Benson Project Role:

Our client was adamant his new kitchen would enable him to deliver a dynamic culinary performance when entertaining guests, or a sense of intimacy and participation at meal times for the family.

The requirement of performance cooking evoked the design elements of a Japanese teppanyaki bar, a strong design influence for details and materiality choices. The full-height cabinetry, integrating Liebherr fridge, freezer and pantry areas, is detailed to portray the look of sliding Japanese rice paper screens. Designed in our studio then custom cut on a CNC machine to achieve the unique textural result, then framed and contrasted with black-stained oak cabinetry, lean further into a traditional Japanese design language.

Several unchangeable architectural elements were transformed into functional and aesthetically beautiful design features. Sleek black oak shelving hides an unmovable structural pole, providing a room-divider–type screen and the opportunity for a green wall. A below bench-height window was the catalyst for the inclusion of a wider sink bench that houses an indoor herb garden, that frames the pool and garden—perfect for our home chef.

Biophilic elements introduced through textured timber and real greenery are further enhanced by the expanse of Infinity Brown Quartzite by CDK Stone atop the central island and sink bench. The dramatic veining of this natural stone is equally as dramatic as the retracting Gaggenau extraction unit and the performances of our client in his stunning kitchen space.