Read the below Q&A to find out how Valcucine has made sustainability part of our design ethos

1. How important is environmental awareness to your brand and what are the steps you/the brand have taken to minimise any negative impact on the environment during manufacture?

• Environmental awareness can be seen as a foundation for Valcucine’s three brand principle implementations. We consider the user’s wellbeing through using non-toxic environmentally conscious materials, timelessness through designing long lasting kitchens that are beyond the design trends and innovation in order to continue developing our sustainable solutions to design faced problems.

2. What materials (for countertops, cabinets, flooring etc) should homeowners focus on when looking to create an eco-friendly, sustainable kitchen space and why?

• One approach that Valcucine had to offer is the fully recyclable glass an aluminum kitchen, where our doors consist of an aluminum frame with a 2mm/5mm panel mounted in front of the frame. This results in a lighter door front outcome with less material used. In the Invitrum Carcass we use tempered glass for countertops, cabinets and shelves; along with aluminum for the different joints.

3. What are the biggest changes homeowners can consider making in their current kitchen spaces to make them eco-friendlier and/or sustainable

• Every small decision makes a difference, from things like smart appliance choices such as induction hob instead of electric hob, to doing research about your potential kitchen supplier’s environmental certifications and how they are working on saving the environment through design.

4. What are some of the more exciting innovations to help create more eco-friendly kitchen spaces? What can homeowners look forward to in the future to help them take better care of themselves and the planet?

• The Valcucine product continues to focus on the end user’s wellbeing parallel to the environment’s wellbeing, as we bring through factors such as material reduce and non-toxicity in almost every aspect we can. Even though our ergonomic Logica system may take some more space, it inevitably uses less material that adheres to the Japanese standards of a non-toxic material.

5. Which materials are the best choice for possible re-use or recycling in the future as far as flooring, furniture and countertops are concerned?

• Glass happens to be one of the few 100% recyclable materials which can also be recycled multiple times without having an effect on its lifespan. Valcucine’s biggest component is the use of glass in so many different ways, while still giving it a 10-year warrantee regardless of people’s glass fragility stigma.

A sustainable yet innovative kitchen

We have worked on extreme door dematerialisation to meet requirements in terms of form, functionality and silhouette. Riciclantica stands for “lightness and resilience.  The lightest door in the world it’s made up of an aluminium structure together with a sophisticated panel that is only 2mm thick.

This 2mm panel is available in various different metal & laminate finishes that are steam – heat and scratch resistant.

This makes it possible to plan kitchen layouts with wall-hung units, allowing for the utmost freedom of arrangement and movement and creating a durable and cutting-edge design.

Due to the remarkable reduction of materials used, combined with the eco-tech finishes, this kitchen is sustainable yet innovative. A Kitchen designed for those who pay a great deal of attention to their well-being and to living in harmony with nature.

TECHNICALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM

Using metals in your kitchen gives the kitchen layout a unique appearance.

The use of metals is inspired by professional kitchens and conveying their appeal is growing increasingly in homes because of its hygiene and resistance qualities.

Visit our Collections page to learn more about the Riciclantica Kitchen 

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.

Featured: House Cluer Island

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Featured: House Norval

Location: Cape Town, South Africa