Exceptional kitchen design is about more than a strong visual idea. It requires a careful balance between architecture, materiality, functionality and technology – and the ability to resolve those elements into a space that sits seamlessly within the home. For architects and designers, it is one of the most technically demanding spaces in any project. And, it is this level of design thinking that Gaggenau will celebrate with the return of its Kitchen of the Year Design Contest in 2027. Entries are now opened.
Inviting architects, interior designers, kitchen designers, builders and developers across Australia and New Zealand to submit their most accomplished work. At stake is a Best of the Best prize valued at $40,000: a design and culinary journey for two focused around Milan Design Week in 2028, including return business-class airfares, seven nights’ accommodation, a visit to Gaggenau’s factory in Lipsheim and a culinary experience in Strasbourg, France.
The covetable prize reflects the values that drive the competition: craftsmanship, visionary design and a careful understanding of experience. Those qualities can be seen in previous winning projects, such as Woollahra Village House by Tobias Partners, which was named Best of the Best in the 2025 contest. The Sydney residence is defined by a restrained material palette of travertine, oak, brick and stainless steel, with the kitchen created to echo the architectural language of the home. Gaggenau appliances are integrated seamlessly within the design, allowing performance and technology to sit comfortably alongside a refined and expressive materiality. “If you work on the basis that a house like this should be here for another 100 years at least, then you want to keep things quite timeless,” says Tobias Partners principal Matt Krusin.
The 2027 contest spans two categories: Luxury Home Kitchen, for individual residences, and Multi-Residential Kitchen, recognising kitchen design within apartment projects. A winner and runner-up will be selected in each, alongside the overall Best of the Best recipient, and will be awarded a culinary experience in Australia or New Zealand.
The projects will be assessed across four criteria: authenticity and originality; quality of design and execution; performance and end-user considerations; and the integration of Gaggenau. This multifaceted approach recognises that successful kitchen design doesn’t come from any single element, but from an overall vision that encompasses concept, detailed execution and performance.
Eligible projects must be located in Australia or New Zealand, completed between 1 May 2025 and 30 April 2027, and can include new builds, renovations or alterations. Each must incorporate at least four Gaggenau major domestic appliances, including an oven and cooktop. Entries close on 30 April 2027, T&CS apply. Shortlist will be announced on 30 July and an awards night will be held later in the year. For the region’s design community, the Gaggenau Kitchen of the Year competition offers an exciting platform to recognise and celebrate kitchens as one of the most challenging yet important elements of residential interiors.
To learn more about the design contest, visit the link here.
The Gaggenau Kitchen of the Year Design Contest 2027 Judging Panel:
