Winning designs

Receiving a Housing Industry Association (HIA) award is akin to being given a congratulatory pat on the back by your industry peers. A positive spin-off for the consumer is that these awards provide valuable information on current trends and materials.

This year's HIA Kitchen Awards are an acknowledgement of excellence in the kitchen building industry, says HIA executive officer Nicole Wilson.

The winner of the HIA-Parbury Australian Kitchen Project of the Year Award was Warren Coe from CoeStyle Developments and Cabinet Craft.

"Today, kitchens play a dominant role in open-plan living areas, so we decided to make this one a focal point," says Coe. "The design evolved from a combination of input from the owners, cabinetmakers and colour co-ordinators."

Faced with a 7m building width, Coe decided a linear kitchen design would best suit this townhouse. The outlook over water was another influence.

"Our aim was to integrate modern living with a coastal feel," he says.

Judges were impressed by the combination of satin-etched glass on the overhead cupboard doors and milled stainless steel strips on the island bar.

"All the combinations of the island bar come together brilliantly. Stainless steel, glass, stone, liquid copper, polyurethane and timber all combine into a distinctive contemporary kitchen," said the judges.

The copper finish on the countertop is also used on the gate entry and garage door, linking interior and exterior spaces.

This completely renovated kitchen won designer Robert Bayly, from Jag Kitchens, the HIA-Hettich Australian Kitchen Designer of the Year award for the second time.

The kitchen was completely remodelled to make it the focus of a large living area, says Bayly.

"Our aim was to treat the kitchen as a piece of furniture that would complement the rest of the room, at the same time giving the clients a practical work space."

Designed for clients with teenagers, the kitchen was angled to form an axis, so people in the kitchen could interact with other parts of the room, he says.

Judges commented that the design demonstrated a good use of angles, with well-positioned cupboards and storage space, and a pleasing use of materials.

"The kitchen is an excellent family space. It is well placed in the overall plan of the house, and well integrated into the informal living space," they said.

Materials and appliances were chosen for durability, as well as visual appeal. Strong focusing points, such as the stainless steel curve of the island counter, lead the eye back to the living areas.

"Parquetry floors and European beech timber frames were integrated to give a sense of warmth. The curvature of the island is contemporary and adds flair, while the inset removes sterility," says Bayly.

For further information, contact HIA Kitchens & Bathrooms, phone (02) 6249 6366. Email: kandb@hia.asn.au. Website: kandb.hia.asn.au.

Story by: Trendsideas