kitchen

The backsplash is Morningside Heights Zig Zag Green Mosaic from Artistic Tile and the counters are honed quartzite. "I like all of that, warm colors and bright pattern,

Access into the garden is through the side of the kitchen and not the rear. This means the rear is protected for wildlife and the family do not have to go through the garden to access the BBQ and hard landscaping.

The Invisacook induction range sits beneath the porcelain countertops, giving the couple, who love to cook together, a few extra feet of prep space. The architects removed the original hinges on the cabinets, replacing them with a hidden version that modernizes the look.

Custom cabinets maximize storage in the kitchen, which has three tones of cabinetry and coordinating hardware.

Leah designed a stone planter that works as an herb garden and vinyl storage, noting that

The design incorporates integrated kitchen appliances to conserve space.

A custom sink by Vola in the kitchen has a twin on the outside for washing vegetables from the roof garden before bringing them indoors. The shelves are made of wood from trees felled on-site. The main house, visible in the background, was the designers’ first residential commission.

Rice is a must for the family's meals. The rice cooker comes out onto the counter when it's time to cook.

Custom MDF cabinetry was built by local cabinetmakers InGrain Custom Millwork and painted a soft gray shade.

Now, the kitchen is seamlessly integrated into the floor plan and with the exterior via the large sliding doors. "It's really at the center of the pinwheel of circulation," says Cuddington. Construction-grade fir plywood cabinetry with cut-out handles is topped with a Caesarstone counter. The stools are from Hay.

To avoid running the tap—and pouring water and money down the drain—the Lais installed a Rinnai tankless water heater and Metlund D’MAND recirculating pump for near-instant hot water. When David or Mayuko enter the Miele-outfitted kitchen, a sensor triggers the systems, readying the water to flow out of the faucets at piping-hot temperatures four to five times more quickly than without the setup.

Located on the ground level, the kitchen and main living space are open to the elements. Large sliding doors pocket into the wall cavity, providing a seamless connection to the coast. Skylights allow natural light to filter into the space while providing glimpses to the green roof above. A horizontal window provides a snapshot to the rugged, mountainous terrain. The linear kitchen leads along a circulation spine, which connects to the more private areas.