Spring 2008 might well have been dubbed the season of kitchen and bath, as was evident at this year’s most prominent design and trade shows—KBIS in Chicago; Eurocucina, held in conjunction with Milan’s Salone del Mobile; and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York City. At all three the best products were distinguished by an increasing integration of style and function along with an adventurous yet thoughtful use of materials and technology.
KBIS and Beyond
Asko
The UltraCare W6903FI washer and T793FI dryer are not only top notch when it comes to clothes care, they are among the most energy efficient models available, and can be installed so that they integrate completely into the cabinetry. Asko Appliances, Plano, Tex.
Caroma
Named for a city that takes its water seriously, the Sydney Smart dual flush high efficiency toilet is WaterSense approved by the EPA. Indeed, with a small liquid flush of 0.8 gallons per flush (gpf), and a solid waste flush of 1.28 gpf it is said to offer the lowest water use of any toilet available in the U.S. Caroma USA, Hillsboro, Ore.
Dornbracht
Designed to fit a modular format based on a universally accepted architectural grid measuring 60- x 60-millemeters, the behind-the-wall Symetrics system facilitates the flawless alignment of the company’s designer bath fittings along with accompanying fixtures. This system is especially helpful in easing the specification process for volume projects. Dornbracht, Duluth, Ga.
Gaggenau
Ideal for large upscale residential developments, the First Professionals package of this German manufacturer’s premium stainless steel kitchen appliances is priced at around $15,000 and includes everything a starter luxury residence would need–36" refrigerator with bottom freezer drawer, 30" convection oven, 36" gas or glass ceramic cooktop, 36" wall hood, and 24" dishwasher. Gaggenau, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Geberit
No one will dispute the flexibility, performance, and sanitary benefits of wall-hung toilets, yet the resistance of U.S. contractors and designers to specify them is palpable. This is largely due to the perception that they are difficult to maintain. Engineered to allay such fears, the Geberit Concealed Tank and Carrier System is notable for its ease-of-installation and -access, as well as its aesthetic appeal. Recommended by such tony fixture manufacturers as Duravit, once the system is installed, the only visible element is the stylish dual-flush actuator panel, which is also the conduit to all of the behind-the-wall components should the need arise. Geberit, Des Plaines, Ill.
GeD Cucine
Presented at this year’s Eurocucina, the black lacquered glass Velvet kitchen exploits its linearity with doors made from sheets of tempered glass adhered to aluminum frames, flush handles, steel-clad end support panels, and glass worktops in varying thicknesses. Additional hues include white, Sand, Anthracite gray, Chamomile yellow, and Ruby red. GeD Cucine, Biancade (Treviso), Italy.
Hansgrohe
Minimalist by design, the pre-plumbed Skyline Showerpanel is the equivalent of a vertical spa with its dual foldaway showerheads—one positioned to hit the neck and shoulders—well-positioned foot rest for shaving legs, flush-mounted body sprays, and cylindrical hand shower. A built-in thermostatic mixer valve maintains a consistent and safe water temperature, while a proprietary air-injection shower system not only provides a satisfying spray, it keeps gallons per minute (gpm) down to the desirable minimum. Hansgrohe, Alpharetta, Ga.
Jacuzzi
Sleek as a sports car, the Omega shower——designed by the Italian Pininfarina design group, noteworthy for its collaborations with such luxury manufacturers as Ferrari and Snaidero—is a pre-packaged unit that combines a luxurious mix of materials and features. These include a cascading showerhead, rainfall ceiling tile, handheld shower, and four body sprays all set in black stone with a sleek contoured teak seat, and a tempered glass roof to create a space full of light and transparency. Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath, Chino, Calif.
LaCucinaAlessi
Alessi hit the culinary runway at Eurocucina with its curvaceous new kitchen system designed by Alessandro Mendini in collaboration with Gabriele Centazzo, as well as several of the world’s top manufacturers of kitchen products—Italy’s Valcucine, for the furniture; the U.K.’s Foster for cooktops, vent hoods, and sinks; and Finland’s Oras for the faucets. The most compelling features are material: curved stainless steel; glass¬—–cut, curved, painted, and etched––in the form of stain-resistant work surfaces, sliding doors, and cupboards. All are recyclable. Alessi, Crusinallo, Italy.
Liebherr
Designed specifically for the North American market, the 36" 2062 refrigerator with bottom freezer is said to be one of the most energy efficient of its kind. It is available in freestanding, stainless steel, as well as fully-integrated versions and boasts French doors, dual-refrigeration, double freezer drawers on telescopic rails, a new air flow system, LED light columns and illumination in the vegetable and freezer drawers. Burlington, Ontario.
Nito
Shown at both Eurocucina and ICFF the asymmetric Chimera 3D bath cabinet is a dimensional three-component configuration of storage, light box and mirror in one playful unit measuring approximately 51" (w) x 35"(h) x 7" (d). Nito Arredamenti SRL, Asciano (Siena), Italy.
