SIEMATIC PROJECT FEATURE Keating Residence, Charleston, SC Cabinetry by SieMatic Press Contact: Holly Berecz, Duehr & Associates (310) 991 8658 holly@duehrandassociates.com Modern Masterpiece  Most of the time, a garage comes about as the result of a home. It’s not very often that it’s the other way around. But that’s exactly what happened in a historic area of Charleston, South Carolina when a young couple set about building a garage for their collection of ultra-luxury cars. Throw in a contemporary kitchen and a couple of baths that feature SieMatic cabinetry and the result is this drool-worthy guesthouse that has guests clamoring for weekend invites! Originally, the couple sought to construct a carport of sorts, worthy of housing their collection (which includes a couple of rare Benz’s and a Ferrari) on a neighboring lot along Broad Street. But the noted historical district refused the couple permission to build “just” a garage. As a solution, they went back to the drawing board and came up with plans for a tri-level home that looks as if it’s been part of the historic town for centuries. The temperature-controlled garage, which takes up the entire first floor of the home, is certainly unique. But the gourmet kitchen, found in the second floor guest suite, is one of the most eye-catching elements of the home. Kitchen Designer Vinson Blanton with SieMatic Charleston points out that although it’s a small-scale design, it’s big on style and luxury. “It’s a relatively compact project, but it’s done to the highest possible level of detail,” he explains. Featuring SieMatic’s SE 5005L cabinets in Lotus White Gloss, the streamlined kitchen feels more like furniture than cabinetry. Clean lined and lacking bulk, the modern, horizontal lines of the style allow for easy transition and flow to the adjacent living area. A coordinating media area constructed from the same cabinetry is the final tie that joins the two spaces together. The kitchen is packed with gourmet features including two under-counter Sub Zero refrigeration units, Miele cooktop and dishwasher, a combination microwave/convection oven, a roomy single bowl sink by Franke, and pull-down faucet. Modern touches include open lit shelving, clear glass pendant lighting, large stainless steel hardware, and a geometric stainless steel hood. Comfy custom stools line the breakfast bar. Made of concrete by a local fabricator, the bar/cooktop and main work areas carry on the idea of contrast with a large table made of SieMatic’s Smoked Oak. An interesting design element, the 8-cm. thick L-shaped table waterfalls down to the floor for a dramatic effect. Again contrast comes into play in the elegant master bath. Richly colored gray walls provide the backdrop for sleek and streamlined Aluminum Ribbed SieMatic cabinetry. Sleek chandeliers provide a cascade of light, creating a metropolitan feel as rays dance and reflect off the shimmering shower tiles. Part weekend retreat, part car showroom and part art gallery (the whole home is outfitted in art from Robert Lange Studios), this modern masterpiece brings the sensibilities of today’s metropolitan city to historic Charleston. The project, in its entirety, was made possible by a multi-professional team including: Kitchen Designer: Vinson Blanton, SieMatic Mobelwerke USA 444 King Street (843) 724 5838 v.blanton@siematic.com Interior Designer: Leigh McAlpin, Dwelling 474 King Street (843) 723 9699 dwellinghome@aol.com Architect: Ashley Jennings, AJ Architects 538 King Street (843) 577 7030 ashley@ajarch.net Art Studio: Megan Lange, Robert Lange Studios 2 Queen Street (843) 805 8052 info@rlsart.com Features: First floor: Not your typical garage, the entire floor is comprised of a luxury car spa. The temperature-controlled space features a compressed air pump, hot/cold water, and floor drains so the collection of luxury cars can be washed down indoors. Second floor: Guest suite encompassing a living/media area, master suite and fully appointed gourmet kitchen featuring: Cabinetry: SieMatic SE 5005L, Lotus White Gloss Kitchen “table”: SieMatic Smoked Oak Master Bath Cabinetry: SieMatic SC 6006 AL, Aluminum Ribbed Gym Bath: SieMatic SC 10 laminate, Ecru Pine Under-counter refrigeration: Sub Zero 700 Cooktop, Dishwasher and Hood: Miele Convection/Micro Oven: GE Advantium Sink: Franke Kitchen countertop: custom in Sand Dollar by Hightower Concrete Wood floor: Pine Third floor: Fully featured gym and extra bath.