Hi again everyone,
Another question: I've been looking at slide-out and undermount/integrated cabinet rangehoods. However, whenever the cabinets above are opened, the mechanics of the hood and the ducting to take up most of the cabinet space. Seems like a waste of cabinet space IMO.
As such, I've been thinking about possible different ideas. The one that strikes me the most is whether you can put an undermount range (or possibly a slide-out, but I'm thinking not likely) under a fire-retardant gyprocked surround that covers the ventilation tubing up to the bulkhead up to the outside vent, as if it was an extension of the bulkhead above the upper cabinetry? On a design point of view, it would also help break up the wall of cabinets and create a feature.
I've tried googling what I'm thinking of, but all I come across is the same American DIY sites with a massive mantle / faux fireplace design. Not exactly what I'm envisioning in my head. The closest I've found (albeit an island bench range alternative - I'm thinking wall mount) is this: http://talesfromthebox.com/2007/04/03/out-on-the-range/.
I can't see how this can't be done if the design is right - structurally and aesthetically. Ducts for heating, plumbing and whatnot are enclosed in plasterboard in many homes. Or am I missing something that's probably blatantly obvious?
Thanks!