Architect’s Haven

A self build project for an architect’s own home in Lympstone, Devon.

the brief:

To create a contemporary kitchen design that is both functional and blends with it’s surroundings. As the first room to be seen when entering the hallway, usability and style are equally important to this design.

A beautiful feature of this home is the brick wall that continues through the kitchen and out to the garden. Understandably, our clients did not want this detail interrupted.

the design:

Contemporary design is known for using structure to create a sleek, flawless look and this bulthaup kitchen is no exception. Plenty of open space highlights this minimal kitchen with smooth layering of brick, wood and metal creating a rich, welcoming space.

Warm tone-on-tone finishes include bulthaup’s luxury Clay Laminate with Aluminium Edges and Black-Brown Structured Oak. Furthermore, worksurfaces from Dekton’s natural collection complement the earthy organic feel.

An elegant kitchen island not only provides a functional working zone but also an area for socialiasing. The working side of the island includes a dishwasher, sink, boiling water tap and pull out bins. The social side features a wine fridge and breakfast bar extension for chic informal dining. For continutiy the bartop uses the same brown/black oak as the adjacent tall units.

Behind the island an overhead wall unit houses discreet extraction. Importantly, it’s powerful motor is remotely situated in the utility room providing optimum performance with minimal noise. Furthermore the ducting is concealed with a bespoke stainless-steel shroud that matches the stainless-steel plinths and bar top support.

A bespoke, clear glass splashback protects the brickwork behind the hob without interrupting it’s detail. This clever splashback may look simple enough but a lot of thought and planning has gone into it’s design. Ordinarily glaziers use bonding agents to adhere opaque glass splashbacks to the wall behind but that wouldn’t work with clear glass. Instead, we had the glass fabricated with precise drill holes allowing our installation team to carefully fit the glass to the brick using stylish screw fixings. The back of the glass was perfectly polished before sealing the edges and closing off any gaps that would trap dust and the odd wayward fly! Another design highlight of this clever splashback is the bulthaup function rail that provides useful hanging space for herb pots and kitchen utensils.

the architects:

Grainge Architects