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Kitchen Inspiration Discover RK-Tec the Unique & Exciting Approach to Kitchen Design www.rk-tec.co.uk Design Advice from Kitchen Specialists Open Plan Living Beautiful Case Studies - Open Plan Extension - Successful Replacement - Cutting Edge New Build - Revitalised Ruskin Guide to Achieving Design Success Inside Potton s Passivhaus
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Page 1: Kitchen Inspiration - Cara Design · up with a design to complement the proposed alterations. ‘Potton’s aim was to bring the Gransden bang on trend and in-line with modern living’

KitchenInsp i ra t ionDiscover RK-Tec the Unique & Exciting Approach to Kitchen Design

www.rk-tec.co.uk

Design Advicefrom Kitchen Specialists

Open Plan Living

Beautiful Case Studies- Open Plan Extension- Successful Replacement- Cutting Edge New Build- Revitalised Ruskin

Guide to Achieving Design Success

InsidePotton s Passivhaus

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IntroductionWelcome to

Kitchen Inspiration

Welcome to the 4th edition of Kitchen Inspiration, our design magazine produced in conjunction with Homebuilding & Renovating.

Throughout these pages we guide you through the many aspects involved in creating exciting and successful kitchens for new build, extension or renovation projects. Featured are a series of highly innovative and individual case studies which showcase the latest products, trends and array of opportunities available when crafting new kitchens.

The publication is made possible with the support of RK-Tec, a group of leading kitchen industry brands collaborating to promote the importance of first class design, high quality products, as well as professional installation and project management. Their particular areas of expertise are all demonstrated within this edition to provide current insights, style advice and useful tips for completing a successful project.

Contents

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Decisions Decisions - Page 5 > Design Detail - Page 7 > Planed Perfection - Page 9 > Wonderfully Open Plan - Page 11 > Siemens iQ700 Oven - Page 14Replacing Old for New - Page 17 > Space & Storage Management - Page 21 > Cutting Edge Passivhaus - Page 23 > Slide & Hide - Page 26Kitchen Spotlight - Page 27 > Worktops Without Limits - Page 28 > Revitalised Ruskin - Page 29 > Inspired Kitchen Surfaces - Page 33 > RK-Tec Directory - Page 35

RK-Tec would like to acknowledge their partnership with Potton and the Self Build Academy in the production of this magazine. All four of the kitchen case studies included have been created in association with RK-Tec for Potton’s show houses at their Self Build Show Centre (St Neots) and at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (Swindon).

For anyone embarking on the self-build journey, Potton’s Self Build Academy comes highly recommended. Their kitchen design masterclasses held at both the Self Build Academy and the National Self Build & Renovation Centre are invaluable to those without any prior experience or knowledge of the self-build process (for event dates please visit SelfBuildAcademy.co.uk). RK-Tec are delighted to be working with Potton and the Self Build Academy regarding the kitchen elements of such projects, providing professional help and advice. Together they work with clients to create remarkable homes. <<

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Furniture, sinks, taps, flooring, appliances, worktops, handles, lighting, décor… With an almost endless choice of products available when creating a new kitchen, the selection process can be a daunting prospect. Which products should be incorporated, what brand should you go for and to what specification? How do you know what’s on offer?

Kitchen magazines, websites and brochures all have a part to play, but there is nothing better than seeing the products in a working setting, and that is where showrooms have an important part to play. Design led kitchen specialists demonstrate their wares via aspirational showroom displays, presenting cutting-edge concepts and up to the minute product innovations.

Potton’s show centre at St Neots does just that, and here you can view the very latest products from the RK-Tec brands featured within this magazine. A great place not only to see a vast range of product possibilities, but also test them out and obtain knowledgeable feedback on their suitability to your needs. Additionally you can meet the brand experts at various Potton events held throughout the year, where you have an opportunity to discuss your unique project and gain some tailored product advice.

‘Bear in mind not just the aesthetics, but the

functionality and longevity’

DecisionsDecisionsWith an almost endless choice of products available when creating a new kitchen, the selection process can be daunting.

Main: The neat handle-less design with generous island incorporating multiple seating heights make it an ideal entertaining or family space.

Above Right: The tall bank brings together a whole host of appliances including a fridge, two single ovens, a combination oven with warming drawer and a freezer all from Neff and superbly able to meet the needs of the busy household.

Below Right: Crema Minerva from Silestone gives a light clean finish across a variety of areas in the kitchen while complementing the hard wearing and beautifully coloured floor.

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It’s important to bear in mind not just aesthetics, but functionality and longevity during the selection process. How do you want to work within your new kitchen, do you have any specific requirements and how do you need it to perform to be a success?

