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The Outside Advantage
April 30, 2022
The outdoor kitchen makes the experience of cooking and dining more pleasurable.
No more perceived as a feature reserved exclusively for the homes of the high-end strata of clients, outdoor kitchens are now affordable luxuries for anyone who wants to expand the outdoor living and entertainment space in their residence.
The design of an outdoor kitchen can be simple, containing just a grill, table and chairs, or detailed similar to that of a fully-equipped kitchen with built-in appliances and seating. However, the designer fraternity believes that in either case, certain factors have to be taken into account in the plan of every outdoor kitchen.
When a community wants to have a vacation home, that is, a second home, that’s where the outdoor kitchen really comes into play. This is as in their second homes, the outdoor kitchen is more a focal point of fun, rather than just serving the primary need of eating food.
Ajjaz Hakim
Principal Architect
Aijaz Hakim Architect
Weather-beaten
Of course, weather can play spoilsport in any outdoor activity, and this one is no exception. Ideally, a well-designed outdoor kitchen should be usable throughout the year, irrespective of the weather, and this can be possible by incorporating certain elements in the layout of the space.
Kiran Venkatesh, Co-founder and Partner, InForm Architects, a Bangalore-based architectural firm elaborates on these. “Programme the outdoor kitchen into two components – one fixed and the other, mobile or flexible. The fixed component should have a weather-tight enclosure to store critical parts of the kitchen and also a mechanism to put up an overhead shade for protection from sun and rain. The flexible component can be for seating, placement of grills etc. Fixed seating, if any, can be made of stone or metal. Pergolas, membrane and glass roofs, retractable or extended cantilevered canopies and beach umbrellas are all options for lightweight covers. It is critical to have a shade under the cover so a glass or poly-carbonate roof may not always be the best option. Fans, whether wall-mounted or portable, with and without misting options or portable air conditioners are also an option for partially-closed kitchens, and can make the outdoor kitchen more enjoyable year-round,” he says.
“The outdoor kitchen, if to be used throughout the year, needs to have a cover to protect it from sun, rain, falling leaves if it is in a garden, etc. Depending on the styling of the main residence structure, the character of the cover of the outdoor kitchen can be designed. I would recommend wood, thatch coverings with large overhangs for outdoor kitchens in tropical climates, and tiles, shingles and metal roofing with steep slopes in cold climates where rain and snowfall are predominant so that there is the easy runoff of water and no accumulation of snow on the roof. I would do a glass refractory roof in climates which need to welcome the little sun that they have and solid roof with heat-insulating properties in hot zones,” adds Kalpak Bhandari, Principal Architect, Veekas Studio, Pune.
Outdoor kitchens with appliances and cabinets under it
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Light it up
To maximise the hours spent using an outdoor kitchen, varying levels of light have to be planned for. “Lighting is always an important tool for any designer to use, whether it is indoors or outdoors. Light will, again, be divided into task lighting and ambient lighting. An outdoor kitchen could, depending on the design language being used, be hidden in the landscape or be expressed like torcheres’ or lanterns. Task lighting would be concealed but ensure that all work surfaces are adequately lit for efficiency as well as safety, ” says Pinky Pandit, Principal Architect & Interior Designer, Modus Design Studio.
The right lighting not only enhances the outdoor kitchen experience, but also adds to the visual appeal of the space at night. Task lights can be used above the grill or cooktop, while halogen lights can withstand higher temperatures. Many outdoor kitchens have an island with appliances and cabinets under it, as well as a countertop. Lighting under these upper cabinets, countertops and inside the lower cabinets adds that extra light which facilitates ease of cooking, while landscape lighting surrounding the outdoor kitchen is necessary for safety as well as visual appeal.
If the kitchen is to be designed in India I would like to keep out insects, lizards, etc, hence a mesh to the enclosure to keep these elements out is what I would strongly recommend.
Kalpak Bhandari
Principal Architect
Veekas Studio
Venkatesh says, “General illumination should be at a reasonable level to avoid accidents. Design elements can be highlighted with accents – for example, counters recess-lit at the bottom, landscape elements back-lit etc. The key would be to hide the light sources to avoid glare and ensure indirect light but adequate distribution. Multiple hanging lanterns are also a popular option.”
Bhandari elaborates on the practicalities to be taken into account while planning the lighting for an outdoor kitchen. “The lighting should be bright considering it is outdoors and needs to function in the evening or night as well. The lighting and placement of lighting fixtures is very important, considering that insects get attracted to the light source. I would ideally have the source as far away from the cooking/preparation counter as possible,” he says. “At the same time, a fine balance should be achieved so that the ambience of the outdoor space is not hampered due to very bright, high intensity and heat-generating light. LED is a good option to use to address the issue of heat and consumption,” he adds.
Outdoor kitchen that can offer both leisure and recreation
Storage patterns
Working in an outdoor kitchen can be challenging if it lacks adequate storage space. This is true especially if it’s not located in proximity to the interior kitchen.
“If it is not convenient, the usage becomes low and defeats the purpose of having an outdoor kitchen. The storage should be planned as conveniently as possible with detailing to take care of ventilation to the storage space as well as to address the issue of humidity in rains. Ideally, I would use natural stones like granite, quartz, etc for making provision of the storage,” says Bhandari.
Of course, solutions like cabinets or a cart to store tools, utensils, plates and serving pieces can be opted for, but care should be taken that these are weather and vermin-proof, as well as lockable.
Facets of flooring
Apart from the ability to withstand different weather climates, the flooring material used in an outdoor kitchen should harmonise with the other materials already used in that space those used or indoors. That is, it should be complementary, yet different from the flooring material used everywhere else on the property to highlight the ‘outdoors’ feel of the area.
