Thanks to homeowners' shifting perceptions and priorities, a butler's pantry has become more than a simple storage space. This transitional zone may integrate extensive storage, a food-prep space, a coffee machine, a wine fridge and even a second sink.

Adelaide HIA member, Craig Linke, who runs Craig Linke Bespoke Building, embraced this concept when building a sophisticated combo of a kitchen/butler’s pantry. ‘The brief was to create an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space that was both functional and light-filled, capitalising on its north-facing aspect,’ explains Craig.

The primary kitchen makes a bold contemporary statement, utilising honed Aquila marble from CDK Stone. The marble is featured across the benchtops, splashbacks, rangehood and island bench. Detailed fluted rounds were added to the rangehood box along with an 80mm apron to the island bench.

‘In order to create these curves, we imported a bespoke cutter to route the profile to the marble flutes,’ explains Craig.

Cohesion between the main kitchen and the butler’s kitchen is achieved via the same statement marble, the flooring selection and the palette throughout.

‘The biggest challenge was completely gutting the rear ground level of a two-storey home, with the clients living in the property at the time,’ explains Craig. ‘The upper level was temporarily supported using acrow props from the demolition stage. We had to ensure that communication with our trades and the owners was frequent and clear during this time. Safety was paramount, especially with excavators digging footings among the propping members.’

The butler’s kitchen, which features the same Aquila marble paired with two-pack shaker cabinetry, houses an onyx granite sink with drying rack and a KWC pullout mixer with a light for greater cleaning efficiency. ‘I also love the warmth of the timber cabinetry and the herringbone flooring. In addition, shaker cabinet doors and brass handles add elegance to the kitchen,’ says Craig.

According to the clients, a favourite element in the pantry is the coffee-making zone, set in glass shelves with a black aluminium frame. ‘Another interesting element was the reverse osmosis filter installed to the La Marzocco coffee machine, which produces pure water,’ says Craig

During the build, the team felt the effects of supply shortages, a flow-on effect of the pandemic. This resulted in a delay with the steel-framed doors and windows. ‘We were always in close communication with our clients during this time to keep them informed.’

Craig is well-versed in solving complex issues during a build. He started in the industry in 2002 when he enrolled in a VET carpentry course at Noarlunga TAFE [in South Australia]. ‘As part of my course, we had to complete a work placement. I was offered a carpentry apprenticeship, and I jumped at the opportunity.
‘I commenced my four-year apprenticeship working on everything from first-fix carpentry (floor, walls, roof framing, decks and pergolas), second-fix carpentry (doors, skirtings, panelling) through to general building (concreting, saunas and landscaping).’

Although his firm is based in Adelaide, Craig has refined his craft by travelling around the globe. ‘I work from metropolitan Adelaide to the Yorke Peninsula. I love being outdoors and travelling around.’

He launched Craig Linke Bespoke Building in 2014, off the back of living and working in London. ‘I was inspired by the luxury projects I'd worked on there and felt there was an opportunity to create a new offering in Adelaide. I wanted to focus on bespoke homes of the highest quality.’ 

The business started with two employees and has grown to a team of more than 20 in less than 10 years. Its latest achievement was winning the 2024 HIA Australian Kitchen of the Year Award last May in Cairns. ‘We were extremely proud of our team at the awards as we were one of only two award winners from South Australia [South Australia’s Crew Built won the inaugural 2024 HIA Australian Start-Up Business Award].

The HIA judges recognised the originality and functionality of this luxe kitchen/butler’s pantry combo, which was designed in partnership with Ply Architecture and IJF Living. According to the judges: ‘Every element seamlessly marries form and function. This kitchen exudes sheer elegance, craftmanship and unparalleled style. The meticulous detailing, crowned by the exquisite, fluted marble, is a true masterpiece of design.'

Materials:

• Surfaces: Benchtops, splashbacks, rangehood and island bench in honed Aquila marble from CDK Stone
• Cabinetry: Shaker cabinet doors and finished panels in Tasmanian oak veneer from IJF Living
• Flooring: Herringbone parquetry in Freado Grande Classic from Tongue & Groove
• Rangehood: Schweigen
• Appliances: V-Zug induction cooktop, Integrated dishwasher, pyrolitic and steam ovens from Winnings Appliances
• Mixer: ‘Zoe’ pull-out tap from KWC
• Single Sink: Franke
• Strip lighting: Häfele
• Wine fridge: Vintec

First published on 17 September 2024