This was one of the first projects we did, and we’re very proud of it. As is evident in the before photographs, this was a very typical 60’s suburban house with a very typical kitchen. In other words, the most-used room in the house was small, dark, and completely inadequate for a true gourmet.

Because the request included both a sunroom and a new kitchen, while lot size and property setbacks restricted the options, our solution was simple: use all of the existing kitchen as part of the new kitchen and sunroom to reduce how far out the new required space had to extend. We relocated one doorway and widened another to improve traffic flow and lengthen sightlines, but the majority of the effort went into creating a kitchen worthy of a chef.

We achieved this. After finding out how the client’s lived, cooked, and intended to use their new space, we divided the kitchen into specific zones; from food storage, preparation, and cooking zones to clean up and even a food serving and “cookie sheet cooling” zone. The result is a big kitchen with ample storage, easy flow, room for multiple cooks, and an understated style perfectly suited to the clients.

As seen in the photographs, the space where the original kitchen was located is under the flat ceiling. Once the room expands out into the new additional space, the ceiling expands upward and there are windows on all sides, as well as 6 skylights in the ceiling, resulting in a moderately sized room that appears much larger.

Because this family is very active and enjoy being outdoors as much as indoors, we tried to create enjoyable outdoor living space as well. Double doors open onto a wonderful natural paver patio, which is sheltered from the beating heat of the afternoon and evening sun.

Sustainable features include:
- Re-using an existing house, and transforming what had been typical and dark into unique and perfectly suited to the client.
- Ample daylighting that lights not only the new space, but existing space as well.
- Designing for natural cross-ventilation and operable skylights to open up and let excess heat out.
- Use of domestic wood in both flooring and cabinetry, rather than imported exotics.
- Use of robust exterior finishes such as locally manufactured stucco that is projected to last the life of the building.

This project was constructed by Gary Vivarito Construction, Worthington, OH
Cabinetry: Miller Cabinet Company.
Appliances: Subzero, Wolf.
Windows|Doors: Pella Designer Series.