HIMACS: Maru Kitchen

The kitchen is part of the "maru" design range. A furniture range that reflects the Japanese meaning of the word; that is "circle" or "completeness". Based on the geometry of the circle, this kitchen is flowing, functional and seamless in appearance. The origins of "maru" can be found in the design of the new study centre of TU Braunschweig, conceived by the architectural firm DODK from Berlin.

The aim: to combine intriguing interior reception spaces with innovative team workplaces. Representation and efficient workstations, which are modular and expandable, are completely in line with the concept of "maru". This concept of unusual design features has now been carried over to the kitchen area too. The modular furniture system has been adapted to the new working height, and expanded to include all functions in the substructure. The result: a unique kitchen shape, perfectly designed. The contoured softness of the trend colour white defines the scene. Various modules, convex or concave, added on or mirroring one another give the kitchen its uniqueness not to mention that playful touch. 

In order to turn this design into a reality, it was necessary to use a material with thermoforming properties but also with an elegant-looking surface. The solution: the solid surface material HIMACS provided by Klöpfer Surfacesin Germany. There were many different reasons for choosing this material: 

1. Its look: HIMACS gives the white a certain elegance and radiance. Background contrasts optimally accentuate this exceptional radiance. 

2. Its feel: The surface makes an artlessly vivid impression and has a warm, pleasant feel. The material temperature is warm to the touch, because Natural Acrylic Stone is a poor conductor of heat. Instead of absorbing body heat, the material reflects it, thus creating a cosy warmth. 

3. Its technology: The non-porous, completely smooth and seamless surface is the best possible base for germ-free areas and for the most stringent hygiene requirements. Most notably, the seamless joining technology delivers a perfect result, both visually and technically. Even large-area installations have the appearance of one seamless application, making liquid penetration practically impossible. HIMACS Natural Acrylic Stone guarantees a hygienic surface, even where there is permanent water ingress or damp. Bacteria or mould don't stand a chance. The new construction material is extremely forgiving, especially for everyday use. "Its extreme durability and hygiene make the material an excellent choice for any kitchen application", confirms the designer responsible,Ole Klingemann.

A key factor in implementing the plans drawn up of the Berlin trend kitchen in terms of design was the 4th point, the deformation of the material. Its so-called thermoformability means that HIMACS can be bent into practically any shape at 165 degrees Celsius.  The material was the perfect starting point for creating a monolith.

The structure required a combination of high-level expertise, lots of experience in using solid surface material and attention to detail. For this reason solid surface expert Peter Grube from Germany undertook the implementation of the project. The elements all had to fit together perfectly three-dimensionally, and thus at all levels had to be manufactured in such a way that the end result had the appearance of one seamless application – no joints, it had to be just perfect-- "The perfect project to demonstrate the potential of the HIMACSsolid surface material", states Peter Grube.

An extensive project with lots of challenges, but a huge success. Fronts, panels, bases, the basin and the worktop are all made from one single material, making the kitchen one integrated, and puristic unit with a uniform gloss level.

Design: DODK, Germany