Major Kitchen Transformation in Great Falls
Kitchen Renovation with Mediterranean flair
AV Architects and Builders was contacted by the client because they wanted to bump out the Kitchen. The client stated that the old kitchen area was not conducive to their living conditions. They also complained that the kitchen area was too dark and la
cked the amazing view of the backyard. At the site visit the architect realized that the old kitchen was tucked away in the corner of the house, with too many unnecessary doorways and structures that blocked the view of the backyard and
did not allow sunlight to come through. The kitchen size was considerably large at over 500 square feet, however the layout was so poor that it felt like a much smaller space. The design process started with understanding how the family lived
and how they used the spaces. The kitchen was not only a cooking space for the clients but it played a central role in entertainment and daily life. The client is a wine aficionado and was hosting multiple events per month, thus one key requirements for developing a space was for it to have seating for 15 adults. Another imperative requirements was for the light to come through and for the client to have a full view an access to the backyard area.
Re-Zoning the Kitchen
After the analysis of how the clients used the space, it was determined that the client did not require a bump out but rather a full reconfiguration of the space. Unnecessary walls and doorways were removed, the layout streamlined and windows configured to add natural light during the daytime. The kitchen was divided into four areas: Prep Area, Cooking Area, Entertainment and Kid Area. During the daytime the kids have access to mini-coolers for their juices and drinks, access to a dishwasher drawer and a mini sink for self-cleaning. During the evening the kitchen morphs into a luxury wine tasting room that can easily host 15 seated adults with a built in wine cooler and enough storage for all the necessary gadgets. The space was designed as a multifunctional room that allowed adults to be parents but enjoy their lives in the off hours with the kids.
Prep Area
One of the key problem areas that the client wanted to address was to create living and cooking areas that would not infringe on each others space. The Prep area created a dividing space within the kitchen to ensure that guests would be part of the prep process but would not infringe on the chefs space. The prep area was also designed with entertainment in mind. A large wine cooler area and cheese service area that could host 15 seated people and 18 to 20 standing. The space was designed with both function and style in mind, ensuring that the clients did not have to compromise between the two.
