Australian finalists of global Sub-Zero & Wolf Kitchen Design Contest share their winning designs

Finalist: Hawthorn East House by Adrian Amore Architects

“Our objective was to create a kitchen that was pleasurable to experience. That had a sense of tranquillity and connected with the outside gardens and internal living spaces,” says Adrian Amore, Director of Adrian Amore Architects, upon reflection of his winning design.

“It was important that all the appliances specified were user-friendly and intuitive, functioning with the highest level of precision with an elegant aesthetic and quality feel.”

“Spatially, there is flexibility in how the kitchen can adapt,” explains Amore. “Often, it is used by only one or two people. However, it can be used to entertain, with multiple people working and moving through it. The butler's pantry, with dual entries/exits, expands the space, where it can become part of or shut off from the main kitchen,” says Amore.

“Architecturally, there is a play of shifting geometric composition, with bending curvatures in bronze, timber and stone. The curves express the interfaces between materials, creating a gentle continuity and expressing movement – drawing the eye from one part to the next,” says Amore.

“There is a play of the masculine and feminine with the blending of curves in combination with sharp rectilinearity and a palette of dark, warm materials.”

Finalist: Melbourne Residence by Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors

“Given the homeowner’s passion for cooking, two kitchens were designed for their new residence,” explains Rob Mills, Director of Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors. “One kitchen was for easy functionality and an elegant showpiece. The other was designed to prepare the client’s cultural Chinese cuisine, which necessitated powerful ventilation.”

Mills adds, “While this second kitchen is concealed, its selection of materials and appliances require the same superior level as both kitchens are used simultaneously.”

“The client’s vision for their new kitchen was uncompromising, and this naturally extended to the choice of appliances. Sub-Zero and Wolf were selected as they consistently deliver at the top of the range on aesthetics and functionality.”

Finalist: Concrete Curtain by FGR Architects

Feras Raffoul, Director of FGR Architects, describes Concrete Curtain as ‘architecture of the slow reveal.’

“Utilising concrete and glass as the building blocks, it functions as both a fortress for privacy and a lookout for projection,” says Raffoul. “From within, the concrete columns on key elevations establish privacy, reminiscent of the Brise Soleil's best traditions, offering interior seclusion, glimpses of views, and effective thermal management, welcoming light and air into the interior spaces.”

“Aquarzo Quartzite gracefully envelops every aspect of the kitchen, including drawers, overhead swing-cupboards, skirtings, and the undersides of overhead cupboards. Such a bravura use of this stone in the kitchen is a first in Australia, echoing the modernist masterpiece moments that combine stone, glass and concrete,” says Raffoul.

“Creating a fully functional stone-clad kitchen, where all components are operable, is particularly noteworthy, given the stone's unyielding nature. It exemplifies a remarkable collaboration among the joinery, stone-masonry, and architectural team, signifying a pivotal moment in trilateral cooperation that yielded a masterpiece seamlessly uniting design and functionality,” explains Raffoul.

“The design and aesthetics of Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances seamlessly integrated with the overall design concept. The sleek and sophisticated appearance complements the kitchen's modernist style and enhances its visual appeal.”

About the Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest

Since its inception in 1993, the Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest has become a coveted win among the design industry. The contest recognises kitchen designers, architects, interior designers, builders, remodelers, landscape architects, and landscape designers who are advancing outstanding kitchen design.

Over 1600 global entries were received for the 2022–2023 Kitchen Design Contest, all evaluated anonymously by seven judges in disciplines such as architecture, interior design and kitchen design.

Entries in the three distinct kitchen design categories: contemporary, transitional and traditional, were evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Best function and aesthetic use of Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances
• Aesthetically pleasing overall kitchen design
• Functionality of overall kitchen design

“We are proud to celebrate the extraordinary kitchens designed and created by Australian entrants,” says Andrew Mumford, Managing Director of Sub-Zero Wolf, Australia.

“The calibre of entries received is a testament to the extraordinary design talent that exists in Australia today, and it is exciting to see Australian design professionals receive the international recognition for architectural and design excellence that they so strongly deserve.” 

Learn more about Sub-Zero & Wolf’s range of luxury appliances on ArchiPro.