Countertop and splashback prepared from consecutive cuts of one block; the golden vein continues uninterrupted from top to wall.
One decision sits at the centre of this kitchen: that the vein should not be severed as it passes from countertop to splashback. To achieve it, top and splashback were prepared from consecutive cuts of the same block, and which region of the slab became the top and which the wall was decided before cutting. It is a decision with no remedy afterwards; once a slab is cut the vein cannot be realigned.
Two slabs were set face to face like a mirror on the splashback (book-matched). In this arrangement the vein continues symmetrically across the joint, but there is a condition: both slabs must be consecutive cuts from the same block. When two pieces of Calacatta from different blocks are set side by side, both the weight of the veining and the tone of the ground differ, and the symmetry cannot be established.
The hob and undermount sink cut-outs were made in the workshop on a CNC bridge saw; the corners were radiused, and because an undermount sink was used the edge of the cut-out was polished separately.
The white classic cabinet fronts and brass tapware sit at the same warmth as the golden vein in the stone. The surface was finished polished: on Calacatta this is the finish that gives the veining the most depth.
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