Style | Talking of Style

Function with a Flair

In recent years we have been seeing the appearance of an important new trend in the nautical world – a changing role for the galley. What used to be the exclusive preserve of the crew and on-board chef has become a place to prepare and enjoy meals together.
Now those owners who’d rather not share the experience of preparing food in a poorly-designed, unwelcoming setting are being offered new opportunities – and not only in terms of efficiency and functionality, but also from the point of view of comfort and looks.
Its innovative kitchen systems have given the German company Bulthaup a leading role in these exciting developments. Its kitchens, designed to meet any design and personalisation need, lend themselves perfectly to on-board installation.
As a result, the b3 system is showing off its exceptional qualities on yachts from the most important Italian and international yards. “The b3 system offers an almost infinite range of design possibilities, providing a response to all needs, including those in the nautical field,” explains Barbara Manganaro, who is the company’s Country Manager for Italy. “As their constituent elements can be fixed to the bulkheads, set on the floor or mounted on legs, they can fulfil every requirement. But the truly revolutionary aspect is now the functional wall.”

This solution, which conceals all the water, electricity and gas pipe and cable connections, can support a weight of one tonne per square metre of surface, so the kitchen can literally be hung on the functional wall, while the individual appliances and objects create sculptural effects. Instead of designing a kitchen on the basis of a plan, Bulthaup rejects tradition by defining the kitchen architecture itself. The walls are transformed into an active element, so the space can take up as much room as desired, without limitations, just as it does on board. The cupboards can hang freely in a rational, ergonomic way, according to design principles that give the kitchen a minimal, “floating” look. For the first time, then, furniture and panelling can develop on a horizontal plane, ensuring accessibility and functionality, as well as creating a lasting installation that’s intended as more than just a transitory element of décor.
The flexible mounting methods also become an aesthetic aspect of the system. The variable character and range of solutions offered create a variety of proportions and rhythms and give the space personality.
“Another key concept in the b3 philosophy is the ergonomic principle that all the volumes are within easy reach,” the Country Manager continues. “To achieve this result, the company deliberately chose to reject all those hard-to-reach shelves and cupboards in the lowest or highest elements of the system, focusing instead on the central area, directly above the work surface. The boxes and functional elements allow this space to be exploited extremely efficiently, with everything enhanced by timeless elegance.” Now it’s possible to cook in a more relaxed, comfortable way, with appliances, tools, tins and jars accessible without effort or acrobatics.
The German company sets new benchmarks in ergonomics, functionality and looks, offering interior architects and yacht designers exciting new opportunities. The space intended for preparing meals is increasingly becoming a centre of social exchange and a source of inspiration for a more extensive furnishing project.
“The emphasis Bulthaup has always placed on its ability to identify customised solutions,” Barbara Manganaro concludes, “is one that owners, who are inevitably in search of made-to-measure proposals, can’t fail to appreciate. Our aim is to create exclusive on-board galleys that meet any demand, far removed from mass tastes.”
That’s why the German team, with specialists in logistics, installation, project management, architecture and manufacture, is capable of finding responses to the widest range of needs, ensuring that every kitchen, at home or on a large yacht, is built according to the demands of excellence.
And this affinity with the owner’s lifestyle also influences another of the principles underpinning b3 kitchens, the use of authentic materials. Only high-quality materials are chosen to create this system, suitable for the applications they will be used for and enhanced by clear, linear design. B3 always emphasises precision, and this is clearly evident in every detail, from the functional boxes to the surface level sinks, units with solid wood light design fronts, edging and interior fittings. All in all, every single element displays tangible evidence of Bulthaup’s incisive quality and aesthetics.

Cristina Volontè

(Yacht Design, n. 5/2008)

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