HIMACS Solid Surface Dominates the Nook House’s Bright Kitchen-Diner | Studio 163

HIMACS Solid Surface Dominates

Although the job of transforming a small, dark kitchen into a large, naturally-lit space with a dining area, opening up into the house’s garden seemed simple, the real challenge of the project for architecture firm Studio 163 was turning a narrow, poorly-lit room into a large, bright kitchen-diner while making hardly any changes to the building’s facade. It was crucial to maintain the original design of the facade as this area of London has a marked Art Deco architectural style.

Studio 163 proposed to extend the side of the house and create a window in the rear facade. This would in turn make the ground floor bigger and create a new multi-functional space. The idea had been to make the most of the space for which a nook had been created in the window aperture which morphs as a reading space, storage for children’s games or a seat by the breakfast table.

Elemental properties of HIMACS

It is the use of neutral palette with white in dominance and the variety of materials such as HIMACS solid surface that plays a pivotal role in making the room appear bigger and brighter. Its exceptional properties make the material a winner and provide limitless possibilities for surfacing solutions. It can be moulded into any shape and is widely used for architectural and interior applications such as sculptural and high performance wall-cladding or kitchen, bathroom and furniture surfaces, in commercial, residential and public space projects. It is composed of minerals, acrylic and natural pigments that come together to provide a smooth, non-porous and visually seamless surface which meets the highest standards for quality, aesthetics, fabrication, functionality and hygiene, thereby offering manifold advantages over conventional materials.

HIMACS uses a simple heating process to give 3D thermoplastic forming capabilities that allows visually seamless designs and offers a virtually limitless range of colours and exhibits a special translucency when exposed to light. Although HIMACS is almost as robust as stone, it can be worked in a similar way as wood such as it can be sawn, routed, drilled or sanded.

Form and functionality

For the countertops on the central island and kitchen worktops, as well as the sinks, HIMACS had been chosen primarily for its excellent durability and robustness. The complete absence of seams or pores in the surface of the material makes it an ideal choice for use in a space such as a kitchen, where hygiene is fundamental. It’s totally homogeneous surface prevents the accumulation of dirt and possible spread of bacteria, making it easier to clean and maintain and also aesthetically balances the appeal.

Project details

Architects: Studio 163

Contractor: John Walsh

Fabrication: Specialist Commercial Joinery

Civil and structural engineers: Design ID

Kitchen: Ikea and Plykea

Wine cellar: The Stone Cellar Company

Photograph courtesy: Emmanuelis Stasaitis Photography

Material information

Countertops and sink: HIMACS Arctic White, Alpine White

Floor: Forbo Eternal deLuxe vinyl sheet in light concrete

Splashback: Diespeker Terrazzo slab TE038

Kitchen furniture: Ikea

Window joinery: SCJ Joinery (Specialist Commercial Joinery) with integrated cushion designed to measure using Basel Kvadrat fabric

Lighting: Flos IC S2 brass ceiling lighting / Astro trimless round recessed downlights

Budget: £100,000

×
×

Post Your Comment


"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us hello@surfacesreporter.com or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

Rattan and Ironwood Define Arthur Mamou-Manis 30-Meter Tri Hita Karana Tower in Bali

French architect Arthur Mamou-Mani has completed the 30-meter-high Tri Hita Karana Tower made of rattan and ironwood on Balis Nyanyi beach.

Read more

Warm Wood Paneling and Rich Color Palette Define Ultraconfidentiels 19,000 sq. ft. Head Office for Rockman Industries and Hero Electronix | Gurgaon

Ultraconfidentiel’s new 19,000 sq. ft. head office for Rockman Industries and Hero Electronix in Gurgaon redefines corporate design by fusing industrial heritage with modern aesthetics.

Read more

Iranian-Inspired Brick Facade of This Building in Tehran Regulates Heat and Filters Harsh Sunlight

The Zendegi Building in Tehran by Faraman Design combines traditional Persian architecture with modern functionality. Its brick facade, inspired by Iranian heritage, regulates heat while allowing natural light and ventilation.

Read more

AIM Architecture Connects Timber Buildings with Flowing Canopies and Intimate Landscapes | The Spine Resort | China

The Spine Resort, designed by AIM Architecture in Sichuan, features interconnected buildings linked by sweeping, undulating canopies.

Read more


This is alt