Kitchen - From Theory to Concept

Having looked at the theories of High Modernism and Truth to Materials, I have used these theories to develop the following concepts for the Kitchen.  These I have shown below.

Truth to Materials

Stone and slate are the main components in this concept, as there are not many other natural materials commonly used in a kitchen.  The wooden units are another example of truth to materials, however the cooker is a man made object, and I have used the most natural cooker I could find.  The casing is made from aluminium, however this has a more industrial feel than rural.

High Modernism

This scheme incorporates natural structures, mainly focussing on trees and twigs.  Again it was difficult to find kitchen elements that suited this concept, and so items such as the cooker and fridge have been left out.  The cooker units have natural imagery carved into them, and external coulrs have been incorporated in the fabrics.

Truth to Materials and High Modernism

This concept combines the two theories, as well as acting in a practical manor.  External natural structures are predominant in the bannister, and the fabric.  The wooden kitchen conforms with the truth to materials thoery, as well as giving the design a country feel.  Elements such as the sink, cooker and fridge do not follow either concept, however meet the clients needs for practicality, and are not modern pieces, and so work with the rest of the design.

Furniture and Fittings Choices

Units - Wooden units were chosen as they conform to the truth to materials theory.  The units from the high modernism concept were too fussy, and complicated the rest of the design.  The chosen units are simple, roughly sanded, and the joinery is visible.  

Cooker - It was not possible to find a cooker that followed either theory, as the cooker is a man made invention.  For this reason, I decided to choose a cooker that worked with the colour palette of the concept.  The green AGA which compliments external colours looked to dark and out of place, and so a lighter cream was chosen.

Fridge - The fridge was chosen to work with the cooker, as this is also something that cannot conform to either theory.

Floor & wall tiles - Truth to materials was the main reason for this choice, as these are an excellent demonstration of this.  The kitchen leads out onto a stone patio, and so this connects the internal and external.

Sink - The sink is the third item that does not fall into either theory, however for practicality reasons, the stone sink would be too difficult to clean, and so a traditional butler sink has been chosen instead.

Marble worktop - This was also chosen because it conforms with the truth to materials theory.

Blind fabric - The blind fabric choice stems from my research into the high modernism theory, but is also a direct link to the outside.  The window in the kitchen looks out on an orchard, and so the apple blossom fabric is a prime example of bringing an external element inside.

Light - For practical reasons, the light cannot be made from wood, and light fittings that use natural forms did not work with the concept.  For this reason, I have chosen an unpolished aluminium lamp, as this best reflects the truth to materials theory.

Banister - Having opened up the stairs, these should be incorporated into the kitchen concept, and here I have chosen cast iron railings that have been shaped to resemble tree branches.