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Into the Woods

by Lee Rhodes

Golden sunlight pours in through the windows of Robert Gaskill’s kitchen, which is situ- ated on the edge of a state park. Tucked beneath the canopy of trees, the continuous glass windows are positioned to maximize the views, and the dramatic post-and-beam construction reinforces that this inviting retreat has nature as its focus. ● The vision for the kitchen was part of an overall intent to create an open floor plan that is ideal for entertaining. As an architect and owner of Gaskill Architecture LLC, Gaskill knew that, for his own home, he wanted to create a natural, modern design. The exterior materials were continued throughout the interior design which further emphasizes the visual connection to nature. ● The natural palette of the stone exterior, with different textures and colors of wood, influenced the interior he explains. We also wanted the cabinetry to really blend with the Douglas fir frame of the home.

Into the Woods

Industrious design

The kitchen custom cabinetry, by Santa's Kitchen and Home, pairs well with the rooms industrial detailing and concrete features. Specifically, the large island is topped with a stunning 800+ pound concrete slab from Hoadley Artisan Surfaces, and the island is wrapped in patinaed corten steel. Integrated into the island is a Stainless Steel Cube Sink by Franke and a Brizo Solna articulating faucet.

Concrete panels around the range complement the island top, while corten metal is repeated on the kitchens custom hood, which is, as Gaskill explains, intended to rust. Once it rusts, it creates a patina that protects the metal, he says. We introduced it in the great room as well. The kitchen further honors natural and industrial materials via the black leathered granite countertops; the heavy iron bar stools with walnut seats; and locally sourced hickory wood floors, distressed with a graphite stain.

Into the Woods

"This beautiful entry distinguishes itself by way of fine craftsmanship and a genuine attention to detail. The care- fully curated palette of natural materials, honestly expressed, is limited to the essential and strengthens the entire composition." -Pittsburgh's Finest Kitchens judge

Into the Woods

Power Pantry

Another amazing feature is the large walk-in pantry, which includes base cabinets, wall cabinets and extra storage. With any open floor plan design, there is a necessity to have extra storage nearby in a pantry, explains Gaskill. Custom steel library-type ladders on rollers allow the homeowners to access the high sides of the pantry. The pantry also holds a True wine unit, Ther- mador steam oven, stainless steel sink by Franke and another Brizo Solna faucet. The kitchen's main appliances are all cleanly flush mounted along the appliance wall. The 60-inch professional range by Thermador, which Gaskill cites as his favorite feature, has two full size ovens, six burners and a griddle. Thermador also provided the refrigerators, freezer, coffeemaker and the luxury Emerald-series dishwasher. We love our appliances. The design of the kitchen is truly enhanced by the quality and caliber of the amazing features,” Gaskill concludes. Overall, this kitchen is so beautiful, extremely functional and is the heart of our amazing home!

APPLIANCES/PLUMBING KITCHEN

Thermador 60" Professional Range (PRD606WEG), Thermador 36" Column Refrigerator/Freezer (T36IR900SP/ T36IF900SP), Thermador Glass Door Refrigerator (T24UR920LS), Thermador Emerald-Series Dishwasher (DWHD650WFP), BEST Custom Hood Insert (PK2245), Brizo Solna articulating faucet (63221LF-BL), FRANKE Stainless Steel Cube Sink (CUX120), PANTRY TRUE Dual-Zone Wine Cabinet (TWC-15-L-SG-B), Brizo Solna Pull-down Prep Faucet (63920LF-BL), Thermador Professional 30" Built-In Single Convection Wall Oven (PODS301W)