Interview about Lagoon Kitchen, winner of the A' Kitchen Furniture, Equipment and Fixtures Design Award 2025
Lagoon is a kitchen design inspired by the dance of blue-green Aegean waves on pearl coral reefs and the mystical collision of waves merging with golden sand grains. It reflects the harmony of Greek temple architecture, mythology, and the bond of nature and light. Hellenistic carvings, bronze accents, and handcrafted cabinet doors with gold leaf and blue paint evoke a mythic aesthetic. Constructed from solid wood, lacquered finishes and Volakas marble, it integrates technologies like single-finger door systems, automated drawers, and adjustable lighting, blending tradition with modern comfort.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsMy visit to Ephesus in July 2022 was a turning point in shaping the conceptual foundation of Lagoon Kitchen. Walking among the ruins and witnessing the refined proportions, columned spaces, and interplay between light and shadow deeply influenced how I approached the idea of a kitchen not just as a utilitarian space but as an architectural experience. The fluted motifs, stepped forms, and the serene balance of symmetry found in Hellenistic structures inspired the layout and vertical rhythm of the design. Lagoon Kitchen reflects this spirit by merging timeless Greek aesthetics with a contemporary spatial flow that feels both ceremonial and functional.
The idea of introducing varying countertop heights came from observing how people naturally gather and move around kitchen spaces. In Lagoon Kitchen, the different levels allow for a seamless transition between preparation, presentation, and conversation. The raised marble block serves as a sculptural anchor, reminiscent of an altar, while the lower wooden surfaces invite more relaxed interaction. This configuration encourages both utility and sociability, turning the island into a dynamic landscape rather than a static work surface.
Creating the finishes for the cabinet doors was like composing a layered painting. We started with hand-applied blue pigments to evoke the depth of the Aegean Sea, then added delicate touches of gold leaf to reflect the warmth of sunlit shores. Finally, we used copper oxidation techniques to introduce an organic unpredictability. No two panels are exactly alike. The result is a surface that feels alive, shifting in tone with the light…
Merging ancient temple aesthetics with modern functionality was one of the most rewarding challenges of this project. We wanted the space to feel like a place of ritual, with tall vertical forms and symmetrical balance, but also to operate with ease. Hidden automated drawers, single-finger touch systems, and soft-close mechanisms were carefully integrated behind classical detailing. This required precise planning so that modern elements would remain invisible until used. The goal was to let innovation serve the design quietly, allowing the mythic atmosphere to remain undisturbed.
The fluted details in Lagoon Kitchen were directly inspired by the columns of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Temple of Apollo in Didim. The stepped base of the island echoes the temple foundations, while the vertical cabinet divisions reflect classical colonnades. We also designed the lighting to mimic the way sunlight filters into ancient structures, creating a calm and sacred atmosphere. These references helped us root the kitchen in a sense of place and history while keeping the overall design contemporary and functional.
We chose Volakas marble for both its physical beauty and symbolic resonance. Its subtle grey veining against a soft white background reminded me of seafoam gliding over golden shores. It became the perfect metaphor for the meeting of land and water. This marble anchors the island unit while harmonizing with the warm-toned cabinetry and brushed brass details. It was important for us that the material not only elevate the aesthetic but also deepen the emotional and cultural associations within the space.
The upper lift system was born from a desire to challenge conventional kitchen ergonomics. Traditional overhead cabinets can be difficult to access, especially for users of different heights. By integrating a motorized lift mechanism, we created a way for these upper compartments to gracefully descend to the user’s level with a single touch. The movement is quiet and slow, in harmony with the temple-like ambiance of the kitchen. It adds a sense of ceremony to even the most ordinary task, reinforcing our belief that luxury lies in both ease and experience.
The sculptural elements and detailed carvings in Lagoon Kitchen required meticulous collaboration between digital and human processes. We used CNC milling to achieve consistency in the fluting and relief patterns, especially in curved corners and layered frames. However, the final definition and surface texture were refined by hand to remove the rigidity of machine precision. This interplay between technology and touch was essential in capturing the expressive quality of Hellenistic stonework, where craftsmanship was always visible in the smallest details.
Lighting was essential in creating the calm and timeless atmosphere we envisioned for Lagoon Kitchen. The fade-to-black system allows the lights to dim gradually, much like the shifting light in ancient temples. This soft transition enhances the sculptural details without overwhelming them. It brings a sense of calm and elegance to the space, making everyday use feel more thoughtful and immersive.
Winning a Silver A’ Design Award with Lagoon Kitchen affirmed our belief that cultural memory can live within modern environments in ways that are relevant and inspiring. This project has shown us that the kitchen can evolve beyond minimalism and convenience to become a sculptural and emotional center of the home. I believe it opens new pathways for integrating regional identity, craftsmanship, and advanced technology into future kitchen design. It encourages a design philosophy that respects the past while embracing the intelligence of the present.
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