An Appreciation for the Natural
Transforming a Garage into a Spacious Kitchen House
The kitchen embodies connection—a place where the ritual of preparing and sharing meals naturally opens doors to conversation and authentic exchange. Rather than treating it as a peripheral space, the kitchen deserves recognition as the true heart of the home. This philosophy guided the owners of a Düsseldorf residence who sought to reimagine their cooking and dining experience. They envisioned a generously proportioned kitchen, distinct from the dining area, abundant with storage, movement, and natural light, executed with refined yet elemental materials. Their solution: repurpose the adjoining double garage into something extraordinary. DK Architekten of Cologne rose to the challenge, transforming the former outbuilding into a singular "kitchen house" seamlessly integrated with the dining space. The result is a restrained composition, grounded in a palette of natural materials and honest finishes.
To flood the former garage with light, a full-height glazed wall with operable sliding panels now opens toward the terrace. Above, a generous skylight cuts through the pitched roof, channeling daylight into the space and framing views of the sky itself. The 40 m² room centers on a sculptural kitchen island carved from a single slab of white Portuguese marble—a commanding focal point. Twin kitchen runs flank this centerpiece, accompanied by a concealed pantry finished in warm oak fronts that offer gentle contrast. The door handles feature subtle fluting that choreographs a quiet visual rhythm across the surfaces. Matte-lacquered cabinetry, fixtures, and appliances in a deep tone harmonize with the raw natural materials surrounding them. Suspended overhead, Bocci's artistic glass pendant becomes a luminous sculpture, working with the skylight to orchestrate an ever-shifting interplay of light and shadow. The design whispers simplicity while revealing refined nuance at every turn. Here, the kitchen awaits—ready whenever inspiration strikes.
Photography Credits:
Burg + Schuh
www.palladium.de
(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 01|22)
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