U-shaped semi-industrial kitchen with stainless steel cabinets and benchtops

With views in one direction, and an outdoor entertaining area in the other, the kitchen in this house was designed to take advantage of both.

Architect Dave Strachan of Strachan Group Architects, working with owner-architect Rachael Rush, positioned the kitchen right in the heart of the home. Designed in a U shape, the kitchen is open above bench height on all sides to indoor and outdoor living areas.

There is a view from the sink over the lawn to the sea in the distance. On the opposite side, the kitchen opens up to provide a seamless serving area to a barbecue patio.

"The owners wanted a highly functional kitchen with a commercial feel," Strachan says. "So we chose Arclinea stainless steel cabinetry modules and benchtops, and added a suspended stainless steel shelf with integrated rangehood, pot rack and exposed ducting."

The commercial materials, and the small stainless steel appliances on the benchtop reinforce the raw, semi-industrial look created by the exposed timber joists and blackened steel I-beams in the living area. The front of the island and the tall pantry cabinetry at one side feature birch plywood.

Sized to optimise modular storage for items, such as Tupperware, the pantry incorporates a stainless steel bench.

"There is a place for everything in this kitchen, from general utensils, wraps and paper, to oils, chopping boards, herbs and spices, and miscellaneous items for birthday parties," says Strachan. "Even the corner storage is maximised with a He¤fele Le Mans corner system."

Functionality also determined the design of the integrated double sink. This is large enough for oven trays, and has a square-edged aesthetic, with a small radius for easy cleaning.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes