Over a decade ago, Koitka Schreinerei & Objekteinrichtung designed and built the original kitchen for this homeowner. Now, they were tasked with expanding it. The brief was clear: create a hidden kitchen space that keeps food preparation out of sight during entertaining. "Our client wanted guests to enjoy celebrations without being aware of all the activity behind the scenes," says managing director Peter Koitka. The expansion demanded a design that seamlessly echoed both the main kitchen and the home's overall aesthetic. At the same time, the planners faced a spatial puzzle—they needed to pack substantial functionality into a compact footprint without sacrificing comfort. Two large refrigerators, a wine climate cabinet, and discreet storage for a robot vacuum all had to fit. Add a water treatment system with oversized gas cylinders beneath the under-counter sink, and the constraints became evident. The heating circuit distributor proved particularly tricky; it couldn't be relocated. Rather than hide it clumsily, the team devised an elegant solution—custom drywall construction with slatted screening above. This not only conceals the distributor but also acts as a room divider, allowing more natural light through the window while casting soft illumination across the kitchen table and work surfaces. For materials, the client sought warmth and ease of maintenance to balance the exposed concrete throughout the home. Smoked oak became the answer—its uniform grain provides visual clarity while its dark tone creates a sophisticated contrast. Critically, it echoes the wood used in the original kitchen a decade earlier, creating a natural bridge between old and new spaces. Lighting was considered throughout: flush-mounted LED niches discreetly illuminate every cabinet, while door-activated interior lighting adds both function and refinement. In the end, through close collaboration, the team transformed a tight space into an expansive, intelligently appointed kitchen that honors the home's character while meeting every practical need.

www.koitka.de

Photography:
Jack Kulcke

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf, Issue 04|22)