Danish architect Knud Kapper has drawn from the tradition of handmade, mid century furniture to create the new eco-friendly Living Kitchen Architecture series which was recently unveiled in New York. The pieces are attentively hand built from solid woods that were harvested from sustainably managed forests under stringent regulations. Engaging, durable and finished with natural wood treatments, Kapper’s kitchen furnishings have a built-in longevity that embody the core meaning of the rooms they establish.
The progressively green line is available in certified plantation-teak, walnut, ash and oak woods – all solid. All natural oil and soap finishes use renewable plant materials which are easy on the environment as well as indoor air quality. As the pieces age, owners can embrace the seasoned appearance or renew the look with light sanding and reapplication of the eco-friendly wood treatments.
The craftsmanship from Hansen Living cabinetmakers is evident in details like tenoned joints which, in addition to being beautiful, also provide superior strength and durability. While built to last and endear, the absence of toxic finishes and materials makes the Living Kitchen highly recyclable.
Kapper’s fresh designs are a culmination of decades of collaborations with homeowners and professional chefs. The kitchens include many unique and intelligent features that can be appreciated by cooks of any ability. Perforated drawer bottoms, ergonomic design and easily cleanable surfaces are just a few of the well thought out highlights from Living Kitchen.
Steeped in classic design, fine craftsmanship and environmental stewardship, Living Kitchen Architecture won a prestigious ICFF Best Kitchen and Bath product award in 2004. Now available in North America, the versatility, ease and beauty of the pieces are likely to capture the attention of US-based homeowners as well and become permanent, eco-friendly fixtures in contemporary American kitchens.
+ Hansen Living
Via Susan Serra Associates
where to seen in nyc?
There are different views on the sustainability of FSC and PEFC certified wood. While FSC has a more environmentalist approach, PEFC has a more industry-friendly approach. FSC is also more independant from the wood industry, There is a blog entry under http://publicaffairs.twoday.net/stories/4625401/, but it is only in German.
How inspiring! The Europeans really “get” innovation in design while caring for the environment. I love the wood that is shown in the furniture. I just want to touch it! Also the clean lines are very inviting and that firepit in the wall, ooooohhhh la la. You continue to inspire me Inhabitat with your eco-fabulous reporting. I’m going to blog about this soon on my eco-blog: http://www.planetpinkngreen.com where I spend most of my days highlighting those high thinkers and eco-action-mavericks who are shaking up the planet in healthy and meaningful ways. Keep up your great work! —Cheryl Janis from Planetpinkngreen.com
Now don’t get me wrong these look great and I want one but why does this whole article sound like a marketing press release from go to woe…?
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Mr. Clicky, I was wondering the same exact thing and I am the one who wrote the press release! The press release is very much different in verbiage, but with similar concepts. This is a very well thought out and studied analysis/description of this product. It is the author’s original work and opinion, which I agree with and am appreciative of. It’s a stunning product, and is designed with much intelligence and with an ergonomic as well as a sustainable purpose.