KITCHEN FOCUS-No.11
Meticulous planning and a reconfigured layout have made this stylish space the hub of family life
The owners of this townhouse, a couple with three teenagers, wanted a lifestyle centred around cooking and entertaining. With the help of Will Dewar and Martin Dowle at Sketch Architects, they realised that a rejig of the ground floor would unlock a more connected family life.
PROJECT DETAILS
DESIGNERS Will Dewar and Martin Dowle, Sketch Architects (sketcharchitects.co.uk)
PROPERT Y Edwardian home
WORK Kitchen extension and entire ground floor renovation
LOCATION London
1FINDING THE FLOW
‘The ground floor was very disjointed and lacked any kind of decent flow. The kitchen and dining room, down a long narrow hallway, were on separate levels. Previously the clients had only been able to entertain in summer when they would take the table outside. They are avid cooks so wanted a well-equipped, modern kitchen alongside a comfortable dining area,’ says Will.
2 LEVELLING OUT
‘We were eager to maintain a good ceiling height of three metres and consequently lowered the kitchen entirely,’ says Will. ‘Where previously the garden had been accessed via a decking area, now the kitchen and garden are all level with a strong visual connection through steel-framed doors. The solar-controlled glass also reduces overheating.’ The arched door links to a circular roof light, both of which tie into the Arts &Crafts details of the original architecture, with the new ground floor extension built in a unifying brick. ‘The clients went to Matrix Kitchens and worked up a design with advice from us. The larder cupboards have pocket doors that can be slid back and to the right of the fridge, a door concealed within the cabinetry leads to a utility room,’ he adds. Adiscreet Bora downdraft hob keeps sightlines clear.
3 MARBLE MAGIC
‘The cabinetry, made from 25mm plywood, is incredibly sturdy and has a stained dark oak venee
