This project involved extensive alterations and additions to an existing 1940s free standing house situated on a steep block overlooking Clovelly in New South Wales. For a young family that enjoy cooking and entertaining, the design implemented an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. Full height joinery extends and connects these areas and uses a mix of contrasting white polyurethane and natural blackbutt timber veneer to define each of the separate zones.

Large sliding doors were installed on the opposite side of the room to visually extend the space to the boundary. Instead of a splashback, a frameless window was introduced along benchtop to allow natural light and views of plants also whilst cooking.

The island is the main food preparation and cleaning area. It also functions as a divider to the dining and circulation area and is used for seating at breakfast time and to interact with the cook. To enhance the ‘floating’ effect at night, L.E.D., strip lighting on top and below the joinery is used.

Photographer: Michael Nicholson

Builder: Easternbuilt

Joinery: Adam Standfield Cabinet Making