South Coast Residence
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David Selden
David Selden
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2017-2018 KDC Finalist


In a coastal mining town south of Sydney, a historic Victorian schoolmaster’s cottage sits nestled in the hillside, overlooking the ocean. Protected by the arrestingly steep cliffs of a neighboring national park, the heritage-listed South Coast Residence needed a mindful renovation to meet the modern wishes of its owner. The owner selected designer David Selden to renovate the entire home, incorporate meaningful additions, and create a functional, spatially connected kitchen where the owner could entertain. The result was a kitchen that seamlessly integrated the significance of the original structure, the idyllic natural landscape, and the client’s appreciation of contemporary design.
Selden truly positioned the kitchen as the heart of the home, gracefully connecting it to all of the living spaces and natural beauty beyond: through the living room to an ocean vista, past the light-infused dining room to panoramic views of the lush nature reserve, and through the original kitchen windows to the western deck, picking garden, and escarpment. Connection—to others and to nature—is integral to the cottage’s tranquil atmosphere.
Despite the modest size of the kitchen, Selden created a space that accommodates both special and day-to-day requirements. The Sub-Zero refrigerator provides ample capacity while remaining relatively narrow and meets the high standard of performance that the owner required for the fresh produce carefully cultivated from the garden. The natural and unadorned materials subtly mix with the cottage’s original palette and form, elevating the space with a touch of modernity. The polished concrete kitchen floor reflects the stainless-steel joinery, and the elegant basaltina island provides generous preparation space.
As a tranquil getaway, the South Coast Residence lacks nothing. Inspiring design, functionality, communal warmth, and natural beauty interact harmoniously. Selden’s design celebrates the cottage’s history, and yet opens the door to a new life as a contemporary weekend retreat.
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Kitchen Design Contest 2010-2012
We congratulate all entrants for their excellent work. Winners shared their insights and challenges as they designed kitchens using Sub-Zero built-in or integrated refrigeration and Wolf equipment as the primary design instructions.

- Global Award Winners
- U.S. & Canada Regional Winners
- International Regional Winners
1st Place Traditional
$40,000 prize
1st Place Contemporary
$40,000 prize
2nd Place Any Style
$20,000 prize
3rd Place Any Style
$10,000 prize
Designer's Choice Award
$15,000 prize
People's Choice Award
$15,000 prize
U.S. & Canada Regional Winners are recognized for the best use of Sub-Zero and Wolf in the kitchen.
Prizes include:
- A trip for two, for each regional winner, to the KDC conference and awards gala in Madison, WI.
- National PR and online program for regional winners.
- Customized publicity and marketing kit for each regional winner.
View U.S. & Canada Regional Winners
International Regional Winners are recognized for the best use of Sub-Zero and Wolf in the kitchen.
Prizes include:
- A trip for two, for each regional winner, to the KDC conference and awards gala in Madison, WI.
- National PR and online program for regional winners.
- Customized publicity and marketing kit for each regional winner.
View International Regional Winners