Gold Winner: D.S. Ewing Architects, Inc., Pasadena, Calif.
Project location: Pasadena, Calif.
Sq. ft. before: 204
Sq. ft. after: 204
Project cost: $135,000
The task undertaken by D.S. Ewing Architects, Inc. was to design a new kitchen for a 3,000-sq.-ft. post-and-beam home with incredible views of Mt. San Jacinto, 70 miles to the east. The goal was to create a cooking environment that “you just can’t leave — you want to be there,” the architect says.
In addition, the owner wanted an active “privacy veil” between the kitchen and the open-plan kitchen. The kitchen was to be an aesthetic extension of the structure.
The post-and-beam style of the house was integrated into the kitchen. The design looks crafted and detailed. It uses natural materials and avoids the typical contemporary clichés. There is an Arts and Crafts Asian aesthetic that evolved in the solution. The work space focuses on the view and is flooded with natural light from the east. Automatic window shades descend during periods of direct sun and reascend later, controlling heat and sun.
Shelves in front of a window wall and glass upper cabinets show off dishware and reflect light and space. LED indirect light sources are available as well as pendant glass down lights. VGDF ceilings, black transparent beams, stainless steel counters and appliances, and mahogany case work with VGDF accent, when indirectly lit, create a glowing, warm atmosphere that makes you want to cook.
Specified Products
Doors, interior and
exterior: Honduras mahogany
Flooring: Walker Zanger tile, bamboo
Hardware: Valli & Valli
Kitchen appliances: Thermador, Miele,
InSinkErator
Kitchen cabinets/countertops: Custom
Lighting controls: Lutron
Window coverings: Architectural Window Shades
Windows: Metal Window Corp.
Silver Winner:
KONST-Kitchen Interior Design, Bethesda, Md.
Bronze Winner:
Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath Ltd.,
Chevy Chase, Md.
Honorable mention:
Team entry: Grossmueller’s Design Consultants, Washington, D.C. and Briggs Home Improvement, Alexandria, Va.
Jackson Design and Remodeling, San Diego
Artisan Design-Build-Remodel, Westbury, N.Y.
Plekkenpol Builders, Inc., Bloomington, Minn.