sculptural form

One of the most precious commodities in an inner-city apartment is space. Creating a minimalist kitchen that almost disappears from sight when the refrigerator door closes is one approach. An even more effective use of the space is to transform the area into a sculptural event.

This was very much the concept when John Marx created this pared-back kitchen in an inner-city high-rise apartment.

"Elliptical forms and frosted glass elements recur throughout the apartment," he says. "Both are a design response to the banks of fog and mist frequently seen from the apartment's windows.

"In the open-plan kitchen area, they appear as a circular tray ceiling, with recessed lighting, and a round glass table, echoing its form below."

Spacial constraints and an owner who wanted a minimalist look combined to create a space that is hardly recognisable as a kitchen.

"Upon being shown my already minimalist design ideas, the owner would come back to me, saying he wanted it even simpler," says Marx.

The result is a kitchen with everything either disguised or hidden completely.

"A central stainless steel cylinder conceals exiting ducting in the apartment and a black slab of granite protruding from this houses the cooktop."

Overhead, the rangehood is also clad in glass, this time etch-mirrored to conceal its interior. Other elements at the top of the stainless steel column also conceal parts of the complex ducting.

Along the back wall of the space, a refrigerator and freezer are integrated into the black lacquered facade. To the right of the refrigerator are an oven and microwave, and to the right of these, doors pivot upwards to reveal a surprisingly accommodating 1 metre-deep work surface.

"Alongside a love of minimalism, the owner wanted an efficient, highly functional workspace," says Marx. "This sculptural design caters to both needs. The multifunction oven and microwave are accompanied by a dishwasher, tucked under the work surface at the other end of the cabinetry."

The kitchen also is an exercise in strategic orientation. It is separated from an adjacent corridor with frosted glass fins, preventing people from seeing into the kitchen until standing right next to it. From within the kitchen, the eye is led straight out to the views that lie beyond the living areas, through large sliding glass doors.

In effect, the space has the feel of a luxury suite, built as much for relaxation as for food preparation.

Story by: Trendsideas