When it comes to your own project, the best person to advise and direct you when it comes to product ranges and selecting and incorporating the right ones in your kitchen, is a design expert. Your chosen retailer will assign a dedicated kitchen specialist to your project, whose job it is to help guide you through the decisions involved, based on sound knowledge and experience they will have gained over many years. <<

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Getting the design phase right is crucial to ensuring your new kitchen meets all your expectations. Pin down all the details at this initial stage and you will avoid unnecessary issues emerging during manufacture and installation – confirming everything is right in advance saves time and money.

Callerton, manufacturers of quality kitchen furniture, have developed a ‘Design Criteria’ document (www.callerton.co.uk) and this is a good place to start your journey. Establishing what you wish to incorporate into your new kitchen, for example appliances, sinks, taps, worktops as well as what you want from it, such as requirements for dinning space or audio visual equipment, will assist the designer greatly, allowing them to create a tailored design which matches your needs from the outset.

Visualising a kitchen in flat plan is the hard earned skill of experienced designers. Fortunately sophisticated computer graphics enable you to see your new kitchen three dimensionally, with the ability to walk through it, examine and review it from all angles. This is the time to refine the design and specification until you are 100% happy, as once the project is underway any changes inevitably prove disruptive and costly.

So take your time over the design phase and spend as much time as necessary with your chosen designer. Make sure each element works for you not just individually, but when combined together creating a finished article which exceeds your expectations. <<

‘Refine the design and specification until you are 100% happy, as once the project in underway any changes inevitably prove

disruptive and costly’

DesignDetailsPin down all the details at this initial stage and you will avoid unnecessary issues emerging during manufacture and installation.

Take your time contemplating your style preference. Are you looking for a contemporary or traditional look, or perhaps a hybrid concept? The more information you can impart to your adviser, will ensure your design proposals ticks all the boxes in relation to both form and function.

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Above Left: Pinpointing what you’ve loved and hated about previous kitchens can make a massive impact on your new design, this is where the Design Criteria Document comes in so useful.

Below Left: CAD visuals give a real feel for not only how your new kitchen will look but how it will function in relation to the rest of your home.

Main: A contemporary take on a traditional kitchen makes a striking focal point accentuated by sharp colours, mirrors and stainless steel.

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Your new kitchen may be the ideal design, incorporating the perfect products, but without the addition of a highly skilled installation and project management team the end result may well prove a disappointment.

This team of professionals are the key to turning your dream of a new kitchen into a reality. Their skill for planning ahead is the secret to a successful project. Designing the kitchen at the same stage and in conjunction with approving the plans for your new build, renovation or extension is vital to ensuring all the services are in place and that the pre-installation building work requirements are met prior to fitting the kitchen.

Generating service drawings before the construction work starts cannot be over emphasised, as ensuring the fixtures and fittings are all in the right place at the right time will inevitably save time and money.

The importance attached to this area is often overlooked. Home improvement programmes regularly demonstrate kitchens being installed too early in the build process, open to the elements or with painting and decoration still to take place - the consequences are rarely positive.

This is where the skill and knowledge of your designer and project management team pays dividends, scheduling each phase in a timely sequence and culminating in the kitchen being slotted into place without a threat of damage at the final hurdle. <<

‘Ensuring the fixtures and fittings are all in the right

place at the right time will inevitably save

time and money’

PlannedPerfectionHighly skilled installation and project management professionals are the key to turning your dream of a new kitchen into reality.

Modern construction techniques and technology, such as under floor heating, down draught extraction, wireless equipment, specialist lighting as well as electrics, waste, water and gas require careful consideration and should be incorporated into the build programme.

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Main: A huge U shaped island wraps furniture around you making cooking into a social event.

Above Right: Designing the flow and look of your new kitchen is key but don’t underestimate the importance of planing; timescales for design and fitting. Being efficient and having the right people on site at the right time will save time and money while ensuring a sucessful project.

Below Right: Incorporating architectual features such as roof lanterns and bi-fold doors hightens the wow factor of the kitchen while adding value.

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P otton’s Gransden show house at their St Neots Show Centre ideally demonstrates the process of adding an extension to your home, incorporating an open plan kitchen, living and dining area.

The Gransden comes from Potton’s Heritage range and is a wonderfully spacious four bedroom family home that is full of character. It boasts all the charm of yesteryear with exposed posts, beams and a huge inglenook fireplace. The existing house dated back twenty years so Potton felt it was time to give it a makeover. Callerton, as Potton’s kitchen partner, were invited to come up with a design to complement the proposed alterations.