Of course, apart from style, the aspects of safety and durability also have to be taken into account while choosing the flooring of an outdoor kitchen.
Bhandari explains this. “The flooring should be antiskid, non-absorbent and easy to maintain. Granite which can be flame-cut or leather finished rendering it anti-skid is a good option. Rustic vitrified tiles too could be a good alternative to natural stone,” he says.
“Ensure that all finishes are rugged and easy to wash with water as surfaces may collect dust during unused periods. Stone finishes lend themselves well to outdoor kitchens as they can be cleaned, don’t stain easily, and can deal with heat. Seating zones can be in decking wood/stone as well,” Venkatesh adds.
One must ensure that critical components, especially the electricals, are under cover. Using non-slip surfaces is important to avoid accidents. Appropriate clearances for movement are needed, especially around grills so that there are no mishaps.
Kiran Venkatesh
Co-founder and Partner
InForm Architects
Location laterals
The decision of location, or where to place the outdoor kitchen is taken into account after considering various factors, some of them being proximity to the main residence for convenience; the view, in the sense that guests should not be left staring at a wall or fence and the direction of the wind so that smoke is carried away from dining and living areas. Also, it should be in an area where gas and electricity can be easily accessed. Other factors include privacy and shade, which can be provided by trees, a patio cover or an umbrella.
Bhandari explains the dynamics involved in choosing a location for an outdoor kitchen. “The location of the outdoor kitchen depends on the lifestyle of the person or family using the space. If it is to be used very occasionally then proximity to the main kitchen could be overlooked. If this kitchen is to be used for serving a large gathering of a number of people, then its location should depend on the path of outside service being able to access this space without disturbing other activities and spaces of the house, ” he says.
About appliances
Picking appliances that can withstand the elements is key in any outdoor kitchen. “I recommend stainless steel for appliances as much as possible due to its inert nature to weather. It is very easy to maintain as well. Apart from this ceramic/ toughened glass for burners is a good option,” says Bhandari.
The quantity and size of appliances to be used play a big role in the design of an outdoor kitchen, as in how these will fit in the plan and how much space should be allowed for each. An example can be seen in the fact that the grill should have enough space on either side to accommodate dishes and serving tools.
The working triangle used in the kitchen inside the house should be applied to the outdoor one as well.
“All kitchens, whether they are indoors or outdoors, have three fundamental work areas, that is, preparation, cooking and washing. The number of the appliances used for each of these will depend on the number of people being served. In addition to the normal gas range, griller etc, there is almost always an inclusion of a traditional ‘tandoor’,” says Pandit.
An outdoor kitchen with adequate amount of task lighting and ambient lighting
Surface tension
Outdoor kitchen surfaces must also be able to withstand all weather conditions, so the choice of materials for these is done accordingly. “I would recommend natural stones like granites and ‘kaddapa’ or artificial and manufactured composite materials like quartz which are easy to maintain,” says Bhandari.
And of course, the aesthetics cannot be overlooked.
“Usage of natural materials is preferred, as they will sit well in the natural landscape,” says Pandit.
Plumbing patterns
Many of the appliances and fixtures in an outdoor kitchen should be connected to water reticulation and sewers in the area. Ideally, this kitchen should be located with easy access to the residence to allow connection to existing water, drainage and gas lines. Building an outdoor kitchen without access to these will call for the installation of extra service lines. “The plumbing would actually be very similar to an indoor kitchen, but there should be a provision for isolating this subsystem if possible. Inclusion of grease traps and filters is advisable, as would be a system to isolate wet garbage,” says Pandit.
Lighting is always an important tool for any designer to use, whether it is indoors or outdoors. Light will, again, be divided into task lighting and ambient lighting. An outdoor kitchen could, depending on the design language being used, be hidden in the landscape or be expressed like torcheres’ or lanterns.
Pinky Pandit
Principal Architect & Interior Designer
Modus Design Studio
The big one
Last but not the least, the aspect of safety cannot be ignored. For one, adequate outdoor lighting offers safety for pathways, stairways and grilling areas. And then there are other elements which need to be addressed to ensure adequate safety.
“One must ensure that critical components, especially the electricals, are undercover. Using non-slip surfaces is important to avoid accidents. Appropriate clearances for movement are needed, especially around grills so that there are no mishaps,” says Venkatesh.
“If the kitchen is to be designed in India I would like to keep out insects, lizards, etc, hence a mesh to the enclosure to keep these elements out is what I would strongly recommend. A water trough, wide and deep enough all around the kitchen footprint to avoid reptiles, ants, ground moving creatures is also recommended in addition to the side mesh,” adds Bhandari.
The forecast
The West has witnessed a resurgence of interest in outdoor kitchens after the recession in 2008, as people began to eat and entertain at home more to cut expenses. Though still an unexploded opportunity in India, the design community believes that the concept has great potential here too.
Aijaz Hakim, Principal, Aijaz Hakim Architect explains this. “When a community wants to have a vacation home, that is, a second home, that’s where the outdoor kitchen really comes into the play. This is as in their second homes, the outdoor kitchen is more a focal point of fun, rather than just serving the primary need of eating food.”
“The outdoor kitchen is a possibility where the size of the plot is large enough to accommodate it. For the larger high-end projects, villas and farmhouses we are designing, we are planning a large pavilion amidst the garden for a small pantry or kitchen-like setup along with an outdoor bar,” adds Bhandari.
If circumstances (and statistics) permit, the outdoor kitchen can offer both leisure and recreation to the humdrum task of preparing a meal.
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