Kitchen of the Year

Warm, earthy tones and the outstanding 12.5m wide x 4.6m high, 900mm thick rammed earth walls that book end the kitchen & family room set the tone for the organic feel of this exceptional kitchen space. The great expanse of solid European Oak double glazed sliding doors that provide an intimate view into the alfresco and pool area, also let in subtle natural light that aids the neutral tones that feature throughout the house. These neutral mellow tones are enhanced by the kitchen and pantry joinery which is nestled into the rammed earth wall. The impressive feature of the kitchen is the splash back, rammed earth highlighted with subtle lighting which is protected by a large pane of toughened glass to aid in its upkeep. The joinery is a mixture of solid timber, veneer, and natural stone benchtops with hydronic heating installed in the burnished concrete slab. Concealment is key in this kitchen. Beautifully designed and executed, the custom-built stainless steel rangehood, air conditioning system, fridge, dishwasher and double wine coolers are indistinguishable as they provide the amenity without distracting from the natural stone and timber of the kitchen. The pantry is accessed thru the rammed earth wall and is beautifully incorporated into the design with a concealed door. The ability to access the Alfresco thru the multi directional sliding doors enables the kitchen space to be utilised for large gatherings or smaller intimate dinners making it a versatile living space. Subtle lighting and attention to shadow line detailing throughout help the large area to feel warm and intimate and help create a kitchen that is impressive to the eye whilst remaining functional and practical. Judges were impressed with the harmonious consideration to movement and flow of the kitchen within the context to the home. They agreed that the quality of the joinery was unmatched.