In this full-scale outdoor makeover, the homeowners envisioned an outdoor space that would feel as refined, welcoming, and practical as their interior kitchen. The result is an alfresco kitchen as the hero of the space, embracing modular design, premium finishes, and a social layout, all made possible by the expertise of Freeform Alfresco and the high-performance engineering of Hettich components.

Freeform Alfresco x Hettich

This project was brought to life by Freeform Alfresco, a specialist outdoor kitchen manufacturer known for their modular cabinetry systems built to withstand the harshest New Zealand conditions. Based in the South Island and servicing Canterbury, their partnership with Hettich, a global leader in high-performance furniture fittings, ensures that every kitchen component functions flawlessly for years to come. For this project, Freeform supplied the cabinetry and installation expertise, while Hettich supplied the soft-close hinges, drawer runners, and internal hardware that brought a luxury experience to the outdoors.

The concept

The homeowners wanted an outdoor kitchen that didn’t feel like an afterthought. The layout was designed to encourage social interaction from all sides, while accommodating three distinct cooking appliances: a Kamado Joe, a Weber Q BBQ, and a Grandfire fridge. A cantilevered benchtop extension enables relaxed island seating, creating a welcoming space where the host can cook and converse simultaneously.

The requirements

The brief was clear: build a kitchen that offers interior-grade movement, effortless usability, and hardwearing materials, all within a stylish, high-end look.

Prefabricated options on the market fell short, either too stiff and generic or requiring extensive coordination with designers and trades.

Freeform’s modular but customisable approach was the perfect match, giving the homeowners flexibility without compromising on quality. With Hettich hardware delivering seamless motion — despite full exposure to outdoor conditions — the kitchen’s functionality feels indistinguishable from the indoors.

This kitchen was installed on a patio with a 47mm slope and a 9mm crossfall. To overcome the natural irregularities in the surface, all cabinetry and stone was custom cut to millimetre accuracy, allowing the kitchen to sit level and visually sculpted to the site.

About the products

This project features:

• Hettich’s InnoTech Atira drawer system on Quadro Compact drawer runners, containing a pull bin waste system: Designed for strength, soft-close performance, and smooth operation — even in changing temperatures.
• VeoSys Stainless Steel Hinges: Durability with minimal maintenance.
• Dekton benchtops and cabinet fronts: Ultra-compact surfaces with high UV, stain, and scratch resistance.
• Freeform’s appliance-specific cabinetry: Precision built to wrap each chosen appliance seamlessly, creating a cohesive finish across the entire kitchen.

Together, these materials and fittings form a kitchen that performs beautifully, rain or shine.