Associated with cleansing and renewal, the bathroom is arguably the most important relaxation space in the home. Meanwhile, the kitchen forms the heart of many contemporary residences, a place where families come together and memories are made. As a result, these rooms are of huge significance to architects and their clients alike, particularly when it comes to product and material specification. It is vital for kitchen and bathroom products to not only look good, but also function seamlessly and stand the test of time. For architects, this means selecting manufacturers with an intimate understanding of architectural detailing and finishes.
Enter Mila International, a pioneering manufacturer specializing in stainless steel sinks that form the centerpiece for kitchens and bathrooms of modern homes around the globe, As its name suggests, the primary inspiration for Mila International is the legendary architect Antonio Gaudi, characterized by the curves of nature and crafted using cutting edge materials that ensure each sink maintains its luster for a lifetime, Given their timeless quality and iconic inspiration, it’s no surprise that Mila’s Batll6, Guell and Vessel bathroom sinks scooped a prestigious 2020 A+Product Award in the Fixture and Fittings category.
We spoke with Mila lnternational’s Scott Yu about these stunning sinks, and the meticulous design and manufacturing processes that set them apart from their competitors.
Mila International’s Gold Batllo sink; image courtesy Mila International
Paul Keskeys: Congratulations on winning your 2020 A+Award! What does winning this accolade mean to you and your brand?
Scott Yu: To be recognized by an organization whose mission is to empower architects with information to build better buildings, better cities, and a better world is a great honor and speaks directly to our company’s founding principle. Mila International was established to resolve problems resulting from existing sink installation methods. This desire to find a solution led to the creation of the world’s first flush-mount sink, continuously advancing manufacturing processes and developing new technologies.
What inspired the design of your new top-mount bath products?
Mila lnternational’s product designers traveled the world for inspiration for our new line of top-mount bathroom sinks that were inspired by the work of the Catalonian Architect Antoni Gaudí. Our BATLLÓ model borrowed the beautiful lines in Mr. Gaudí’s Casa Batlló, an icon of Barcelona. The GÜELL was defined by Park Güell, a truly stunning architectural achievement. The BATLLÓ, VESSEL, and GÜELL line of bathroom sinks feature a distinguished linear drain that breaks with conventional circular drains to showcase the beauty and style of each model.
Gray PVD Satin Brushed Stainless Steel Battlo Sink; image courtesy Mila International
Tell us about the manufacturing process — What are the key stages involved and how do these help ensure a high quality end product?
We use only true 16 gauge, 1.5MM thick 304 stainless sheets to manufacture our products, ensuring our sinks can withstand the punishment and abuse a sink endures. Our Flush Mount sink rim uses wither 6 gauge thick stainless steel or extruded stainless steel structure support tubing to ensure the sink rims are structurally stable, the rim is 100% flat and square. Technologies we developed to ensure our PATENTED “TRUE” flush sinks easily meet the requirements of flush mounting a sink.
We are consistently seeking out and inquiring the latest manufacturing equipment and technology. By leveraging the latest machinery and refining our manufacturing technique, we not only ensure we improve our day-to-day product quality, but new manufacturing methods also inspire us to create new product lines that help us become the leader in the stainless steel sink industry.
Rose Gold Güell Sink; image courtesy Mila International
What makes your product unique and of great value to specifying architects?
From the time stainless steel sinks were introduced in the early 1930’s, sink mounting options have been limited to under-mount or drop-in installation. These methods resulted in a range of issues from water seal maintenance to mold, mildew, and bacteria build-up in the gaps between the sink and under the countertop. We recognized the need for a better installation alternative to solve those problems, yet practical and easy to install.
Flush-mount Installation sinks are the solution to problems caused by existing mounting methods. This problem-solving aspect of our product is of great value to the architectural community. TRUE Flush-mount sinks have several advantages which overcome problems found with existing mounting methods:
- Flush-mount installation does not leave the countertop exposed, eliminating damage to the countertop and around the sink.
- The sink rim is flush with the countertop for easy cleaning.
- Flush-mount installation eliminates gaps between the countertop and the sink where dirt, germs, mildew, and mold accumulate.
- Mila sinks are mounted flush with the countertop with only a 1/32″ seam. There is no large GAP to caulk or fill like the under or top mounted sinks. These large gaps create maintenance issues over time.
Mila International’s Atelier Series kitchen and bathroom sinks at 875 Comstock Ave; images courtesy Mila International
What detail of your product was most challenging to design, and how did you resolve it?
The ATELIER Series is an innovative and patented line of sinks that pioneered the flush-mount utility in the kitchen and bath industry. Our flush-mount sinks are designed and built specifically for flush-mounting to the countertop, creating a dramatic effect that has changed the way kitchen and bath sinks are specified in the industry.
The flush mount sink rim was the most challenging part of the development. In order to flush mount a sink flush with the countertop, the sink rim has to be perfectly FLAT, straight on all 4 sides, and the corners have to be 100% square. However, the sink also has to be structured in order to support and suspend the bowl in the sink opening. We knew there is nothing on the market to provide a starting point, so we set out to acquire the most developed new laser welding methods in-house which not only allow us to make these complex flush mount sink rims, but also enable us to produce the best stainless steel sinks.
What has the reception to your product been like from architects?
We’ve received an incredible reception by the architectural community because of the problem-solving aspects of our products, but it’s the beautifully distinctive designs and added rim profiles and color selections that are particularly exciting to the design community. Consumers have found value in the advantages of flush-mount sinks that result in a kitchen or bath sink installation that is easy to clean and leaves no exposed countertop for potential damages and a flush mounted sink simply looks better.
Gold Profile Sink; images courtesy Mila International
How do you see the product evolving in future?
While we continue to be inspired by the world around us, our vision is to translate that inspiration into beautiful, functional products that defy what is considered possible in the world of sink manufacturing. We have also developed a new patent pending method in making sinks. Our four latest low profile flush-mount sink models: PROFILE, ARC, CRESCENT, and LOUVRE, continue to push those boundaries. Each kitchen and bath sink features a lower profile rim that simply melts into the countertop and and unites the countertop with the sink as one unit in popular finishes, PVD Gold, Graphite, Satin Brushed Stainless Steel, and Powder Coat White.
Discover more of Mila International’s innovative products and reach out to them for more information, check out their website.