FAB ONE is a two-level small home situated on an elevated site overlooking Gisborne. This kitchen is a stunning example of a great partnership between the homeowner, architects Bonnifait + Giesen, and local construction company DStevens, all of whom share a passion for sustainability.

Founded in 1955 by the late Derek Stevens, DStevens Ltd has over the years built many buildings regarded as a benchmark of quality construction. Today, DStevens’ depth and breadth of construction experience is unique in Gisborne and wider New Zealand, creating award-winning residential, commercial and education buildings of all scales and complexities.

DStevens believes green buildings have the potential to be enablers of a holistic prosperity never seen before, helping cities, communities and the environment to flourish, and the individuals within them to thrive. And beyond materials and innovative construction practices, building small is the single most sustainable move we can make in our built environment, an ethos clearly practised in the creation of FAB ONE.

The concept

FAB ONE is an 89m², two-storey home built on a hillside site overlooking Gisborne. It is the largest module of the FAB series, designed by Wellington based Bonnifait + Giesen Architects.

Although the house is small in area, its generous volume gives the inhabitants a sense of space and connection to the exterior. And its small square meterage means fewer materials, lower waste product and greater energy efficiencies.

The requirement

The homeowner was looking for something modestly priced but with creative flair and a focus on sustainable design. The architects created a small house where double height internal spaces counteract any feelings of compression.

About the product

Working within a modest budget the material, finishes, and appliance selections were critical. These had to be functional, durable, and well-suited to the scale of the kitchen.

Hettich featured product:

• Hettich InnoTech Atira with Silent System for soft-closing drawers
• Hettich OrgaTray 610 in white, for cutlery organisation within drawers
• Hettich Sensys Hinge with Silent System for soft-closing cupboard doors

With a small house footprint, the galley-style kitchen is designed to maximise the limited space that is available. The kitchen is cleverly tucked beneath and behind the stairs, which lead up to two double bedrooms and a bathroom. This creates a sharp angled bulkhead that rises from the bench above the sink and oven/hob. On the opposite side of the kitchen is another bench with purpose-built cupboards and storage tucked underneath.

About InnoTech Atira

InnoTech Atira is an accessible, high performing drawer system designed to last the distance. Hettich has been refining the runner system for over 30 years now, and alongside its high-performance, the classic double walled drawer shape makes it suitable for kitchens in mid to high end kitchens.

With built in Silent System, Hettich’s soft-close functionality, the drawers in this project have an appropriate hint of luxury.

About Sensys

Just like FAB ONE, the Sensys hinge is an award winner. The hinge design means often one less hinge is required for larger doors meaning fewer construction materials, and it has a lifetime warranty.

If durability is a primary concern in your build, Hettich’s core products are designed to go the distance.