November 4, 2011
Outdoor kitchen concept
Growing up in a village, I remember that cooking was done in an attap structure that was separate from the house. This was because of the use of firewood and charcoal that produced a lot of smoke.
Cooking in such a setting, you could experience the wonders of nature. Through the many doors and windows in this kitchen, you could watch the buffalo and ducks in the paddy fields or the chickens running around the mango trees. When it rained, you could hear the rain falling on the attap roof and felt the wind while you were cooking.
I recall that as a child, whenever I saw smoke billowing from the attap roof while working out in the field, it signalled that a good meal was on the way. This usually happened during lunch and dinner time and was such a memorable experience.
It is comforting to know that after a hard day of work, you can come home to rest while a hot meal is being prepared. And this feeling of comfort stays with you for life.
With city life, the pace moves very fast, in a typical terraced-house the cooking usually takes place in a kitchen with four walls. And because the interaction with nature is not as intimate anymore, the experience is no longer the same.
The modern concept of an outdoor kitchen or outdoor cooking should be applied, especially for people who live in an urban society. For those who are fortunate enough to stay in a semi-detached house or even in bungalow with land by the side or a substantial backyard, it offers the perfect opportunity to create an outdoor kitchen not just to cook but to entertain your guests as well.
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Semi D and bungalow:
For those who are fortunate enough to stay in a semi D or even in bungalow that has a bigger land by the side or even by the backyard, this is a perfect opportunity to create an outdoor kitchen not just to cook but to entertain your guest as well.
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Rather than build a wet kitchen - typically a platform with a small gas stove - the experience of cooking should be enjoyed in such an outdoor kitchen setting. Imagine standing next to the stove cooking and being able to get a whiff of jasmine scent or Muraya trees that have just bloomed. Or getting the nostalgic feeling when hearing the sound of rainfall while cooking. This will create a pleasant experience or even bring back fond memories. And for the young, we can introduce them to daily activities that can bring them closer to the wonders of nature.
An example of an outdoor kitchen can be found at the rear of a terraced-house. Such houses typically have a compact interior and a narrow garden. The dining area or living room would normally open out to the garden through the sliding door. With renovation, a small yard or garden is no obstacle to creating a strong sense of open space. All you need is some planning and design layout.
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Terrace and dining table:
The dining area or living room in terrace houses will then open out to the garden through the sliding door, such renovation shows that a small yard or a small garden is no barrier in creating a strong open sense of space, all you need is some planning and design layout;
Dinning outdoors is an experience! There are lots of things that you can try outdoors, let your imagination loose!
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Planning is important before building an outdoor kitchen within a small space. This is because in a well-planned garden, the form and function, if laid out properly, you can create a sense of spaciousness. On the other hand, clutter is the result if an outdoor kitchen that was not properly planned. You will find that the space has no “soul”.
If the primary function of the space is planned in the right area, the experience of outdoor living - in this sense, outdoor cooking - will be in harmony with nature. This space will attract you to conduct your activities here.
For example, when you visit your friend’s home and we know that something has been done to the garden but we still prefer to sit indoors. On the other hand, there instances that when you visit your friend’s house and you are attracted to sit in his garden. This is what I consider a well-planned garden or a garden with a soul.
The key to a successful outdoor kitchen concept is to establish an indoor and outdoor connection with a sense of harmony. It should feel that both sections are within a single space. Homeowners can stay outside with their guests instead of running back and forth to an indoor kitchen.
An outdoor kitchen is the latest concept or experience for urban residents because our Asian style of cooking, normally involves a lot of frying and oil. And it is easier to clean any oil splatter such as from frying fish in an outdoor kitchen. And the stale smell of fried food will also not be trapped indoors.
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Outdoor kitchen: The key to create an outdoor kitchen is actually to establish an indoor and outdoor connection that relies on creating a sense of harmony so that it feels like there are both in a single space. Homeowners can stay outside with their guests instead of running back and forth to an indoor kitchen.
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Modern houses are nowadays usually air-conditioned. Windows and doors are normally shut, therefore the airborne particles from cooking pungent food will settle in your living space and even stick to the curtains. An outdoor kitchen not only encourages a new experience in cooking with nature but also improves the hygiene of your indoors as well.
It isn’t hard to appreciate why the concept of an outdoor kitchen is going to be part of our urban lifestyle. We don’t have to go far to notice that the outdoor seats of your local “mamak” restaurant will be the first to be taken up in the evening, compared with the seats inside. Without realising it, urban folks yearn to be with nature.
One way that allows you to interact with nature better can be achieved at the rear of your house. Not only can you cook for your family and friends but at the same time, you can dine and gaze at the sky.
Neo Nusantara creates beautiful landscapes for Malaysian homes.
To learn more, visit their website at (www.neonusantara.com / www.terragarden.com.my) or call: 03-7880 8018.
Landscape consultant Desmond Ho will conduct a workshop on tips for designing outdoor space in conjunction with The Star Online Carnival at the Tropicana City Mall on Nov 19 from 2.30pm to 5pm. Participants will also experience hands-on session on creating a terrarium. Bring home an interesting piece of indoor deco item or as a gift item by emailing us at support@starproperty.my . A fee of RM50 is charged.
More articles on landscaping by Desmond Ho:
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