This North Canterbury house was conceived by architect Gareth Ritchie (of Rangiora’s firm Archco) as his own family home.
The overall form is a play on the traditional Scandinavian gable, with clipped eaves, a 40 degree roof pitch and a completely timber clad exterior. The kitchen, however was “designed to be the heart and focal point of an open-plan living area,” says Gareth, “white walls and polished concrete f loors are softened by the cabinetry in planked American Oak, complemented by white quartz benchtops, brushed nickel handles and a dark marbled splashback that complete the simple material palette.”
Part of the beauty of this space is its use of negatives forming the handles on cabinetry and seamlessly blending in with the integrated fridge face panels. The edges have been mitred to create a softer, more friendly aesthetic and brushed nickel pull handles (by Archant Furnipart) make sporadic appearances throughout. The custom made, linear lighting echoes the elegant and lightweight feel of the mixer tap and helps contrast the heavy, anchoring weight of the solid island.
