Trends New Zealand Trends Volume 31 No 12 New Zealand | Page 117

Natural
appeal
A simple material palette
and large, angled island
make this sleek kitchen
a welcoming social hub
There are many ways to make a new kitchen
an appealing place to spend family time. One
key factor is ensuring it is an easy space to enter.
This project, by Mitsuori Architects, reflects
the client brief for a kitchen that is central to the
daily lives of the family. It had to be a compact,
highly functional space that readily engaged the
indoor and outdoor living areas at both ends,
says principal architect Matthew Murfett.
“We designed the large central island with
soft angles that avoided presenting a blunt form
to the living areas. Instead, the tapering end
encourages a natural flow through the kitchen,
with easy access to the back yard.
“The kitchen’s minimalist palette consists of
a refined Australian hardwood and clean white
Calacatta marble. These rich, natural materials
are juxtaposed against the existing polished concrete floor that runs through to the outdoors.”
The wall cabinets and substantial island
are as minimalist in form as the material selection is simple. Balance was also important. The
solid, sculptural timber elements on the island
match the visual weight of the marble, making
the latter look as much like an exotic inlay as a
leading surface.
Tucked behind the cabinetry and the island
is a high-functioning family work space, complete with a concealed refrigerator, dishwasher,
microwave and bins. There are also two pullout pantries within the joinery wall. The end
of the kitchen includes an integrated washing
machine, dryer and pull-out ironing station.
“We continued the timber joinery right up to
the ceiling to frame the cooking and prep area
and the white lacquered wall cabinets – and also
to hide awkward existing guttering elements,”
says Murfett.
Discreet ceiling lights, task lighting, a
tracked light system for the art wall, and
dimmable landscape lighting allow the family
to control the ambience of the space.

Left: Understated, yet packed with
hidden functionality, this kitchen by
Mitsuori Architects welcomes guests
and family while providing smooth
passage to the rear outdoor living
spaces. Wall cabinetry reaches to
the ceiling, framing the perimeter
work space and adding to the overall
sculptural appeal. The simple palette
of wood and marble is accentuated
against the newly polished existing
concrete slab floor.

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