‘Potton’s aim was to bring the Gransden bang on trend and in-line with modern living’

In its original form the house incorporated a large conservatory and a rather dated painted kitchen. Potton’s aim was to bring the Gransden bang on trend and in-line with modern living. The transformation is best demonstrated by comparing the image of the original kitchen adjoining the conservatory to those showing the new layout, the main alteration relating to the demolition of the conservatory and replacing this with a highly efficient and insulated extension. The other major change involved removing the internal walls between the original kitchen and dining room, creating one large open plan living area. >>

Achieve the open plan lifestyle through extending in keeping with the character of your home.

WonderfullyOpen Plan

Main: Callerton furniture combines beautifully with the new garden room to create a social space perfect for entertaining but designed for living.

Right: Good architecture is key to open plan living but engaging your kitchen designer at an early stage is so important.

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Once the architectural brief was met, the process involved ensuring both the kitchen design and necessary services were successfully incorporated into the project. The computer generated drawings of Callerton’s design proposal help identify what was involved whilst the images of the extension at construction stage and those just prior to the installation of the kitchen, also illustrate how important it was to get the design and services absolutely right and fitted in the correct order.

The finished kitchen in all its glory comprises; the Callerton furniture described as a crossover kitchen teaming elements of both traditional shaker painted and contemporary flat oak veneered doors, the beautiful marble effect worktops are Lyra from Silestone, the elegant stainless steel sink and tap incorporating instant hot and filtered water are from Franke, Neff provided a full range of appliances including induction hob, extraction, oven, steam oven, warming drawer, refrigeration and dishwasher, with the internal management systems all supplied by Blum.

Creating a successful extension to incorporate your new kitchen requires thought and effort, much of which is necessary prior to starting work on site. This example of the Gransden project documents what is entailed and aptly demonstrates the steps to take. If you are intending to embark on a similar project, a visit to Potton’s Show Centre at St Neots will certainly give you much food for thought. <<

‘If you are intending to embark on a similar project, a visit to Potton’s Show Centre in St Neots will certainly give you much food for thought’

Above Right: The old kitchen and conservatory appeared dated and brought down the feel and practicality of the house as a whole.

Middle Above Right: CAD visuals help you plan the space and determine how this will work in conjunction with all the other elements of the house.

Middle Below Right: Downdraught extraction allows you to look into the room as you cook. To achieve this ventilation to the island must be fitted at an early stage.

Below Right: Positioning services and completing the decoration ahead of the furniture arriving on site saves time and means it’s protected from potential damage.

Main: Stained oak, flat paint and the black glass of the stunning Neff appliances are combined in this scheme to give one large sociable space that not only looks stunning but brings new life to the whole house.

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B E A U T I F U L L Y T A I L O R E D

MILCHESTER WICKHAMBROOK CAXTON GRANSDEN

Four of our stunning self build designs have been brought to life at the Potton Self Build Show Centre in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

Visit Potton.co.uk/showhomes to find out more

Our stunning show homes will inspire your imagination.

Self BuildVisit Our

Show Centre

SHOW CENTRE O

PENIN

G TIMES

TUES - FRI: 9AM - 5PM

SAT: 10AM - 4PM

SELF BUILD SHOW CENTRE

ST NEOTSCAMBRIDGESHIRE

PE19 1RG

We visited the show centre and were able to walk around the houses and get a real feel for the design.Carol & Andy Whitehouse

After visiting the Potton Self Build Show Centre we loved the look and ‘feel’ of the Gransden so much, we knew that was the style we wanted to base our new home on.David Peake

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Replacing Old for NewReplacing a kitchen can reinvigorate a room, bringing new life and increased practicality through intelligent and stylish design.

T he Wickhambrook Barn at Potton’s Show Centre is a large four bedroom property combining contemporary interiors with a traditional barn-style exterior. This impressive house boasts features such as a galleried entrance hall and landing, a large kitchen with a vaulted ceiling, a living room, a snug and a study, with four bedrooms.

‘Having completed the transformation of the Gransden kitchen at Potton’s Self Build Show Centre earlier

in the year, Callerton were challenged again by Potton with doing the same for the Barn’

Having completed the transformation of the Gransden kitchen at Potton’s Self Build Show Centre earlier in the year, Callerton were challenged again by Potton (as their kitchen partner and an RK-Tec member) with doing the same for the Barn; Potton’s brief being that the Barn’s kitchen was to showcase a more contemporary concept than that of the Gransden. >>

Main: The island has been used to ‘bridge’ cooking and wet areas while increasing the available work surface. An integrated, break fronted breakfast bar gives a focal point to the kitchen while the mix of materials accentuates the multipurpose design of the kitchen, from practical to social.

