Challenges did remain, however: the flow of the 5.4 x 3.8m space was broken by three separate doorways: ‘There were three transition points into that space: to the garage at the rear, the adjoining courtyard and the opening into the dining room,’ Darren says. Additionally, the clients’ children are all keen chefs, so the kitchen had to comfortably accommodate up to four cooks at once.
Minosa’s solution was to develop a highly ergonomic U-shaped layout, divided into distinct zones: water, fire, appliances (fridge, ovens and small appliances), prep and serving. ‘We’ve got the sink on one side, the cooktop on the back wall, storage and prep on the island, and all the taller cooking elements and fridge integrated behind cabinetry on the far wall.’ The same run of cabinetry also houses an appliance cupboard, which includes power and has a dedicated home for everything from the Mixmaster to the toaster.
This clever concealment of a kitchen’s inner workings – ‘making things disappear’ – is an art that Minosa has perfected over the years. The business employs specific hardware and construction techniques that allow the doors to slide away into cavities, enabling complete access to storage and appliances as required. ‘You’ve got to be very clever in your design and detailing; there are a lot of tricks to it,’ Darren says. ‘But there are some very good mechanisms on the market now from all the leading suppliers.’