Tag Archive for: kitchen inspiration

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In Harmony with the environment

In Harmony with the environment

Improving the well-being of man means respecting the richness of our environment and uniqueness of our planet.

We can produce many examples that show how research to increase sustainability has always promoted innovation, i.e. the type of innovation that results in a continuously improved product.

An example of this is Artematica, which revolutionised the kitchen door concept as the first door in the world to have an aluminium frame, invisible from the outside and made with an aesthetic panel of 5mm thick HPL(High-pressure laminate). Artematica was also the first 100% recyclable door made from glass and aluminium with no visible frame or hinges as well as the first door with a system that conveys water without getting wet. It then evolved into an even slimmer door: Ricicla, again with an aluminium frame but a panel that was only 2mm thick. Today, the door has evolved into Riciclantica, a single-material door made from 100% aluminium with a 2mm thick aesthetic panel that is water-, steam- and heat-resistant.

 

Nowadays, not only does innovation mean combining functionality and aesthetics but also adopting a conscientious use of materials:  this is how the, 100% recyclable, Invitrum glass base units were achieved. They are completely devoid of formaldehyde emissions, do not use double side panels and have been designed to be easily disassembled and reused or recycled at the end of their life cycle.

 

 

 

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Genius Loci a timeless masterpiece

Genius Loci a timeless masterpiece

Inspired by The Secretaire antique writing desk design, the Genius Loci has been created with its own concealed compartments and out of view storage spaces. Genius Loci (Latin for “spirit of place”) goes beyond the functional to reflect a truly forward-thinking kitchen design.

The drawer has always been of central importance in cooking, especially for those who love cooking.

The drawer is available in two versions; the first is slanted which projects slightly outward at the bottom, creating a handle and reflecting light in such a way that highlights its tactile material surfaces and hand-crafted elements; the other is more ‘minimalist’ and aligns perfectly flush with the kitchen doors.

The drawers can be customised with a range of materials and details, including traditional Italian handicraft techniques such as inlaid wood or marble, or carved wood, to the finishes such as brushed copper or antique brass to enhance the tactile experience of interacting with the kitchen.

The Genius Loci kitchen has been designed to feature a slimmer 10mm worktop and a lower plinth that have resulted in roomier base units and at least 15% more interior storage space. There are different walnut internal arrangements available that allow the end user to have everything easily to hand.

With technologically innovative features and sophisticated design, the Genius Loci offer details that can be personalised well beyond the whims of trend and fashion. The Genius Loci is a timeless masterpiece.

Walnut Breakfast Table

Featured: House Cluer Island

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Featured: House Norval

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

 

 

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Thirty years of innovation, at the service of the Human being and the Planet Earth

Invitrum – Celebrating 33 years of glass 

Lengthy research into materials and their limits of resistance has allowed us to revolutionise the kitchen sector with Invitrum, the first base unit system made entirely of glass except for an aluminium frame. Health, resistance and eco-sustainability are the main values ​​of this kitchen system.

The Invitrum base unit system are 100% recyclable 80% reusable. Instead of glued joints they are fitted together using mechanical means only.

These products can be 100% recycled and/or 80% reconditioned to drastically reduce the consumption of other raw materials and the production of other waste. This Guarantee of Responsibility confirms Valcucine’s commitment and responsibility: a choice that always has a happy ending. Thanks to the Guarantee of Responsibility, the future of the environment, and of us all, is guaranteed forever.

 

 

 

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LOGICA CELATA – Designed by Gabriele Centazzo

LOGICA CELATA Designed by Gabriele Centazzo

The concept that reveals a new kitchen experience.

A single touch is all it takes to release the innovative power of Logica Celata, the latest brainchild resulting from ingenious research aimed at reinventing ergonomics.

Thanks to an advanced V-motion system the door glides gently upwards to reveal the whole work area: a large, fully-customisable space. Various interior options are available i.e. a kitchen, a bar, a food preparation area and a storage. Each of these is provided with accessories and functions designed to meet its specific needs. In these configurations, everything is ready to be used as efficiently as possible.

Lightly and noiselessly, reminiscent of an ancient sallet – the helmet that used to completely cover the head of medieval knights – at the end the door closes flush with the underlying base units.

LOGICA CELATA REVEALS A BAR

The bar stands out from the other Logica Celata configurations because it is an all-Italian tradition typical of the Italian way of life, touching conviviality and intimacy and the public and private spheres.

The door opens to reveal Valcucine’s new home bar: practical, well-organised and complemented by all the equipment required for impeccable wine tasting, to mix up a perfect cocktail or prepare an excellent espresso, served to please any connoisseur.

Once shut, Logica Celata becomes an elegant piece of furniture that is further beautified by Vitrum Arte customised surfaces: a special technique developed by Valcucine to reproduce inlaid designs on glass.

Just like a compelling picture, the “Camparisoda, con noi sempre e ovunque” advert created for Campari in the 60’s by Franz Marangolo, an illustrator from Milan, is freely interpreted in a playful style that expresses all the love of life typical of that decade. 

