Et Lorem is a finalist at the London Construction Awards 2026

Award-winning kitchen design specialist Et Lorem is a finalist at the London Construction Awards 2026 with a bespoke luxury kitchen set within a period home in Teddington.

The 2026 finalists were judged by an independent panel of leading figures from across the built environment and Et Lorem is proud to be one of six finalists shortlisted for Residential Project of the Year - Single Dwelling.

Celebrating the projects, people, and companies that are shaping the UK's built environment over the past twelve months, the London Construction Awards 2026 is part of London Build, the UK’s leading construction and design show taking place from 25 to 26 November 2026.

Claire O’Donohue, designer at Et Lorem, is the mastermind behind this Creekside kitchen project, which was evaluated across a range of judging criteria such as design excellence, build quality, sustainability, collaboration, innovation, time management, customer satisfaction, and value for money.

A project of genuine collaboration, Et Lorem worked closely with not only the client but also interior designer Jo Massie of The Absolute Home, specialist cabinet makers in Essex, expert stone fabricators and its installation team, to ensure every detail was carefully resolved to create a kitchen that feels both beautifully crafted and effortless to live with.

Architectural Craftsmanship and Natural Materials

The bespoke kitchen was created as an extension of both the home's architecture and the family's connection to the creek beyond. Hand-painted skinny Shaker cabinetry sits alongside meticulously book-matched oak veneer, with each panel carefully sequenced so that the grain flows uninterrupted throughout the room, creating a sense of calm and continuity.

At the heart of the space sits the sculptural island, designed with a soft, pill-shaped breakfast bar and a fluted oak support. The fluted detailing, which appears throughout the kitchen, was inspired by the ripples and movement of the water beyond, creating a subtle thread that connects the interior to the landscape outside. Crafted in Vancouver natural stone, the island features a bespoke double-layered edge and refined bird's beak detail, bringing a sense of strength and craftsmanship while celebrating the beauty and movement of the material itself. More than a place to prepare food, the island was designed as a place to gather, allowing the family to sit together and enjoy uninterrupted views across the creek.

Throughout the room, materials were chosen not simply for their beauty, but for the atmosphere they create. The warmth of the timber, inspired by the home's connection to nature, the subtle fluting of the solid brass handles and the hand-applied texture of the sculptural Venetian plaster hood introduce rhythm, softness, and movement to the space. Positioned beneath the pitched ceiling, the hood becomes an architectural focal point, helping the kitchen feel as though it has always belonged within the fabric of the house.

The ambition was to create a joyful space that feels intrinsically connected to both the home and its surroundings, where the creek and family life are celebrated in equal measure. Every decision was made to shape an atmosphere that invites people to gather, connect and create memories that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Gala Ceremony at Excel London

Winners of a London Construction Award will be revealed at the black-tie gala and awards ceremony on 25 November 2026 at the Platinum Suite, Excel London, hosted by Maisie Adam, English stand-up comedian and the 2025 Taskmaster Champion.