The jury’s comment:

“Casual excellence is very difficult to achieve and this project is a perfect example of getting it just right. It is a kitchen that has been rigorously worked through in its layout and material selection while, at the same time, retaining a level of sophisticated playfulness. There is a strong sense of place — this kitchen has been designed with the rest of the house specifically in mind — and even the exquisite, hand-turned pohutukawa handles have been created to belong only to this kitchen. The originality, craft and colour found throughout this cohesive small volume trigger an immediate emotional connection, and moments of fun and unexpected detail elevate the kitchen to a whole new dimension.” - Interior Awards 2022 jury.

PROJECT DETAILS

Location: Sandringham, Auckland

Client: Private client

Building area (m²): 65m²

Project brief: The client’s 1970’s townhouse in Sandringham, Auckland had real potential, but the kitchen and bathroom were dated and no longer functional. The kitchen was strangely disconnected from the living spaces and had a ramshackle laundry in precisely the wrong place. The new owner saw the potential in both spaces though and Pac Studio worked to bring in more natural light and create spaces with distinctly different atmospheres.

Credits: 

• Design - Pac Studio
• Designers - Aaron Paterson, Sarosh Mulla, Liz Tjahjana
• Builder - New Wave Construction

“The aim was to create two completely different experiences with the house and inject colour and texture into the spaces as counterpoints to a more neutral palette in other spaces. The kitchen is purposely different but is a cohesive volume to inhabit — a space that encapsulates you. The monochromatic palette is complemented by ‘pleated’ kitchen tile, selected first for its warmth and the way that it captures the light when it falls across its surface. Our obsession with crafted details, down to the smallest scale can be seen in the hardware, custom-designed from salvaged pōhutukawa, hand-turned and fitted to a brass base.” - Liz Tjahjana.

Watch the finalist’s presentation here: 

With thanks to our Interior Awards 2022 sponsors. Find out more about each of our sponsors here.