Before & After.
Viaduct Penthouse – Kitchen Renovation.
This spacious penthouse apartment in Auckland’s Viaduct was well overdue for a kitchen transformation. The original kitchen—dark-stained veneer cabinetry paired with a quartz benchtop—felt undersized for the apartment and didn’t reflect the style or needs of the homeowner.
The brief was clear: retain the black-and-white tiled flooring and create a kitchen inspired by an “Out of Africa” aesthetic. As a well-known public figure who entertains frequently, the client needed a kitchen that could seamlessly transition from family use to full-scale catering.
We began by removing the entire existing kitchen and extending the footprint by opening up the adjacent laundry. This newly acquired space became a fully functioning scullery—ideal for caterers when entertaining on a larger scale.
The main kitchen showcases a Sub-Zero fridge and wine cabinet, which take centre stage. To complement this, we designed glass and stainless steel display cabinetry for glassware and crockery, echoed again in the overhead units. The island—crafted from solid oak with a porcelain insert—features custom metal detailing on the legs to add a subtle industrial edge.
To balance the richness of the materials, we used classic white subway tiles behind the cooktop for a fresh, clean finish. The result is a luxurious space that brings together the warmth and texture of a safari lodge with the function and sophistication needed for modern city living.