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In our introduction to the magazine, we talked about creating exciting and successful kitchens for new build, extension or renovation projects. This case-study adds a fourth category which is better described as a replacement than a renovation.

A replacement restricts you to reconfiguring a kitchen layout within the confines of an existing room and this kitchen was created to replace an outdated design. There was no scope for altering the floor space; the slate floor had to remain intact as it not only flowed through the open plan kitchen but also into the large entrance hall. Other constraints related to the existing downdraught ventilation, water and waste, which all had to remain in situ, as well as no option to change the positioning of the window or door openings.

The new kitchen incorporates a break-fronted wet area featuring a Franke stainless steel sink with a filter tap system. A Siemens integrated dishwasher sits to one side with a matching recycling bin unit on the other, along with practical and easily accessible Blum drawers.

‘A replacement restricts you to reconfiguring a kitchen layout within the confines

of an existing room’

The breakfast bar in the centre island mirrors the break-fronting of the wet zone, with seamless Corian worktops proving ideal when covering such a large surface area. Its versatility is well demonstrated by the integrated upstands, shark nose edge profile and the new Rain Drop finish is an excellent colour match for the floor and furniture.

The centre island incorporates a large Siemens induction hob and downdraught extractor. Callerton’s handle-less furniture is a mixture of Jackson Pine and Valencia Hi-gloss, and the cabinetry is further enhanced by their Retro end panels also combining these two striking materials.

‘Even a replacement design within an existing room can result in a new kitchen surpassing all expectations’

Above Left: Ventilation ducting for a downdraft extractor was already in place so to get the best out of this, an iQ700 extractor was combined with the extra wide touchSlider induction hob all from Siemens.

Above Right: The wet area is completed with the Omni tap from Franke which is the world’s first mechanical 4-in-1 kitchen mixer tap, offering filtered boiling and filtered cold water, as well as the usual mains hot and cold all from the existing plumbing.

Below: Clean lines and an eye-catching central island make this family kitchen, housed in a barn conversion style home, anything but traditional.

Above: Deciding on finishes and the positioning of key areas is made so much easier with computer visuals, providing a real understanding as to the finished article.

Middle: The Wickhambrook barn at Potton’s St Neots show centre has the kitchen positioned at the rear of the building to make the most of the vaulted ceiling and large windows.

Below: When replacing a kitchen bear in mind if and where underfloor heating is positioned. Placing units and appliances over heating elements will make it less efficient and can over time damage the furniture.

‘The imposing tall bank once again incoroprates a break-fronted central section and houses the latest refrigeration and

cooking products’

The imposing tall bank once again incorporates a break-fronted central section and houses the latest refrigeration and cooking products from Siemens: a combi-oven microwave and warming drawer, a full size oven, along with a built in coffee machine. The sleek look of the Siemens appliances combines well with the contrasting furniture and Corian worksurface. A nice touch is the framing of the tall bank with the mitred Retro features with a triangle in the centre.

Despite the confines of being a replacement design, with the addition of only one minor structural alteration (without disturbing the floor, Callerton built a small stud wall between the vaulted and flat ceilinged areas to enable the furniture height of the new tall bank to be raised) the transformation, in contrast to the original all white kitchen, is truly unrecognisable. As the plans, CAD drawings and imagery of the project show, with the right advice a unique and contemporary concept can be achieved. Even a replacement design within an existing room can result in a new kitchen surpassing all expectations. <<

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Space and Storage Management with Space Tower, Ambia-Line and Legrabox by BlumIf you’re planning a new kitchen or even a new home, it’s vital to see, try, and feel the quality of any fittings or furniture that will be included. Visit Potton’s Show Centre to see Callerton kitchens in their fully functioning glory, and experience the most technically advanced systems for drawer boxes and pull-outs that are available. Blum provide numerous solutions for drawers, lift-ups, larder storage and internal organisation, and Callerton has chosen to use Blum interior systems, convinced that their opening and closing systems and storage developments cannot be bettered.

“Blum interior fittings can provide up to 55% more usable internal storage

space than standard cupboards and drawers”

Today’s kitchens tend to focus on horizontal lines, with drawers and pull-outs highly favoured by kitchen designers. David Sanders, Blum UK Marketing & Sales Director, says “We have proved that using Blum interior fittings can provide up to 55% more useable internal storage space than standard cupboards and drawers. Our customers appreciate not just the dramatically increased storage areas available, but also love the highly responsive opening and closing actions, which mean working in the kitchen is effortless”. He goes on to say “For added design input, many of Callerton’s retailers have attended specialist Blum training courses, meaning they have expert, hands-on knowledge of all the possibilities and permutations regarding superlative storage for a new kitchen”.

