GEORGIAN DELIGHT

Complex planning and craftsmanship were the cornerstone of a striking kitchen project in a historic Scottish manor house

RENTON HALL IS AN IMPOSING GEORGIAN MANOR close to the coast east of Edinburgh that had fallen into disrepair. Transforming it would prove to be an exciting renovation project including a contemporary timber framed pavilion extension. Any kitchen for such a project needed to bridge the gap between old and new, rustic, and sleek, natural, and sophisticated.

The kitchen was designed and created by Sussexbased Inglis Hall and was a project born from the clients’ love of the Inglis Hall’s Instagram feed and a smattering of mid-lockdown zoom calls.

Wooden cladding, Richlite and Caesarstone’s Airy Concrete surfaces combine to create a strong mix of tone and texture. Wall space was also a key consideration when designing this space, with tall cabinetry kept to a minimum to let the room breathe and to give room for a collection of vintage posters and large paintings.

Jay Powell, Design Project Manager for Inglis Hall, said: “The biggest challenges were surrounding logis- tics. Concentration, communication, and stringent project management were vital when popping to site is a 1000-mile round trip. Survey visits had to be extremely detailed to be sure our cabinetry would fit and work around the architecture. In addition, conversations with the site team had to be unambiguous and productive and clarity of design intent had to be prioritised to ensure everyone was on the same page.”

The kitchen Is the only inside route from the original house to the extension. As such, it needed to allow for the flow of people whilst meeting the needs of a busy family of keen cooks.

Powell added: “With formal dining taken care of in the glass walkway to the extended living space, there was no requirement for a large table however it seemed a shame not to allow for a small round breakfast table under the morning light and an open-ended island that invites a more social kitchen experience.”

The kitchen brings together a range of materials.

Sawn oak cladding, Black Richlite and Caesarston’e Airy Concrete combine under the tall Georgian ceilings to create an eclectic mix of tones and textures. The aim was to bring the outside in and create an ideal backdrop for the client’s array of art and collectables.

Powell said: “We love the collection of colours and finishes that Caesarstone have to offer. All their surfaces have a natural look and feel to them which is sometimes hard to find with man-made products.Airy Concrete is a mid-tone grey that gives an airy feel to its concrete-like look and texture. “Swirling with clouds of dark and light hues, this textured surface adds an urban and sophisticated edge to the project. At Inglis Hall, we particularly like the texture and movement of the Caesarstone concrete finishes. Paired with the practicality of quartz these offer a natural feeling worksurface that doesn’t compromise on function.

“We also particularly love using our sawn oak as an architectural tool within a space. In this case, we used it not only to conceal the fridge and breakfast larder, but to bridge the doorway into the kitchen and wrap around the supporting nib for the new steel that had been installed to create the open plan space. It justifies some of the building quirks in a way that makes the kitchen feel like it has always been there and indeed could only be there.”

The kitchen is specified to a high-standard throughout. Powell said: “Decisions surrounding appliances and taps are very much up to the client in most cases. However, we always put forward suggestions and, in this case some of our favourites were chosen. A pair Fisher & Paykel Ovens, an Integrated Fisher & Paykel Fridge Freezer, a Quooker tap, and double sinks all go towards making this a kitchen that begs to be cooked in.” inglisshall.com, caesarstone.co.uk