AUSTIN, TX - We all know that two heads are better than one, but in the case of this new construction kitchen, designed by Winn Wittman, AIA, it was two islands that gave the space its functional and design edge.

The two islands were part of a plan to create a kitchen that would be both eye catching and easy to work in, while taking advantage of the stunning views.

Wittman, of Austin, TX-based Winn Wittman Architecture, explains: “Originally, the kitchen was intended for a different location in the house. They were starting to run the rough plumbing, and it wasn’t going well, because there were some beams in the way. I took a second look at the plans and realized the kitchen would be better in its current location. We made this change, and it really freed up the living room area, which would have been broken in two.”

Once this was resolved, Wittman began to examine his clients’ primary desires. He explains, “The client wanted a light, airy kitchen with a breakfast area and a sushi bar that didn’t obstruct the views. It was also important that the kitchen flowed well into the living room, as well as out to the deck and the view beyond.” Storage, too, was a priority, as well as ease of entertaining.

Islands in the Stream

To address his client’s concerns, Wittman, who was aided by general contractor Gary Robinson of Austin, TX-based Home as Art, decided to go with a two-island design in which both islands serve distinct ergonomic functions.

The two islands separate the space both functionally and visually. They also complement and contrast each other. He explains: “The islands are really very functional, but there is also a simplicity to the cooktop island. [Conversely], there is more of a curvilinear sculptural element to the island with the glass bar top.”

The curved island – which houses the main sink with pot filler, as well as an instant hot water device – serves as a separation from the living area to the kitchen. The cantilevered, curved glass sushi bar top is mounted with angled stainless steel standoffs.

The second island is meant for purely functional purposes in that it houses the Thermador range top, as well as a Kohler prep sink with disposal. “This is where much of the cooking goes on, but one can cook from either side of this island,” he says.

He adds that the second island – with its rectilinear layout and countertop that returns to the floor – anchors the room and gives it order.

Much like the islands, the raised glass countertop further separates the two spaces, he adds.