A wooden dining area for a treetop property

The kitchen is a space where you’ll likely be spending a lot of time, so naturally it’s a room that warrants a higher budget.

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For the specialists at Glass Design & Build London, it’s important to bring a touch of luxury into the everyday, and this Surrey kitchen extension is no exception.

We chat to them about the design process.

The project in a nutshell:

Location: Surrey, UK

Property style: Modern

Designer: Glass Design & Build London

Year/decade property was originally built: 2019 (New extension)

What were the essential elements of the project?

To create a kitchen providing the head of the household with the ability to step into the cooking zone whilst being able interact and engage with his family and guests and maintain the link to the spectacular views into the tree canopy.

The client wanted to create a multi-functional space centred around cooking, partying and entertaining whilst continuing to maintain the intimacy of family life. A big part of the client’s wish-list was that the kitchen centred around a large WOLF gas hob which was specially sourced and ordered from the USA.

What was the biggest challenge that you faced when finishing this project?

The biggest challenge of the kitchen element was when we had to install a 1.4 ton steel beam that holds up the existing house due to the rear house wall being removed enabling the new kitchen design to run through in to the newly created contemporary extension and dining area.

The reason it was difficult was due to the location as we were unable to use a crane to lift the steel beam into position. We used 4 genie lifts, 8 men and lots of brute force.

Could you describe the focal point of the space?

The seating area around the island in the kitchen replicates the breakfront perimeter design of the contemporary extension.

By maximising the natural light with the beautiful long glass windows the effect blurs the line between inside and outside, as if you are sat on floating decks suspended into the trees. This feeling is enhanced by the stunning wooden dining table which takes up the centre of the room. It was chosen to match the surrounding environment and bring natural elements into the home.

Any more information about the way glass was involved in this build?

The centre point of the build is the supersized glass motorised door (basement level), glass walk-on floor and glass roof both with oversized glass beams and the supersized glass picture window.

Any specific quirks of the project you’d like to explore?

All of the build can be described as unique as the full build was bespoke designed for partying, entertaining, eating, drinking and having a good time with family and friends and maximising the stunning views over the Surrey hills.

Finally, do you have a top piece of advice for anyone considering a kitchen re-design?

Preparation and planning is key and to start the design process at least six months to a year before you want any construction to take place as the design process and some of the consents that maybe required can take a while to be approved – this is not a fast process.

In a nutshell – start early on the design processes of your project.