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Tailor-Made
Jeff Kudrick, Project Manager of JM Lifestyles of Randolph, NJ, utilized his twenty years of experience in decorative concrete to create an extraordinarily sleek kitchen showcasing the possibilities of large-scale interior concrete, creating a warm atmosphere and modern aesthetic in this Pennsylvania farm house.
Project Objective + Client Feedback
To enhance the minimalist style of their kitchen, the clients wanted the largest pieces of concrete possible without seams. To fulfill that requirement, JM Lifestyles built clean-lined countertops with integral sinks and monolithic, yet sleek island tops with integral legs. Concrete tiles replaced a more expensive, large format granite tile floor that was inconsistent with the overall design of the space. “The client was thrilled with the outcome and couldn’t say enough about how great it looked,” says Kudrick.
Design + Expertise
The scope of the kitchen concrete includes two large islands (50” x 100”) that wrap cabinetry, one with waterfall legs and an oversized sink, the other a Parsons style table with integral 4” x 4” legs that solidly supports the large span of the island’s surface. In addition, the mud room features a concrete bench and concrete countertop with integral concrete farmhouse sink, and waterfall legs. Twelve hundred square feet of 3’ x 3’ floor tile support the entire project.
Even with such extensive experience in decorative concrete, the project provided challenges for Kudrick. Setting such large pieces (50”x100”) with integral concrete farmhouse sinks required design changes in the cabinetry. For example, the large island with the “waterfall” legs has a 33” sink, and, although GFRC is lighter in weight than conventional concrete, it was still quite heavy. Consequently, the sink cabinets were constructed with removable faces so the cabinets could be put in place by sliding them under the freestanding countertop. The 4” integral legs of the island are a design element previously thought impossible to execute, but the strength and lighter weight load of the GFRC made it structurally feasible and an impressive feature to the discernable eye.
Contributing to the clean, uncluttered look and feel of the kitchen, the concrete is free of any embellishment (no inlays, no stamping or texture). Only the inherent beauty of the concrete surfaces is showcased. Electrical outlets are hidden underneath the countertops as the homeowner did not want the large, pristine concrete surfaces interrupted by any visual distractions.
Kudrick’s entry gained high praise from the competition judges and is described as “very ambitious,” “truly seamless,” and “like a tailored suit.”
2011 Best Interior Kitchen, CHENG Concrete Exchange Design Challenge
Recognized in the industry as the pinnacle of exceptional design and craftsmanship, the CHENG Concrete Exchange Design Challenge showcases talent and technical skill of the very best in creative concrete.
About JM Lifestyles
Building on nearly twenty years of using concrete as an artistic medium, JM Lifestyles, LLC has pushed the limits of the material. Well-versed in a variety of mediums such as metal, glass, wood, light, and water, Randolph, New Jersey-based JM Lifestyles has become an expert in the decorative concrete industry.
Contact: Michelle Radley
JM Lifestyles
215 Route 10, Bldg 3, Unit 3
Randolph, NJ 07869
(973) 668-5057
michelle@jmlifestyles.com
www.jmlifestyles.com