SPACE TOWER’S individual drawers glide out effortlessly, with the entire drawer’s contents on display and easily accessible. No ‘void’ space is necessary, and tall packets and boxes can be removed in a jiffy, even from the very back of each drawer. And of course, the drawers use the entire available width of the cabinet.

The AMBIA-LINE divider system means that drawers can be organised neatly and safely, so utensils, knives and cutlery can be stored discreetly, with at-a-glance access to everything from a pastry brush to garlic press. Sharp items can be stored out of reach of youngsters, and for the chef in a hurry, include a foil and film dispenser for speedy prep help.

LEGRABOX With a single drawer able to hold between 40kg to 70kg, any chef will be able to store as many cast iron pans and sturdy mixers as they please. The drawers come in Orion Grey and glide into view easily and efficiently – remember, the interior finish of a cabinet has as much impact as the exterior. And of course, having such beautiful internal components is a good incentive to keep them neatly organised and fully stocked. <<

Left: Space Tower: Keep all your groceries in order and visible at a glance with top to bottom inner pull-out drawers in Orion grey matt finish.

Below: Ambia-Line: An organised utensil drawer is a joy forever; consider a foil/film dispenser and cutlery dividers to keep things ultra-neat.

Bottom Left: Forget rummaging around at the back of cupboards with the combination of a high-fronted pull-out - perfect for jars and bottles, and combine with an internal drawer for smaller items, shown in Orion Grey.

David SandersBlum UK, Marketing & Sales Director

To find out more about Blum UK please call 0800 917 5550 or visit www.blum.com

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Cutting EdgePassivhaus

Design and enviromontal credentials come together in Potton’s latest show home, the cutting edge Passivhaus.

P otton’s latest show home currently under construction at the Self Build Show Centre in St Neots is a Passivhaus - a cutting edge development both in terms of its design and its environmental credentials.

“With a constant supply of good quality fresh air,

a Passivhaus will have a consistent internal

temperature throughout the day as well as through

the building, and will generally be a quiet,

comfortable home to live in”

Main: ‘Passivhaus’ is a low energy construction standard. This type of building requires very little energy for heating or cooling, while providing a high level of comfort. Potton are currently building a Passivhaus at their St Neots Show Centre and you can keep up to date at www.potton.co.uk/news/self-build-live

Dr Paul Newman, Technical Director at Potton/Kingspan, explains the stringent characteristics a Passivhaus must meet and the benefits to be gained by their homeowners.

“Homes that meet the Passivhaus standard are spectacularly energy efficient with very low heating demand. The performance is driven by the building fabric and consequently they are highly insulated and very air-tight, with triple glazed windows and high performance doors. Fresh filtered air is supplied into living spaces using a mechanical ventilation system which also removes stale and damp air from kitchens and bathrooms. The design and construction process must be checked and monitored carefully to ensure that the completed building will deliver the performance expected. In return for such diligent attention to detail, the occupier gets a home that is cheap to run and free from draughts. Yet, with a constant supply of good quality fresh air, a Passivhaus will have a consistent internal temperature throughout the day as well throughout the building, and will generally be a quiet, comfortable home to live in.” >>

Dr Paul NewmanPotton/Kingspan, Technical Director

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Potton engaged Callerton’s design team to create the perfect kitchen for their Passivhaus, and this particular project highlights the process required when creating a kitchen in a new build scenario.

As in any new build, the secret is to develop the ‘design criteria’ for the kitchen in conjunction with the design of the house. Ensuring all the services (water, waste, electrics, extraction and heating) are pre-planned in advance, not once the build has commenced, has never been more important. Unexpected alterations to the design would prove costly, time consuming and would compromise the integrity of the building’s sealed envelope – the critical factor in attaining Passivhaus status.

Potton’s design criteria for this project was for the kitchen to be contemporary and to complement the design of the house, to be outstanding in both form and function, and to be cost effective. The allocated space for the kitchen was pre-set, due to the open plan nature of the Passivhaus, and the colours and finishes were to be agreed in conjunction with their interior designers.

‘Ensuring all the services are pre-planned in advance,

not once the build has commenced, has never

been more important’

‘Potton’s design criteria for this project was for the

kitchen to be contemporary and to complement the

design of the house’

Having established the criteria and requirements for the kitchen, Callerton’s design team developed a flat plan proposal and accompanying 3D CAD imagery which they used to refine the concept, in conjunction with Potton, into the agreed finished article. This not only involved the design, but also the specifying and costing of all the products and elements incorporated to ensure the project was delivered on budget.

