A minimalist kitchen
January 5, 2009
By Olive O'Donnell
Great kitchens are about aligning good materials to good planning. As a starting point for a kitchen project it makes sense to look at the area your using and consider what might be missing - more often than not the answers are light and space, in this featured project the layout uses a defined living areas within an open plan layout with a great use of natural and artificial light. Amanda Bone from Bone O'Donnell Architects explains to us what makes this award winning bespoke kitchen extension not just a timeless design or a functional space, but a welcoming home addition for light lunches, late nights and long conversations (see gallery for images ).
Tell us about the property ....
This project was part refurbishment and extension of a two storey Edwardian terraced house with a Northeast facing rear garden. The owners had previously refurbished the main part of the house and approached us to design the kitchen/living area in the existing rear and side return.
What was the brief for this kitchen renovation?
The initial brief was to design a contemporary family kitchen/living/dining area with the main aim to increase the amount of light entering this part of the house whilst providing privacy from neighbouring properties.
How did you fulfill this brief?
Creating a calm, functional living area using a limited palette with flush detailing and surfaces throughout went a good way toward achieving this. A sense of calm sophistication was created by using a white limestone terrazzo flooring. This infused light, brought steady, unbroken and constant elements which created a flow between the areas, marrying the existing architecture with the new extension.
The double height roof lit space and lower level living area provides a natural division between the spaces and a natural connection between the internal & external surfaces.
We also matched the worktops and splash back to draw the eye vertically up the wall into the new living area and also to the terrace. This emphasises the sequence of kitchen, living area and garden beyond. The highly reflective qualities of the terrazzo gives an element of solidity whilst keeping the overall feel contemporary.
The kitchen units are built in and finished flush with their surrounding surfaces allowing the countertop to be kept clear with the overhead units recessed into the existing wall. Access is via sliding doors, which can move along the entire length of the kitchen.
An aluminum framed curtain walling wraps around the open plan space. Incorporating fixed and open-able sections to the paved terrace outside. A mixture of clear and opaque glazing ensures privacy from the adjoining property whilst allowing natural light to flood through the area as a whole.
How would you describe the layout?
The layout was designed to be totally unassuming blending the living areas seamlessly and saturating it with light.
Is there a feature that you like to use that brands your kitchen designs?
No, each kitchen is individual and evolves from the overall design concept of the house. We're led by each brief.
What aspects of kitchen design do you focus on most?
Layout, materials, finishes, positioning of appliances, daylight are all key considerations to our designs.
Bone O'Donnell Architects is a design orientated practice established in 2000, which places emphasis on a high standard of design and detail in architecture, interior design and landscaping. For more information log onto www.boneodonnellarchitects.ie
If your planning a project here are some features to keep in mind;
¥ Consider cabinets which are frameless and use large, simple discreet handles won't clutter the eye.
¥ Door styles which are basic slab or horizontal lift allow the kitchen to blend to the room.
¥ Frosted glass panels or door inserts add texture without altering the overall aesthetic.
¥ Keep straight, linear lines when designing a galley kitchen.
¥ Laminate surfaces in bold colours or wood grain
¥ Lighting that is abundant and adjustable, such as track lighting will look great at all times of the day.
¥ When using metal include stainless steel and brushed chrome
¥ For large sweeping work surfaces stone worktops offer the highest heat -resistance plus they are durable, scratch and stain resistant.
Materials and finishes used in Bone O'Donnell extension include -
Flooring: Terrazzo
Cabinetry: Spray painted mdf
Countertops:Terrazzo
Windows and Doors: Aluminium
Appliances: Miele
Lighting: downlighters and concealed spotlights
The featured kitchen is the OPUS Architecture & Construction Awards 2006 Award Winner Morehampton Road, Dublin 4 - Refurbishment & Extension to house
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