Elfin Kitchens plays a key role on a pioneering Bristol housing development

Premium 1500 kitchens from Elfin Kitchens have been installed as part of the £1.4m ‘Launchpad’ housing development in Fishponds, Bristol. Completed in just 12 weeks, the project comprises 31 affordable, single-occupancy studio apartments for young people aged 18-30. The project was undertaken by Integra Buildings using cutting-edge modular construction techniques. The initial concept for Launchpad was to convert shipping containers, but it was decided these would be too small and restrictive. Instead, Integra was commissioned to design and manufacture a bespoke version of the shipping container concept, including a larger floor space and higher ceilings. The residential units were fabricated at Integra’s production facilities in East Yorkshire, before being transported to Bristol by lorry and assembled on site.

High-quality kitchen facilities were required not only to meet the needs of occupants, but also ensure the interior of each studio apartment looked identical. This led to Integra Buildings contacting Elfin Kitchens, and the two companies undertaking their first project together. Commenting on the specification of the kitchens, Samuel Treadaway, Design Technician at Integra Buildings, said, “We were building 31 identical studio apartments, while looking to reduce manufacturing times and retain a high-quality finish with added robustness. As a result, we chose Elfin products as they offered a simple ‘plug and play’ installation – a modular kitchen for a modular build. The Elfin kitchens have also helped ensure each studio apartment is identical, reducing labour and making sure the fast track build was completed in time and on target.”

The compact Premium 1500 kitchens are gloss white 1500mm right-hand units, featuring a fridge, 20L combination microwave oven, sink and ceramic hobs (M-150-sMOS-RC). In addition, each kitchen is complemented by a 1000mm wall unit coupled with pelmet and light, as well as mustard coloured glass splashback and side cheeks. An Elfin Kitchen was slotted into each property, alongside an en-suite shower room, with each apartment providing space for a bed, sofa, desk and wardrobe. Light floods in through large windows, with stylish blinds and laminate flooring completing a relaxed, contemporary look. The Premium range of kitchens incorporates modern appliances, including a refrigerator, sink and tap, plus a choice of solo or combination microwave, oven and grill. In addition, Premium models are supplied with optional soft close drawers and/or ceramic hotplate.

Treadaway continued, “As the kitchen is self-contained, all the occupant’s cooking and storage needs are covered, while there is added safety due to the cut-off timer on the hobs. Plus, being made from steel ensures an added level of robustness and longevity, which are needed in this environment. It has been a pleasure dealing with Elfin Kitchens. Not only are their products easy to use, the company was also very amenable to our client’s requests. Indeed, our client is very impressed by the high quality of the kitchens installed.”

For information on Elfin’s entire range of kitchens and accessories, visit: www.elfinkitchens.co.uk