Outdoor cooking takes centre stage at AKARI

Written by

18 March 2026

 • 

2 min read

banner
At AKARI in Brisbane, the alfresco kitchen is treated as a true architectural feature, with Cook N Dine’s teppanyaki grill redefining how outdoor cooking integrates with contemporary residential design.

Outdoor living has always been central to Australian homes, but the outdoor kitchen is increasingly becoming a design feature in its own right.


AKARIOShea5.jpg

This shift is evident at AKARI, a newly completed residence in Brisbane’s Tarragindi designed and built by O'Shea & Sons Builders. Inspired by Japandi design principles, the home blends minimal architecture, warm materials and wellness-focused spaces to create a calm and highly liveable environment.



At the centre of the alfresco zone is the UltraDine Teppanyaki Grill range from Cook N Dine Australia, integrated directly into the outdoor kitchen. Rather than a traditional barbecue, the teppanyaki format introduces a more social style of cooking, where food is prepared on a flat surface directly in front of guests.

For architects and designers, the appeal lies in both the experience and the aesthetics. The grill’s flush-mounted stainless-steel surface integrates cleanly into cabinetry, aligning with the minimalist detailing of the outdoor space while supporting flexible cooking for gatherings and everyday use.

Projects like AKARI reflect a broader shift in residential design, where outdoor kitchens are planned with the same level of care as interior spaces. Appliances are considered early in the design process, shaping how the space is used rather than being added later as an accessory.

Electric teppanyaki systems are also gaining traction as more homes move toward all-electric solutions. With precise temperature control and no open flame, they offer a cleaner approach to outdoor cooking while maintaining a refined architectural presence.

At AKARI, the result is an alfresco environment where cooking, entertaining and everyday living flow naturally together, demonstrating how thoughtfully integrated appliances can enhance both the function and design of outdoor spaces.


AKARIOShea3-Drone-ap-compressed.jpg
T-A7400709.jpeg

On ArchiPro, you can explore Cook N Dine Australia, browse outdoor cooking appliances, and discover projects like AKARI where designers are integrating cooking and architecture into modern alfresco living.