Owner’s brief

• A contemporary, high-end kitchen that seamlessly integrates with the home’s open-plan living and dining areas.
• A sophisticated yet functional space that enhances everyday living.
• A bold, architectural presence, with cabinetry extending to the apex to emphasise scale and impact – complementing the surrounding landscapes.
• Preference of natural materials.
• Key requirement – chilled wine room to showcase the owner’s passion and enjoyment for wine.
• Feature smart technology integration for lighting, climate, and appliance control.
• A balance of practicality and aesthetics, ensuring ample storage and efficient workflow.

Form and function

Tucked into a home in the picturesque landscape of Havelock North, this kitchen reflects contemporary design, with effortless functionality.

Designed as the heart of a lodge-inspired home, the kitchen seamlessly integrates grand aesthetics with day-to-day usability.

Natural materials, soaring cabinetry, and layered textures come together to create a welcoming yet dramatic presence, reinforcing the home’s connection to its rural surroundings.

Scale and presence

From the moment you enter, the kitchen commands attention with its bold, full-height cabinetry extending up to the gabled ceiling – emphasising scale and presence.

Clad in a refined mix of natural stone and timber, the material palette echoes the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape, bringing warmth and authenticity to the space.

Above the bench, woven mesh inserts add texture and depth, enhancing the kitchen’s layered aesthetic.

The benchtop, crafted from Pacific Quartz, provides a striking yet durable surface, complementing the kitchen’s sophisticated design.

Upon reflection

A smoked mirror backsplash subtly reflects the striking Te Mata Peak, introducing depth and mood while enhancing the sense of place.

Anchoring the space is the expansive stone island – a true social hub designed for entertaining and everyday living.

The island offers a generous workspace while maintaining a sleek, sculptural form, with elegant waterfall edges at each end enhancing its seamless, monolithic aesthetic.

Integrated Fisher & Paykel appliances and concealed storage keep the aesthetic crisp and uncluttered, ensuring the focus remains on the kitchen’s refined detailing.

In the adjoining scullery, the Pacific Quartz stone benchtop wraps up the wall as a splashback, enhancing both the visual harmony and functional durability of the space.

An integrated HydroTap provides instant boiling, chilled, and sparkling water for ultimate convenience.

Temperature controlled

A focal point of the design is the temperature-controlled wine room.

Featuring a striking wall clad in Hinuera Sawn Stone – echoing the home’s exterior – the wine room blends natural elegance with function, creating a refined backdrop for the homeowner’s wine collection.

More than just a storage solution, it is a statement piece that reflects the owner’s passion for fine wine and entertaining, reinforcing the kitchen’s role as a central gathering space, designed to encourage connection and relaxed entertaining.

Smart technologies

Smart technology, including the Schneider Wiser system, allows for intuitive control of lighting, climate, and appliances – ensuring a seamless, energy-efficient experience.

Sustainability is woven into every detail, from the high-performance insulation and thermally broken joinery to the use of locally sourced stone and timber, reinforcing the home’s commitment to intelligent, responsible design.

In this space, every element has been meticulously considered to achieve a perfect balance of grandeur and warmth, sophistication and comfort. A true testament to contemporary luxury, this kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful, creating an inviting atmosphere where style meets everyday practicality.

Challenges addressed

• Balancing statement design with functionality – the soaring cabinetry height required careful planning to maintain accessibility while achieving the desired dramatic effect.
• Material harmony – ensuring a cohesive blend of the stone, timber, and metal finishes.
• Seamless technology integration – incorporating smart controls and appliances without disrupting the sleek, minimalist aesthetic.