 

 

 

 

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Settling in to our new home

Over the last 35 years, Valcucine has stood out in the kitchen industry internationally, dedicated to designing timeless kitchens while adapting to the requirements of the end user. Valcucine Cape Town has recently relocated to Strand Street, De Waterkant. Our new showroom perfectly combines the beauty of timeless heritage architecture and innovative materials and technology.

Each intricate detail of a Valcucine kitchen has been thought through meticulously, with well-being of the end user at the forefront of each design concept. Our vision is to transform cooking into an extraordinary experience through constant research and innovation based on how we interact with our environment. While doing so, we have reinvented kitchen ergonomics through incorporating special units into each kitchen design.

Alongside expanding the Valcucine kitchen section, we have also extended our offerings to a superb quality imported Italian wardrobe manufacturer.  With over 90-years’ experience, Porro is one of the most successful furniture design brands, thanks to its research on finishes, refinement of line and the technical quality of its details.

We see a growing desire in the market for products and ranges that are simultaneously focusing on the user’s well-being, alongside the environmental impact a product’s journey has in the long run. A basic rule underlying all Valcucine designs is the reduction of material use and the ability to recycle our kitchens when any product reaches the end of its cycle. Please visit our showroom to come an experience our experimental, fully recyclable, glass kitchen display.

Come and experience the new showroom for yourself.

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Looking for a scratch-resistant kitchen worktop

One of the hardest decision you have to make when designing your kitchen is the material selection for your kitchen worktop. Undoubtedly there are so many choices available. Furthermore, each material potentially has a range of commercial or even company names. Clearly, this has created a lot of confusion in the market.

We have, therefore created eight categories for materials that can be used for worktops:

  1. Steel
  2. Acrylic resin-mineral composite
  3. Quartz composite
  4. Laminate
  5. Glass
  6. Natural marble
  7. Natural granite
  8. Ceramic or sintered surface

Which is the best material for a kitchen worktop?

Each material used for a high-end kitchen worktop has its various advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it must be noted that no material can be considered the absolute best.

We have examined the main characteristics of various materials and graded them for you. The grading ranges from very poor to excellent.

We hope this will help you make the right choice.

Scratch resistance

We often hear of “scratch-resistant surfaces”.

Truth is, there is no such thing as an entirely scratch-resistant surface. Any material can be scratched by an element that is harder than it.

At Valcucine, we tested all of the above eight categories. And what is apparent is that many perceptions and convictions are disproved by objective data.

To find the most resistant material for your kitchen worktop, we performed a scratch test on all eight categories, using the sharp edge of different materials of increased hardness.

Scratch resistance test results

  • Steel: Very poor to fairly good
  • Acrylic resin-mineral composite: Very poor
  • Quartz composite: Excellent
  • Glass: Fairly good to good
  • Natural marble: Fairly good to good
  • Natural granite: Excellent
  • Ceramic: Excellent

Scratch resistance test comments

  • Steel, usually considered to be a hard material scratches really easily. If you want a kitchen worktop that remains unscathed by scratches, steel is not the right choice.
  • The visibility of scratches was less visible on textured surfaces compared to polished surfaces.
  • Scratches were less visible on a light colour kitchen worktop versus a dark colour worktop.
  • If you want a kitchen worktop that doesn’t show up scratches, a streaked worktop is preferable over an evenly-coloured worktop.

Repairing your kitchen worktop

The ability to repair any kitchen worktop surface is theoretically possible (except for laminate). However, consideration must be given to the complexity and the cost of repair. Therefore acrylic resin-mineral composite tops are actually the only feasible ones that can be repaired because they are soft enough to be easily sanded.

Join us next week to read about stain, corrosion resistance, and cleaning of your worktops.

Valcucine South Africa is part of The Excellence Group. Read more about our companies here.

Looking for more kitchen design inspiration, read about:

Don’t leave your high-end kitchen in the dark

Applying the science of ergonomics in high-end kitchens

Practical tips to help design your luxury kitchen

What marks do best quality kitchens have?

 

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Don’t leave your high-end kitchen in the dark

Lighting with glass shelves

The kitchen is often the meeting place, the “take 5 mins to read a message” place, the place we prepare our families meals and try out cooking new recipes for friends. Yet this multi-functional space is often the last place one thinks about installing proper lighting. But for your high-end kitchen, one needs to think about the right light, from general lighting to task lighting and of course accent lighting.

What is task lighting in a luxury kitchen?

In interior design, task lighting refers to increasing the light in an area to help accomplish a specific activity. Therefore one needs to take into consideration visibility and contrast to help improve visibility in your high-end kitchen.

What is accent lighting?

Accent lighting is used to highlight a particular area or object for example a piece of art. This means that the brighter the light, the more visual interest it can create in your high-end kitchen.

What is general lighting?

General lighting falls in between task and accent lighting. It refers to the general illumination of an area. For example, indoors, it could be the use of a lamp on a table or a fixture on the wall.

Contrasts and colours in your high-end kitchen

Having the right light is not only practical, but it can make a big difference in the way your high-end kitchen looks and feels. Much of the warm, homey atmosphere in your luxury kitchen comes from the way light, and shadows fall. When a room is too bright, it flattens shapes and subdues features. Too much contrast is also hard on your vision. When designing your high-end kitchen, use several light sources to highlight details that create an atmosphere and a softer scattered light that doesn’t tire the eye.

