2015 Wood Diamond Award

Main Category: Kitchen
Sub Category: Creative Solution
Dollar Amount: Under $25,000

What materials/species were used in this project/item?
Wall panels, access doors and perimeter cabinetry were provided in natural European Beech. The island was provided in a natural black walnut.

Describe, in detail, the project/item’s construction.
The scale of this residence is extremely unusual and small. While the homeowner’s desired a space that was contemporary, light and spacious feeling, the entire width of the house was approximately 13′-6″. Needless to say, extremely careful and thoughtful planning combines with clean lines and minimal details became not only wise, but a necessary evil for not only for the overall finished project, but during construction, as well. This compact residence is nestled between adjacent houses from property line to property line. In addition two sides of the residence wrapped a swimming pool of the same scale. The only access was through a small, gated entry which opened directly to the pool just four feet beyond and the walkways between the house and pool were just over 30″w with 6′-6″ in height and support columns every 3′-4′. To say this posed a logistical nightmare for every move made on site would be an understatement! Fortunately, all product was maneuvered safely into the residence and the only moisture was from rain during most of the installation. The wall panels were actually designed to be attached to face frames applied directly over the walls and while originally desired to be single panels, became split panels due to site constraints. The face frames were sent to the jobsite in parts and assembled on site, cabinets were configured in small sections when feasible. However, due to requirements and configuration, the island was produced as a single piece.

What is the most unusual aspect or outstanding characteristic of this entry?
The clients on this project have a great appreciation for art, unique furniture and spaces. In an effort to transform the space to spectacular, we felt it necessary to place emphasis on certain aspects and design elements to detract from the overall size limitations of the space. In so doing, we decided to do the island not only as utilitarian, but as a separate, more furniture like, design element from the balance of the kitchen, which led to the angled sides and back, as well as the contrasting natural black walnut wood species.
In addition, storage space is at a premium in this kitchen, so much of the storage space was planned to be concealed and hidden from view. The average viewer does not realize there is a pantry which runs the entire length of the refrigerator wall, providing storage space and access into the reverse side of the refrigerator cabinet which is false from the face side. Additionally, the angled and paneled wall to the right of the sink actually conceals the stairs to a second level and more dish storage underneath the stair risers.

List any items that were outsourced.
We provided the cabinetry and wall panels unfinished, installation and hardware.

How being a member of the CMA has benefited your and/or your business.
We have most benefited from the comradery, experience and wisdom of such a unique group of like minded individuals in like or similar business ventures. This group serves as mentors when consulted, and many times provides priceless knowledge for a particular situation you may have never encountered. It takes you from being on an island working by yourself trying to figure out how others do the same things, to working within a skilled network of seasoned professionals almost instantaneously upon membership if you get involved utilize the resources available to you. The membership and competitions have also provided recognition for our firm.