A Calm and Considered Kitchen – Mt Eliza by Studio 11:11
Taking inspiration from the existing conditions and surrounding context, Mt Eliza sees the creation of a calming and considered kitchen to ground the home to its site. Studio 11:11 combines an inquisitive and experimental approach to propose a refined and restrained articulation of form and materiality.
Located in its Mornington Peninsula setting, the renovation and reinvigoration of an existing home creates a contemporary and relevant series of spaces. Originally built in the 1970s, the previous home still retained the original kitchen, which very much stood as testament to the time. Often the heart of the home, the kitchen is an integral element, both as a gathering space as well as a nurturing one. As one of the most visited zones within a contemporary home, ensuring the kitchen aligned with the client’s values and aesthetic was integral to the other surrounding spaces and, in a way, provides the ideal direction for each of the supporting elements of the home. Studio 11:11 bring a rigorous approach to Mt Eliza, analysing the previous conditions and the surrounding and influential context in conjuring their approach, embedding the result with a sense of refinement and restraint.
Built by De Wacht Cabinets, the client requested a consciously open approach, where all surrounding rooms could lead into the kitchen space. Both visually and from a planning perspective, ensuring this open and connected nature was key. The contemporary kitchen condition is not only a making and preparing space, but it very much is a communal social zone, bringing household members together. Ensuring the space could accommodate the family easily was a driver in the design and planning that entailed. By anchoring each of the storage and preparation spaces on the outer edges, an inner circulation zone opens up and allows for the insertion of a large oversized island for gathering. Intended as a nod to the archetypal kitchen table in its proportions and composition, the custom joinery piece allows for seating around two of its edges, encouraging and facilitating the use of the space as a destination.
Taking inspiration from the nearby established native gum trees, the materiality is warm and embraces its context. While the palette above bench height is light and muted, below is another, more intentionally contrasting story. Spotted gum timber is used as a means to bring the outside inward and reduce the footprint in transporting non-local materials. As a hero of the space, the timber grounds all of the other elements, anchoring the lighter stone and plaster elements in the space. Integrating an attuned attention to detail, each junction and finish is brought together with restraint and precision. From the custom stone inlay drip tray in the bench, concealed hinges, absence of hardware and the integration of the gas cooktop, the collaboration with high-level craftspeople is evident throughout.