Need some kitchen inspiration, here are five design tips to help you light your high-end kitchen:

Kitchen design tip 1:

Plan task lighting first, this makes sure you focus light where you need it most. Then think about your accent lighting, where do you want to create visual interest? Then fill in the rest of the kitchen with general lighting.

Kitchen design tip 2:

Combine your three layers of lighting with beautiful light fixtures and dimmers.

Kitchen design tip 3:

Fit a light strip below the wall unit above your worktop.   This will give you excellent visibility on your worktop, without shining onto your eyes or creating a shadow.

Kitchen design tip 4:

Don’t forget to put a light under the sink. It can come on automatically when you open the cupboard, making the contents easier to see.

Kitchen design tip 5:

If you opt for glass or steel wire shelves in wall units. Put a light at the top of the cupboard. It will illuminate the whole cabinet, making items easier to find and see.

Also, check that the electrical systems are certified by quality marks and preferably use low-energy consumption systems.

Looking for some more kitchen inspiration for designing your luxury kitchen?

Read about what marks the best quality kitchens have here.

Or do you want to apply the science of ergonomics to high-end kitchens, click here.

Valcucine South Africa is part of The Excellence Group. Read more about our group of companies here.

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Applying the science of ergonomics in high-end kitchens

In your home, your high-end kitchen is the space that should be fit-for-purpose-built.  We often get caught up in the enthusiasm and excitement of how it looks in the showroom when buying a luxury kitchen, instead of taking a closer look at features such as worktop height, worktop depth and how wall unit doors open.

Designing and building a kitchen space that fits you is what kitchen ergonomics is all about.  Because ergonomics is the science that studies our interactions with the areas we live and work in and the objects we use.

At Valcucine, we paid careful attention to how people used their kitchens and identified seven major problems.  Here are some tips to use when designing your high-end kitchen.

1.  Worktop height

The standard height for a worktop in a high-end kitchen is 85cm from the floor to the worktop. However, today, people are taller than when this became the standard. Working off a worktop that is too low or too high can be detrimental to the health of your back. Here are some suggested worktop heights, based on how tall you are:

  • If you are 150cm – 160cm high, your worktop should be 84cm high
  • If you are 160cm – 170cm high, your worktop should be 88cm high
  • If you are 170cm – 180cm high, your worktop should be 92cm high
  • If you are 180cm – 190cm high, your worktop should be 96cm high

2.  Worktop depth

Feel cooped-up when working in your luxury kitchen? Your wall units might be too near your face preventing you from having a complete view of the worktop. The traditional depth of a worktop is 60cm. A depth of 65cm – 80cm gives you more freedom of movement because you have more working space and a better field of vision.

3.  Wall unit height

If your wall unit shelf is too high, it makes it impossible to reach and see what’s on it, becoming wasted space. Increasing the depth (e.g. from 60cm to 65cm – 80cm) of the worktop allows you to drop the height of your wall unit from the standard 54cm above worktop to 48cm – 42cm above the worktop. This drop makes the contents in your wall unit more visible and easier to reach.

4.  Wall unit doors

Traditional wall units require the user to open and close the doors continuously. You often leave the doors open when you are busy in the kitchen. This may give you a closed-in feeling or result in a few bangs on your head if you leave the doors open. Opt rather for a leave lift-up door, which allows you the freedom of movement and fewer headbangs.

Wellness and well-being is based essentially on freedom. One of Valcucine’s special features in their high-end kitchen range is the Aerius Wall Unit which has a light and noiseless, ultra-slim, lift-up door. Read more about it here.

5.  Freedom to see and reach

Traditional base units with shelves mean that you have to kneel to get to spaces at the back that are almost always inaccessble and poorly lit. Rather swap to full extension jumbo drawers when designing your high-end kitchen, that allows you to see everything inside, neatly arranged and easy to reach.

6.  Freedom to open draws completely

Traditional drawers that open partially don’t allow you a complete view of what is inside.  Full-extension drawers that pull out all the way allows you to see everything that is inside.

7.  Tricky corner unit

Kitchen corner units have traditionally always been a problem.  When designing your high-end kitchen space, you need to take into consideration how the cabinets open,  accessibility to items inside and rational use of space. Good solutions are corner base units with receding doors, and carousel racks are more ergonomic than a base unit with fixed shelves.

Remember you have the right to live in a safe, comfortable, functional environment so when you buy something, make sure it is ergonomically right for your, as well as beautiful.

Other considerations when designing a high-end kitchen

A quality high-end kitchen is an investment, make sure you work with manufacturers that carry quality marks. Read about what quality marks mean in luxury kitchens here.

Planning a new high-end kitchen?  Looking at a modular unit or a kitchen with a continuous worktop?  Maybe a kitchen unit with plinths or rather wall-hung?  Here are some practical design tips when planning your luxury kitchen.

Don’t leave your high-end kitchen in the dark, read here about how to use task, accent and general lighting in your kitchen.

Valcucine South Africa is part of the The Excellence Group.

 

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