Above Left: Establishing all the elements to be incorporated into your kitchen helps your designer, this process is aided by the Design Criteria Document.

Below Left: The floor plan gives an idea of how the Passivhaus works and shows the position of the large open plan atrium at the centre of the building.

Right: The proposed handle-less kitchen combines hi-gloss, matt and mirrored finishes to give a truly contemporary feel.

The finished Passivhaus complete with new kitchen will be ready in summer 2016. The process involved in creating a kitchen for a new build however, can clearly be seen via this case study’s criteria and final designs. The kitchen’s colour choice is yet to be made, however this will come from Callerton’s brand new contemporary matt product line-up, along with their revamped handless furniture range. Franke sinks and taps will be incorporated, with quartz worksurfaces supplied by either Dekton or Silestone, and the appliances from Neff or Siemens.

View the finished Passivhaus in the summer of 2016 at Potton’s Self Build Centre at St Neot’s. A new cutting edge, high performance building that is cheap to run, yet complete with designer kitchen – what’s not to like? <<

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Design and practicality in the kitchen go hand-in-hand and you want your kitchen experience to be a pleasure, not a chore. Franke has some great products in its Specialist and Pro-Value ranges to help you ‘Make it Wonderful’.

Kitchen Spotlight Wave goodbye to your kettle and to expensive bottled waterThe Omni 4-in-1 tap from Franke’s Specialist range is the new must-have purchase for your kitchen. With its timeless design and premium hi-shine solid stainless steel construction, this stunning tap gives you the multiple benefits of full 100⁰C filtered boiling, filtered cold water and standard mains hot and cold from the simple operation of two levers on a single tap. The filter system gives you perfect tasting water for your hot drinks and means no need for expensive bottled water. Changing the filter is as easy as changing a light bulb and its triple safety action, plus the cool-touch chassis, mean the tap is very safe to use. You also have the reassurance of a three year guarantee.

Ascona ASX 611-100 SinkThe streamlined Ascona ASX 611-100 stainless steel sink from Franke’s Pro-Value range offers great quality at a great price. It’s low, flat profile edge melts almost seamlessly into your worksurface while the linear-designed, recessed drainer carefully controls water to ensure no spillages onto the worktop. The Ascona incorporates Franke’s patented Slimfix® clip system to make installation faster and easier. Optional extras include a food preparation platter and strainer bowl.

Mythos MMX 251 SinkThe sleek, low-profile Mythos MMX 251 inset sink from Franke’s Specialist range gives the streamlined looks of a flushmount, sitting just the thickness of the stainless steel material on the worksurface, but with the ease of installation of an inset. The modern design lines of the Mythos are versatile for a wide range of kitchen styles. It features Franke’s innovative push-button pop-up waste which automatically releases the strainer waste allowing sink water to drain away without having to dip your hand in and manually release it. A range of handy optional accessories are available including a strainer bowl, sliding glass board and Rollamat.

Ascona Chrome Tap The Ascona kitchen mixer tap, part of Franke’s best-selling Pro-Value range, comes in an elegant and timeless swan neck design that’s perfect for both traditional and modern kitchens. The stylish Ascona is finished in either polished chrome (pictured) or smooth SilkSteel and is fitted with a Perlator® to assure a champagne-like flow of water when the tap is in use. The Ascona tap benefits from a five year guarantee on parts and one year on finish.

Sinks and Taps

<<

<<

<<

All Franke sinks come with a 50-year guarantee as standard. For further information on these, or any Franke products, contact Franke on t: 0161 436 6280 or w: www.franke.co.uk

<<

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Worktopswithout limits

Of QUARTZyou can

Dekton is a new, simply remarkable and totally unrivalled worktop which is so beautiful and versatile it can be used both indoors and outside

Beautiful, functional and hygienic, Silestone by Cosentino worksurfaces are composed of over 90% natural quartz crystal

e all know how it goes - a new kitchen is installed, the immaculate worktop goes in and it looks fantastic... until the worktop scratches, gets a watermark or a hot pan causes it to bubble. To tackle the problem, Cosentino turned to science in order to create an ultra compact surface which rivals all other worktops in the market. Dekton by Cosentino uses the latest technical innovations available to create a truly remarkable product, which is of a size and thinness never before seen with extreme levels of performance. This new material is highly resistant to scratching and impact, plus it has the lowest porosity with maximum resistance to stains. Dekton has excellent colour stability due to its resistance against UV rays, and it offers the highest possible performance against heat and thermal shock. Available in a variety of colours, it can be used across any surface in your home, from floors to walls to worktops. Invest in Dekton, and your kitchen surfaces will look fantastic for years to come. <<

