Combined, the kitchen and living footprint was already a long and narrow space, however the zoning and flow of the various spaces was prudent within the new design. The wall between the kitchen and dining room was partially removed, leaving a substantial amount of wall in the centre with openings left and right. This solved the link from the kitchen to dining and provided a solution in that the room didn’t extend in length/ become disproportionate, but added a planning wall.
The tall housing/sink elevation was also compromised due to an upright structural column and secondary hallway door. The column was re-located to the left of the furniture. The door was omitted which provided a generous wall for the cooking and cooling appliances, double Belfast sink, preparation area and double food larder – designed with internal door racks, tiered shelving with tonk strips. The two ovens stacked in a tall housing, with oven tray slots above and drawer below. Naturally, the design lent itself to upright and over substructures which disguised the column, framed the elevation and created a breakfront to the deep side panels.
The design naturally lent the Belfast to being on the back wall central to the tall housings although the client always anticipated the sink being on the island. We proposed a large bronze mirror to clad the wall which carried the beautiful garden reflection inside and could be enjoyed whilst carrying out tasks at the sink. Floating shelves with integrated LED lighting created visual interest above and broke the expanse of glass.
Designed onto the dividing wall between the kitchen and dining, double dresser with bi-folding doors opened into a breakfasting and small appliance cabinet. Inclusive of a built-in microwave at eye-line height, with a freestanding toaster and coffee machine on the worktop. The practical way to operate the integrated cabinet lighting was to use a IR sensor. The cabinetry below was inclusive of storage solutions including handmade cutlery, utensil and spice drawer.
On the island, ample work surface was either side of the cooktop which was positioned off-centre, and meant it wasn’t directly in front of the social zone, which is something the client didn’t want. Placing it here also meant it was within the working triangle and there is full sight of the rolling hills. The ducting would drop into the subfloor, and straight out the external wall. A considerable amount of crock ware drawers and handmade insert drawers were incorporated. The warming drawer with a furniture door was positioned in front of the ovens, making it a one-step task.
The wine fridge features between the gable end post and cabinetry on the back of the island which leads into a L-shaped handmade breakfast bar to seat four. The chunky solid timber top and legs mitred together finished a graphite oil provides a warm contrast, and differentiates the main worktops to the social seating. The oil finish provides a cost effective long-term solution as it penetrates into the wood. LED lighting profiles were specified for mains circuit operation and directed onto the painted wood panel. Not only did this create mood but provided a non-glare visual from within the living area. Double sockets to the underside of the breakfast bar, and BORA sockets below the cooktop ensured there was surplus power for all island tasks. Linear hung, three Tala light fittings were proposed as they presented a decorative organic shape with a warm LED glow. Luxury handmade bar stools were also commissioned with the graphite oil finish to the solid oak legs and a calming textured weave fabric which complemented the existing furnishings.
The greige painted furniture finish contrasts effortlessly with the crisp white chunky sintered stone work surface whilst the subtle taupe veining through the surface adds warmth. The cabinet interior made from a MFC woodgrain with the exception of solid oak handmade shallow dovetail drawers and internals which also have the graphite oil finish. Armac Martin contemporary brassware and solid brass butt hinges in Polished Nickel Plate finish were selected.
A luxurious dark wood effect porcelain herringbone tile and planked border tile was selected for the floor area. The striking floor would be the canvas for all the luxury layers that build upon it. Overall creating an inviting, calm and luxurious atmosphere.
Facing the property from the garden the windows needed to remain for balance within the architecture, and the design could be achieved with opposite wall. With this in mind, full advantage of the outdoors was taken and the existing windows were dropped into floor level picture windows. The external door hinging switched to open externally for more internal flow.
Linear hung, three more Tala pendant lights were fitted above the dining table. A large display cabinet was designed with integrated LED Lighting that featured the clients accolades and object d art. Two nickel finished wall candle fittings were procured by the client.
A TV substructure was created off the wall between the kitchen living area and the snug. The bi fold doors were replaced for new. The existing furniture was positioned and with the rug and table lamps, created a relaxing seating area. In the same style of furniture, a cabinet was created to conceal the air conditioning unit.
The ceiling and lighting design was designed in conjunction with each other and the coffer/window treatment details. With the proposed structural changes, a faux beam was added to equally divide the Kitchen zone, so it looked better visually for the coving to the perimeter. Coving without lighting was used in the Kitchen given the overall general, task and mood designed into the furniture. However, coving with lighting was used in the social zones, for a more serene environment. Wave curtain tracks were fitted up into the recess of the coffered ceiling for the lightweight linen fabric to float down to the floor and frame the windows with the stunning view.
Project cost: £89,660.85