Hi Tamp, Yes, I would like to put shelves from window to microwave, like the shelves in this photo. I think this will create a through-line from window to microwave? But maybe more cupboards would be better? Just thought it would be quite heavy and dark with more cupboards...

Well our builder/joiner used to be a kitchen fitter so he was going to be fitting it but he’s just gone awol and run off somewhere (left all his tools and taken out money and not paid half of his contractors!!) So we have had to take over the project mid way :0( He hasn’t planned the extractor in otherwise he would have designed and made the roof section the pipes need to go into, differently. So as we don’t have anyone yet who can take over the whole thing - we are trying to work out the niggles as best we can and make life easy for ourselves. The plasterers are hopjng to board in 1-2 weeks so I’m thinking the easiest thing to do is to have exposed pipes which will work with our industrial theme I guess. That way it won’t effect the ceiling as it will just under it.

We ended up with the Bora (and non-bora branded ducting, which has been fine, despite the warnings from the Bora team to not go off brand…). ducting goes straight down from the island and then runs under the kicthen floor and patio to an airbrick built into the patio step. Distance from island to airbrick is c.5.5m. No issues (after 12 months) with condensation or anything similar. its the dream.

As a rule of thumb, you shouldn't make the extraction any worse than what was existing when refurbishing a kitchen, but part F building regs states any new kitchen should be provided with a mechanical extract fan, so is moving the kitchen to a new part of the house considered as being a new installation or a refurbishment. As I understand it (but check with local building control), providing a kitchen or bathroom in a room where there wasn't one before, building regs approval is likely to be required to ensure the room will have adequate ventilation, drainage and meets the requirements in respect of structural stability, electrical and fire safety. You would need either a 30 litre/second extractor if its over the hob or 60 litre/second if its placed elewhere ie on an external wall to meet part F. But you may also have to consider/meet some of the other parts of the regs. as well. Be interesting to know if you do ask building control what their answer is (get it in writing from them so they can't change their mind).