W

ilestone Quartz worktops are the original quartz worktops. Available in a spectacular range of colours and virtually non-porous, Silestone Quartz has nearly four to five times the flexural strength of granite and a high resistance to scratching, staining and heat damage. Plus, all come with the Silestone 25-year warranty so you can be confident in your purchase. <<

S

Featuresof Silestone- Stain resistant

- Acid and scratch resistant

- Impact resistant

- Bacteriostatic protection

available in some colours

- 25 year warranty

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Revitalised RuskinThe configuration of the kitchen determines not only the look and feel of the room but also how it is going to be used and its impact on the house as a whole.

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T he kitchen is often described as the hub of the home, it’s the most used room in the house. It is not only where we cook and eat, but where we come together as families or with friends, do homework, chat, relax and entertain. Kitchens should be unique to their homeowner’s tastes, needs and lifestyle.

Home renovation is the perfect opportunity to not only give your kitchen a makeover, but to really consider how you want to use it in your day to day life. Despite the parameters of renovation kitchens generally being set by the existing structure and layout, and without an ability to extend, homeowners should consider if walls, windows and door openings could be reconfigured. Or would it be possible to combine a small kitchen and separate dining room into one larger open-plan area? This could transform the space entirely.

In our final case study, we look at Potton’s Ruskin show house at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre (Swindon), which is due to undergo a total renovation in 2016 (refer to Potton’s website as to schedule and completion date). Having supplied the Ruskin’s current kitchen (as per picture), Callerton were again asked to put forward designs for the new renovation. When considering the options Callerton started by looking at the original house plans, as well as the existing kitchen to consider how it could be reconfigured.

With no option to remove walls and Potton’s preferred choice being to retain the original window in the side gable and dispense with the window in the back wall, as per the existing kitchen layout. In terms of the design, Callerton presented a series of different concepts to Potton for selection. These aptly demonstrate how changing the orientation of the kitchen, as well as altering the window and door positions, adding internal walls, opens up a wide range of alternatives. >>

‘Without an ability to extend, homeowners should consider if walls,

windows and door openings could be reconfigured’

‘Changing the orientation of the kitchen, as well as

altering the window and door positions,

adding internal walls, opens up a wide range

of alternatives’

Above Right: The reorientated Ruskin kitchen sees the original back window removed once again with focus brought to an ultra contemporary design.

Middle Above Right: This crossover scheme with its curved features works with the room as currently configured, with muted earth tones balancing with a contemporary shaker style of door.

Middle Below Right: A simple shaker painted kitchen without fuss or ornamentation. The same room but altered configuration creates a totally different look and feel that is not only timeless but refined.

Below Right: A traditional classic kitchen design mixing shapes and features, paint with contrasting timber, open shelves and chimney breasts, heights and depths – totally different to those above.

Above Left: A bold handle-less island with raised breakfast bar keeps the clutter of cooking hidden from the open plan living space.

Below Left: This example of the kitchen currently in the Ruskin aptly demonstrates the mixing of colours, materials and finishes.

Page 17: Kitchen Inspiration - Cara Design · up with a design to complement the proposed alterations. ‘Potton’s aim was to bring the Gransden bang on trend and in-line with modern living’

Sophisticated style, seamless elegance and versatility are all attributes synonymous with Corian®, the must have surface for the kitchen. It’s strong and resistant composition is hygienic and incredibly easy to care for, yet elegant, smooth to touch and inviting.

Available in a variety of depths and with a trend-leading palette of over 60 colours on offer, Corian® can create inspired solutions to suit any scheme or kitchen project. Surfaces exactly follow the shape of the underlying furniture to enhance curves or sleek lines, whilst sinks and splashbacks can be seamlessly integrated with dramatic effect.

DuPont Corian : The inspired solution for kitchen surfaces

Above Left: Contrasting wood with Corian® gives not only a great look but brings in the sumptuous tactile element of both materials.

Above Right: No need to worry as Corian® is non-porous and stain resistant which means spills do not permeate the surface.

Below: The original solid surface invented over 40 years ago by a company with a 200-year history of innovation - DuPont™. In addition, we back Corian® with a 10-year limited installed warranty.

