A contemporary extension for a 1940s concrete house in Christchurch has earned multiple awards for Architects’ Creative, most recently the Residential Kitchen Award at the Interior Awards 2020.

Architects Daniel Sullivan and Kate Loader transformed their existing old dark and damp kitchen into a space-savvy wonder which features Prime Panels’ Prime Art Veneer as the hero surface for the vertical cabinetry.

Combined with an aged brass splashback and sink, the rich texture of the veneer is highlighted by the natural light coming into the kitchen from a side window and double-height space above.

Using a unique brushing technique, Prime Art Veneer is made from American White Oak which has a planked layout. Options include rustic (with knots) or bandsawn that scuffs the oak horizontally.

With only three metres from wall to wall, selection of a very limited but practical material palette was critical to the design. The masculinity of the dark stained oak was offset by the brass, and the rimu worktop was created from recycled floorboards from the old kitchen.

The Interior Awards judges commented that the combination of a brilliantly curated material palette, thoughtful space planning and high attention to detail was a masterclass in creating a luxurious yet family-friendly kitchen.