Most architects and designers know that solid surfacing has capabilities that extend far beyond kitchen countertops and bathroom sinks. These manmade surfaces have been “sculpted” into everything from unique architectural elements and freestanding furniture to builtins and fixtures for some years now. Today, we’re highlighting a handful of recent cutting-edge and inspirational projects that incorporate two solid-surface brands that are particularly popular with architects right now: HI-MACS® (by LG Hausys) and Corian® (by DuPont).
Photography by Christian Richters
Dickens Apartment by Marc Fornes / Theverymany
In the renovation of a Parisian residence, Fornes devised an intriguing floating staircase and handrail, both of which incorporate Corian. Using a computer-generated script, he developed an organic perforated pattern for the rail that starts out more closed at the upper-level end and gradually becomes more open (or dematerializes) toward the bottom. The design was then fabricated by Machineous in Los Angeles before being installed on the stairs. The treads of the oak steps also sport matching Corian inlays to tie it all together.
Photography by Christian Richters
Flatiron House by FORM Studio
A unique central staircase connects five levels of this tight flatiron-shaped house. The triangular helical element is meant to feel fluid despite its shape, so the architects created a sinuous ribbon for the balustrade using white HI-MACS, ensuring a clear, framed view from the house’s upper levels all the way down to the basement.
© Bruce Hemming Photography
Photography by Bruce Hemming Photography
Redressed Duplex by Architecture in Formation
This New York City penthouse received a makeover from the architects with a “garment” of backlit, CNC-milled Corian and a striking floating staircase. The steps are CNC-water-jet-cut and CNC-folded steel plates that have been welded to a tube steel stringer and finished with white Corian.
Photography by Evan Joseph
Pedestrian Subway Reconstruction by Klaus Marek
A new undercrossing that connects the old southern section with the new northern side of the German town Schwäbisch Gmünd features gleaming white rain-screen walls made possible with HI-MACS surfacing. Some of the panels are thermoformed with curves that become subtle apertures out of which LED lighting provides indirect illumination and pops of color. The vertical and horizontal gaps (open joints) compensate for any panel-length shifting that can occur in certain temperatures and also ensure proper wall ventilation. The panels were fabricated by Rosskopf + Partner AG.
Photography by Uwe Röder
BMO Education Centre at the Krembil Discovery Tower by Eventscape
The main floor of this research center at Toronto Western Hospital directs visitors to its conference center and seminar rooms by way of three stunning focal columns. A layer of machine-rolled, mirror-polished stainless steel wraps the concrete structural columns but is then topped with a layer of seamless white Corian. Organic perforations cut into the solid surface offer glimpses of the hidden mirror layer.
Retail Design Expo Installation by Archistudio Podrini
In a few weeks, LG Hausys will be showcasing its HI-MACS surfacing product at the Retail Design Expo in London. The installation, designed by Archistudio Podrini and fabricated by Qubicle Solid Surface, will feature thermoformed and cut HI-MACS in a range of applications, from a decorative screen and walls with integrated ribbon-like display niches to swells that rise out of the floor to form display tables.
Manolo Blahnik Moscow by Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design
Posh Manolo shoes have an equally posh backdrop in this retail store thanks to lace-like, laser-cut, thin Corian panels. The diaphanous screens emphasize strong craftsmanship but also add a layer of privacy as well as mystery.
Shoebaloo by MVSA Architects
A luxury shoe and accessory store in Amsterdam displays its wares on a sinuous display system meant to evoke precious treasures. Lined HI-MACS clads the walls of the display while thin layers of HI-MACS form protruding curved shelves, continuing the linearity created by the wall ribbing.
Photography by Jeroen Musch
Madrid Tourism Office by Jose Manuel Sanz Arquitectos
Charged with modernizing this office at Plaza Mayor in Madrid, the architects implemented changes in spatial distribution and modern materials that form points of visually engaging contrast with the existing palette. It begins at the massive front desk: constructed of HI-MACS surfacing, the desk is really one continuous ribbon that runs the length of the entire office, morphing into benches, shelves and counters.
Photography by Jesús Granada