Upon reflection

Building a new home provides an ideal opportunity to finally secure that kitchen you've long admired. For the owners of this new house, it was a German Poggenpohl kitchen that caught the eye.

Designer Damian Hannah of German Kitchens says the owners, who have a love of contemporary architecture and European designer furniture, had their hearts set on a Poggenpohl kitchen for their new home. But the design wasn't entirely straightforward.

"Although the living areas have a great harbour view, the kitchen was at the rear of the space, with very little natural light," says Hannah. "The design needed to allow for this. We also had to accommodate the owners' preference for an extra tall integrated fridge, freezer and pantry."

High-gloss lacquered cabinetry was specified in Spanish Red to provide a reflective surface.

"The vivid red cabinetry was used to house the tall units and wall ovens," says Hannah. "We could have tried to disguise these, but chose instead to make them stand out. The red also adds a lot of warmth, and is a very appetising colour."

Functionality wasn't compromised, however. The red cabinetry is 700mm deep, which leaves a 100mm gap at the rear to vent air through two aluminium Lamella plinths one at the top and one at the bottom. This ensures the large appliances won't overheat.

Hannah says the red cabinetry, with its consumables storage, is one of three key zones created in the kitchen. A second zone for food preparation and cooking is provided by the white matt cabinets on the rear wall.

"To provide a look of solidity and symmetry, there are 150mm-wide balancing elements at either end of this cabinetry," says Hannah. "Similar balancing elements bookend the island. In contrast, overhead cabinets are suspended so they appear to float within the space. This wall features a white colour-backed glass splashback, which helps reflect natural light and provides visual depth."

The third work zone the island is another food preparation space, which is also the serving and cleaning area.

"The kitchen is designed so that up to four people can work at one time," says Hannah. "Incorporating bar stools also makes it ideal for entertaining."

Story by: Damian Hannah