Rob Mascari
To transform a tired barn conversion into a stunning, minimal, contemporary space that contrasts & compliments the barn’s unique features.
- Design a space for the family and guests to enjoy daily, connecting with the outdoors
- Furniture must be constructed for superior durability and longevity
- Extraction is key
- Design the lighting and advise on all materials / finishes / colours and location of bi-fold doors
To achieve the client’s brief, we suggested they remove an existing wall and recreate a truss to match the existing one. They were initially hesitant but after spending time explaining the concept they realised the benefits in doing so.
The width of the room was restrictive - I did not want to create a visual blockade that would separate the cook from others.
I wanted to balance the design and pull it into the room to eliminate a tunnel effect.
The key to this design working in practice (ie – maintaining the cooking area in an island) was to find a solution for the extraction requirements with the problem of a vaulted celling. I didn’t believe downdraft would have sufficed so found the answer was to create a suspended canopy to house the extractor and task lighting. Aircraft wing technology was used to maintain strength while keeping the weight down and yacht components specified to clad the bars and conduit. Welded brackets had to be made to create the angle off the purlins to support the canopy. The design was considered so as to eliminate light loss, maintain the feeling of the high ceiling and align with the islands below. Polished stainless steel ducting was formed and an external motor specified to lessen noise while boosting extraction.
I maximised worksurface space by bridging the island units – this doubles as an informal dining / socialising seating area. This required steel formwork in the cabinets and Neolith worksurface to achieve the cantilever.
All the cabintery is bespoke to ensure lines / depths / heights etc were millimetre perfect to align with the appliances and clients’ exact requirements. A butler’s pantry was designed for breakfast area. Handles were eliminated so as not to detract from the minimalist aesthetic.
All doors & panels were made from solid Corian for maximum durability. This gives a very slim but strong finish to the doors that matched the worktops.
Colour matched Neolith worksurfaces ensured equal durability but also achieved the desired look of monolithic duo islands.
A wood grained Neolith breakfast bar and bespoke table were specified to tie the minimal new look with the existing character features.
The design also included a small drinks area and furniture for general storage upon entry to the room.
Brick slips were specified on the gable wall behind the bank to give it some contrast.
Doors & panels – Bespoke Corian Pearl Grey and Deep Cloud
Worksurfaces – Neolith Pietra di Piombo 12mm and La Boheme 60mm
Table – Neolith La Boheme 60mm and bespoke welded and painted legs
Appliances – Miele / Liebherr / Westin / Quooker / Kohler
Wall paint – Farrow & Ball
Cost of Project: £90,000.00