Open to the Ocean
Overlooking the sea, the clients sought to give free rein to their creativity and passion for cooking. The result is this luxurious JMQ kitchen, designed for unforgettable moments and fully equipped with cutting-edge Gaggenau appliances, in Praia da Luz, Lagos.
This luxurious villa, built almost on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and enjoying such an exclusive outlook, was designed down to the finest detail to be experienced in a practical and serene way, without compromising on sophistication and refinement. The property underwent extensive alterations, including to the kitchen, which was extended to make the most of its proximity to the ocean and to take full advantage of the expansive views of the outdoors.
The JMQ project was developed with a strong focus on practicality, designed to enhance the owner’s passion for the pleasures of cooking. All the appliances are Gaggenau, from the 400 series, with a stainless steel finish, and no detail has been overlooked. The kitchen features an oven, a combi-steam oven, a combi-microwave oven and a warming drawer. There is also an 80 cm induction hob and a double gas burner. When it comes to food preservation, this is ensured by a freezer, refrigerator and wine storage unit, all concealed behind the imposing stainless steel fronts of the German brand.
For the cabinetry, the choice fell on fronts in a soft grey lacquer, creating a relaxing space and giving prominence to the Atlas Plan Fior di Bosco worktop and the marble flooring, two materials of exceptional character.
With two sinks, the kitchen has clearly defined food preparation and washing areas, with the former positioned more centrally and the latter, including two dishwashers, located towards the back.
Gaggenau Performance
For cooking, the clients sought outstanding performance, of the kind that only Gaggenau can deliver. And to ensure the right appliance for every recipe, the range of ovens is completed by three models: a main oven, a combi-steam oven and a combi-microwave oven. All are from the 400 series, with a stainless steel finish.
The main oven features 17 heating methods and a temperature range from 30 to 300 °C. The combi-steam oven, meanwhile, allows cooking with different levels of humidity, up to 100%, for example for vegetables and fish dishes, which can be completely enveloped in steam throughout the cooking process. It can also be used with lower levels of humidity, for example for meat dishes. It also offers dedicated programmes for defrosting food and reheating prepared meals.
Complete Range
The third oven is positioned on the opposite wall and is a combi-microwave oven. It can be used as a microwave, with settings ranging from 180 W for gently defrosting delicate foods up to 1000 W. It can also be used as an oven, with grill and hot-air functions. Or the two functions can be combined.
Below it is a culinary warming drawer, with settings for warming crockery, defrosting a prepared dish, keeping a freshly cooked meal warm or even cooking at low temperatures.
The Art of Preservation
Refrigeration is distributed across three appliances: a freezer, a refrigerator and a wine cabinet with two temperature zones. Three independent appliances which, when combined here, occupy an impressive 180 cm-wide space.
But it is not only their size that makes an impression. Their robust construction is equally striking, with interiors lined with stainless steel panels and shelves in aluminium and glass, creating a refined aesthetic down to the finest detail.
In this case, the appliances were concealed behind stainless steel doors, enhancing their visual impact and embracing this aesthetic in harmony with the finishes of the ovens.
Flexibility to Explore
To indulge a passion for cooking, the peninsula features a combination of two hobs: an 80 cm-wide induction hob and a gas hob with a double burner.
The induction hob features TwistPad, providing intuitive and effortless control. It also has four independent cooking zones measuring 23 × 20 cm, which can be combined in pairs to create two larger 23 × 40 cm zones, making it easy to accommodate larger cookware such as a griddle or teppanyaki. There are also two additional zones, allowing cooking areas of up to 30 × 30 cm.
The Versatility of Gas
The gas hob, with a dual-flame wok burner, accommodates different types of cookware, including ceramic and cast iron. A versatile solution that combines flexibility with performance, with mechanical flame-power control across nine pre-defined levels.
Defined Zones
To make the most of such a spacious kitchen, two sinks have been positioned at a distance from one another, helping to clearly separate the food preparation area from the washing area, while optimising the workflow.
The smaller sink is located close to the ovens and hobs. This allows food to be washed and prepared before cooking. In a separate area, a generous 70 cm-wide sink defines the washing zone, where cleaning products can be used away from the preparation area. Next to this sink are two fully integrated dishwashers.
Close to each sink is a waste-sorting system with multiple bins.
Ceiling Ventilation
This kitchen has been designed around the everyday needs of someone who loves to cook, with every detail carefully considered. Every cabinet and drawer serves a purpose. And given the level of use for which the kitchen was designed, no space can go to waste.
It was therefore decided that extraction should be provided from the ceiling rather than at worktop level. There is also a structural beam. A structure was created behind it to house the ceiling-mounted extractor and make use of the difference in height to define the main cooking area from the additional space, where the island and sideboard are located. At the back of the peninsula, the raised wall with its serving hatch also contributes to this definition.
A Statement Island
The southern end of this JMQ kitchen is the ideal setting for an island, making the most of the natural light to create a bright and uplifting environment.
As this is a space designed to stimulate the senses through gastronomy, we also sought to engage them through design, with a two-level island.
The fronts feature the same soft grey tone used throughout the project, while the main worktop is polished Atlas Plan Fior di Bosco, creating continuity and harmony. We also designed a lower worktop, set at a height of 75 cm, for use with conventional chairs. This worktop is finished in Atlas Plan Absolute White, allowing the difference in height without adding visual noise.
Sideboard
As a result of the renovation carried out throughout the property and the new extension to the kitchen, space was created for this sideboard, where the materials used throughout the rest of the project were replicated. Storage options and workspace for small appliances or decorative pieces were maximised, ensuring visual continuity.
Sea Views
This luxurious villa occupies a unique position on the cliffs of Praia da Luz, Lagos, with breathtaking views over the sea.
The positioning of the island, as well as the orientation of the cooking area, are the result of our desire to embrace the natural beauty beyond and make it our ally in creating a haven of calm and serenity.