®™

Corian® was invented and is made exclusively by DuPont™, a company committed to ethical, sustainable quality, together with a cutting-edge attitude to creativity. Their world-class team of original thinkers regularly develop new colours, shapes and ways to integrate new technology into the working surfaces of the home. As such, Corian® possesses all the hallmarks of a long established trusted brand which has earned an enviable reputation for lasting beauty over many years.Through its proven performance, reliable service and genuine innovation, you can be confident in Corian’s ability to withstand wear and tear, backed up with the added reassurance that it can be repaired and restored to full beauty if necessary.

‘Through its proven performance, reliable service

and genuine innovation, you can be confident in Corian’s ability to

withstand wear and tear’

To experience the subtle pleasure of Corian®, visit one of Corian’s Home Design Partners, members of the DuPont™ Corian® Quality Network, who showcase inspiring Kitchen and Bathroom displays with DuPont™ trained specialists on hand to offer superior product knowledge and expertise, together with the DuPont™ Corian® 10 year limited installed warranty. <<

To locate your Corian® Home Design Partner, please call 0800 962 116 or visit www.corian.co.uk

Visit the Ruskin showhouse and kitchen for yourself once the renovation is complete (check Potton’s website for progress). Meantime, why not attend a kitchen masterclass in conjunction with Potton’s Self Build Academy and Callerton at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre. For further information visit www.selfbuildacademy.co.uk <<

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Below: The narrow styles and rails of the simple shaker painted furniture contrasting with the wood grained contemporary handle-less furniture is a design trend to look out for in 2016.

The options vary from traditional classic, to hi-tech contemporary, as well as crossover/hybrid designs combining elements from both ends of the spectrum. The current preferred option is the hybrid design (see CAD drawing) combing Callerton’s simple Cubic feature with shaker painted elements with their hi-tech handless contemporary furniture, a design trend favoured by those with a slightly more adventurous disposition who want their kitchen to stand out and impress. The specification of the worksurfaces, appliances, sinks, taps, and all the many other elements required to complete the kitchen are as yet to be confirmed, but you can be sure the RK-Tec brands will feature the very latest innovations and products.

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Callerton Advert

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Glasgow (G76) 0141 644 1435 - Harrogate 01423 900 565 - Horsham 01403 790 812 - Kendal 01539 729 632Kilmarnock (KA1) 01563 546 203 - Kilmarnock (KA1) 01563 831 340 - Leeds 0113 294 1414

Montrose 01674 676 965 - Newcastle-upon-Tyne 0191 286 0514 - Newmarket 01638 560 778Perth 01738 639 090 - Sheffield 01142 769 388 - Shipston-on-Stour 01608 690 870

St Neots 01223 213 266 - Stourbridge 01562 887 212 - Swindon 01865 596 768Winchester 01962 735 135 - Wirral 0151 342 7442

www.callerton.co.uk

Turning Dreams to Reality

Over thirty years’ success in the design and manufacture of exclusive kitchen furniture has placed Callerton at the forefront for style, innovation and choice.

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RK-TecMembers

NeffNeff has over 135 years experience in home appliances and is recognised for its outstanding innovations including the Slide&Hide® oven door and CircoTherm®. www.neff.co.uk0844 892 8989

SiemensFor over 160 years Siemens Home Appliances has set the standard for innovative technology and contemporary design and is considered a leader in the development of ‘green’ appliances.www.siemens-home.co.uk0844 892 8999

Corian®DuPont™ Corian® worksurfaces add genuine value by offering fantastic designability, durability and easy maintenance along with a 10 year warranty.

www.corian.co.uk0800 962 116

BlumBlum is a world leader in storage solutions for kitchens, manufacturing drawer systems, wall unit opening and closing systems and furniture hinges.

www.blum.com0800 917 5550

Franke Franke products are the essence of design innovation, premium quality and precision manufacture. Sinks, taps and waste management products offer the ultimate in form and function.www.franke.com 0161 436 6280

Dekton Ultra-Compact SurfaceExtremely resistant to scratching, heat and staining, Dekton is the latest most innovative surface available today. Now also available in XGLOSS, it allows high performance with incredible design.www.dekton.co.uk01256 761 229

Carron PhoenixSupplier of sinks, taps and waste management solutions, Carron Phoenix products combine unbeatable design and value. Sinks are backed by a lifetime guarantee.

www.carron.com 0161 436 6280

CallertonOver thirty years’ success in the design and manufacture of exclusive kitchen furniture has placed Callerton at the forefront for style and innovation.

www.callerton.co.uk0191 514 0003

With Thanks To:Darren Chung (photography), Louise McCreath (words) & the associated brands <<

Silestone Original QuartzAvailable in over 60 colours and 3 textures, Silestone Quartz lets you configure your spaces in the way you want. It’s the original quartz with a 25 year warranty.

www.silestone.co.uk 01256 761 229

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