Alcaraz – Arango kitchen & Florida room upgrade – Coral Gables

Pending but a few details, this project is complete and in working order… working well indeed. The project is a green renovation of the existing kitchen, breakfast area and family room into a contemporary masterpiece with a strong focus on sustainable features.

The project started off with German kitchen cabinets from Akzent-Miami, www.Akzent-Miami.com, lead by Christina Raidt. These cabinets are formaldehyde free MDF, glass and Melamin. A perfect non toxic base in a very stylish design. The layout took out the original very small, dark and enclosed kitchen to remove all walls and connect the three spaces into one large open space with the kitchens master, owner Eva Alcaraz-Arango, at its heart.

The stove was placed in the very center and provides the focus of the kitchen. Keeping in line with the correct kitchen use triangle, refrigerator, sink and stove are arranged in a function focused constellation. The new cabinets provide plenty of storage from both sides on the lower counter side and full height on the back wall. Here we also find durable high end appliances and a smart integration of small appliances into the design: a central storage unit with a overhead door to quickly hide the little gadgets when company is present. The low counter, containing recycled glass from Trend USA, www.TrendGroup-USA.com, held in white is easy to clean and provides a sleek foundation that ties the areas together. The low water use, energy efficient dish washer is tucked under the counter and blends in well. Over to the side is an even lover glass top that serves as the new breakfast area. More storage, in the form of a floating cabinet provides the focal point for this side of the space. A few accent lights from Artemide, www.artemide.us, give a hint of color and pick up the subtle tones from the cabinet glass. These lights illuminate the breakfast table and also provide accents along the wall and corridor that is connecting the east and west side. The remaining lights are LED recess for energy efficiency. All lights are installed on dimmers for lighting level control.

The Florida room features a custom build cabinet to house all toys, appliances, books and the bar. The design was inspired by the floor plan of the kitchen, to unconsciously connect the entrie space. Windward Associates , www.WindwardAssociates.net, provided the work. Another notable feature is the reclaimed wood floor that was salvaged from the original layout and installed along the corridor. The new slate floor is a worm, soft stone that in its dark color roots the project into place.

Final touches were provided with Sherwin Williams Harmony paint to ensure another non toxic component of this project. Overall the strong focus on usability, functionality and sustainability were all achieved in this wonderful new kitchen. Presto!

Design. Consult. Educate.

Sebastian Eilert Architecture, www.SebastianEilert.com