Case study · Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire
Modern handleless kitchen in a Bearsden rear extension (G61)
A Bearsden handleless kitchen sits inside a new rear extension on a 1960s detached. The installed kitchen is a matt-graphite handleless layout with a 4.2 metre quartz island and integrated Siemens appliances, completed in 5 weeks for £34,000–£40,000.
Privacy: Exact street and client details withheld for privacy. Postcode district and project facts are accurate.
Project at a glance
- Area
- Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire
- Postcode
- G61 (district level)
- Property
- 1960s detached, recently extended at the rear
- Completed
- 2024
- Cost band
- £34,000 – £40,000 (supply and installation, excluding extension build)
- Time on site
- 5 weeks on site, 8 week lead time on units
The brief
The owners came to us once their extension was watertight. They had a fixed budget, a clear preference for a handleless look, and needed the island to function as the main prep surface, the breakfast bar for three and the family's homework table. Pendant lighting and induction had to sit on the island without compromising the worktop run.
Scope of work
- Design, supply and install handleless kitchen with J-pull profile in matt graphite
- 4.2m × 1.1m island with quartz waterfall ends, integrated induction and downdraft extractor
- Two-wall back run with full-height pantry and integrated tall fridge-freezer
- Integrated Siemens single oven, combi microwave and warming drawer
- Quooker Flex tap with dedicated 13A circuit and isolator
- All electrical first-fix coordinated with the extension build to avoid surface trunking
- Engineered oak flooring continued from the dining area into the kitchen
Challenges and how we solved them
A single piece of quartz for the island was impossible
At 4.2m the island exceeded the slab size for the chosen quartz (3.2m max). We designed a mitred quartz join along the induction zone where the seam sits under the hob cut-out and is functionally invisible.
Downdraft extraction inside a structural floor
The downdraft duct had to drop into the new extension's solid floor. We coordinated the duct run with the builder before the slab was poured, so the duct exits through the back wall with no bends tighter than 90 degrees.
Handleless tolerances are unforgiving
A true handleless kitchen has a 4–6mm reveal between every door. We adjusted hinges three times during snagging to keep the reveal consistent across 28 doors and drawers, including across the temperature break where the island sits next to the warm-air return.
Outcome
Completed in 5 weeks against a 5–6 week plan. Final cost £37,200 against a £34k–£40k estimate. The owners report the island has become the de facto family hub and the downdraft extractor has fully replaced their previous ceiling unit with no smell carry-over to the open dining area.
"We interviewed five fitters. The others wanted to talk us out of an island that long. This team designed around it, coordinated with our builder on the duct run before the slab went down and delivered exactly what we asked for."
Frequently asked questions
How much does a handleless kitchen cost in Bearsden?
A mid-to-high spec handleless kitchen in a Bearsden detached typically costs £28,000–£45,000 supplied and fitted. This project landed at £37,200 with a 4.2m island, quartz waterfall ends and integrated Siemens appliances.
Can you have an island longer than the quartz slab size?
Yes, with a planned mitred join. The seam is placed under a hob, sink or appliance cut-out where it is functionally invisible. Always confirm the join location at template stage, not after the slab is cut.
Do you coordinate with extension builders?
Yes. On extension projects we attend site once the structure is watertight to set out electrics, plumbing and extraction. This avoids surface trunking and costly remedials after the kitchen lands.
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