Poggenpohl
A first for the home culinary scene, the P’7340 kitchen was developed in collaboration with Porsche Design for the man of the house. On view at Eurocucina and presently on view at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, this modular offering of aluminum frames is available in numerous sizes and integrated with fronts of back-painted glass, aluminum, and wood—unsealed and textured. Worktops are made of satin-finished glass or black granite; an innovative touch system opens doors and drawers effortlessly; and integrated lighting and a/v systems provide the ambience. Poggenpohl U.S., Fairfield, N.J.
Alno
Featured at ICFF, corner units of the Libero collection feature frosted glass doors and colored lighting within. Alno, Boston, Mass.
Ann Sacks
Fabricated in China using the same methods as those used to carve stone for Buddhist temples, the designer Robert Kuo’s Carved Stone slabs are hand crafted out of Han Bai Yu (Chinese white marble) and Qing Shi (Chinese black marble) from the Hebei province of northern China. A variety of traditionally inspired patterns are available including Hua or “bunches of flowers” (pictured). All sizes are custom and made to order. Ann Sacks, Portland, Ore.
Rapsel
Taking its cues from the famed Egg chair of its eponymous Danish architect the Arne freestanding bath tub, by designers Nada Nasrallah and Christian Horner of SODA, mirrors the curvaceous raised back of that 20th century design icon. Made from a cutting-edge titanium resin that is soft and warm-to-the-touch, this 21st century tribute offers the same comfort level as its inspiration. Rapsel, Settimo Milanese (Milan), Italy.
Robern
The popular mirrored M Series of bath cabinetry is now being offered in a beautiful selection of alternative finishes suitable for today’s more open master baths and powder rooms, even bedrooms, bars, and entertainment areas. The options include Satin White, Satin Bronze, Satin Gray, vintage Ivory, Tinted Gray Mirror, Onyx Mesh, Hammered Platinum, Hammered Oil-Rubbed Bronze, and Champagne Mesh. Robern, Bristol, Pa.
St. Charles Cabinetry
Created in 1935 and specified by an impressive array of that era’s star architects, such as Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright, this steel kitchen cabinetry is back and updated for a new generation of design luminaries. In addition to stainless steel, the color palette is comprised of both matte and iridescent colors that include Cotton white, Biscuit, black, Racing red, cobalt blue, Mint Julep, Lemonade, Chocolate, and Seaglass (pictured). St. Charles Cabinetry, Greenwood, Miss.
Sub-Zero
New and improved the popular 600 series has been renamed and reengineered. Now called the Built-in (BI) Refrigeration Series, it continues to feature the company’s dual-compressor operating system, but has been overhauled with new door hinges that allow for true flush inset installations; a flip-up grill—including a 72" size for full 36" refrigerator and freezer configurations—that allows for easy access to the water filtration system, as well as new remote diagnostics and other mechanicals; an air purification system; temperature-controlled crisper and meat drawers; and an updated LED lighting system. Sub-Zero, Madison, Wis.
Symmons
Long respected for the quality of its commercial plumbing supplies and innovations (among them the pressure balance valve) this near 70-year old company is adding high-end a style to its product offering. Available in polished nickel and chrome Naru (pictured) is a contemporary take on classic Japanese form and that culture’s veneration of water. For jobs requiring a more traditional or transitional model, Oxford was inspired by the towers of that English city and is available in oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, and chrome. Symmons, Braintree, Mass.
Thermador
Joining a growing moveable ventilation hood line-up from various manufacturers, the Easy Lift hood has a unique pivoting glass canopy that raises the canopy up and out of the way when not in use. Thermador, Huntington Beach, Calif.
Toto
Designed to overcome the maintenance nightmares of commercial washrooms, this new LEED-qualified selection of fixtures and fittings—undermount lav in two sizes, wall- or floor-mount toilet, urinal, tap, and hand dryer—is not only water efficient but gentle on energy and the eye. Proprietary EcoPower technology harnesses the kinetic energy of running water to power faucet and flush valve applications, which eliminates routine battery replacement and disposal. A smart sensor system in the Helix wall-mount faucet uses an infrared pulse to detect when hands are placed under the spout. It also shuts off immediately when they are removed. An ADA-compliant high-speed hand dryer is also sensor-operated. Toto, Morrow, Ga.
Wolf
While induction cooking surfaces are not new, this one was designed to install flush with the countertop, rather than rimmed or slightly raised off the surface. It comes in 30" and 36" sizes. Wolf, Madison, Wis.
Zucchetti
The antithesis of total integration, XL is a super-sized shower that evokes the actual construction process with its three suspended steel cables and industrial strength near 20" shower pan. Designed by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba, the large circular fitting commands attention and boasts an optional centered LED light and multiple water effects, such as powerful central nozzles, and a gentle outer ones—all at the same modest flow-rate. Zucchetti Rubinetteria S.p.A., Gozzano (NO), Italy.
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