Architectural Cases

During Milan Design Week 2026, Gaggenau showcases its latest architectural endeavor, 'Presence,' within the historic setting of Villa Necchi Campiglio. This sophisticated installation, developed in collaboration with architectural firm 1zu33 and featuring a culinary dimension by three-Michelin-star chef Tohru Nakamura, invites attendees on a journey of heightened awareness. It meticulously crafts a series of spaces using light, material, and precise proportions, designed to eliminate distractions and deepen the visitor's engagement with the brand's intrinsic values without the need for overt exposition.

This marks Gaggenau's third significant presentation at Milan Design Week, building on the success of 'A Statement of Form' in 2022 and 'The Elevation of Gravity' in 2024. The 'Presence' exhibit is a culmination of a long-standing partnership with 1zu33, reflecting a shared dedication to precision, materiality, and proportion. The objective is to forge a spatial experience characterized by clarity and thoughtful restraint, guiding individuals from the exterior into an internal world where every detail is meticulously curated.

The installation is not a static display but rather an evolving sequence of environments where Gaggenau's appliances are seamlessly woven into the architectural fabric as deliberate focal points. This integration ensures that each piece is encountered with distinct clarity, both individually and as a contributing element to the overarching design. Chef Tohru Nakamura's culinary contributions further enrich this spatial narrative, adding a layer of subtle gastronomic artistry that harmonizes with the visual and tactile elements of the exhibit.

Through a careful interplay of illumination, textures, and spatial relationships, 'Presence' distills each component to its fundamental essence. This approach allows visitors to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship and design philosophy of Gaggenau, fostering a profound connection with the brand's core identity. The exhibition underscores the power of understated elegance and the impact of a well-considered environment in conveying a brand's narrative.

The 'Presence' installation at Villa Necchi Campiglio during Milan Design Week 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the intersection of architecture, advanced appliance design, and culinary excellence. It encourages a meditative engagement, prompting a deeper understanding and appreciation for the deliberate choices that shape our living and culinary spaces.

In a recent architectural endeavor, a generously sized apartment in Crown Heights, New York, has undergone a significant transformation. Architect Jack Solomon, in collaboration with Brooklyn's KLN Studio, meticulously redesigned the space, merging an oversized layout into a cohesive and highly functional residence. The project, named 'Merged Apartment in Crown Heights', focused on creating a warmer, more intimate home environment for a newly expectant couple through innovative use of millwork, terrazzo, and strategic volumetric compositions.

Architectural Ingenuity in Crown Heights: A Harmonious Blend of Materials and Functionality

The transformation of the Crown Heights apartment, spearheaded by Jack Solomon's studio, is a masterclass in balancing aesthetic appeal with practical living. The project's central theme revolves around the interlocking volumes of custom millwork, complemented by exquisite terrazzo finishes and carefully chosen color palettes. Upon entering the residence, the kitchen immediately sets a welcoming tone. A wall-mounted sideboard, an extension of a cherished ceramic art collection, introduces texture and warmth to the entryway. A newly designed kitchen island serves as a focal point for communal gatherings while significantly boosting preparation space. A unique nesting butcher block integrated into the island offers versatility, allowing it to be lifted away for serving, thus adding a layer of adaptable functionality.

Throughout the apartment, a recurring vertical motif is subtly woven into the design, manifesting in a millwork screen, fluted tiling, and acoustic slat walls. In the guest bathroom, a fluted blue ceramic backdrop beautifully frames the bathtub, with terrazzo details providing a refined touch. The living area was reconfigured to create a focused corner, where an entertainment console and a home bar interlock seamlessly, providing elegant storage for the owners' extensive collections of books, records, and fine wines.

A clever reallocation of space from the bedroom allowed for an expanded primary bathroom, gaining essential counter space. This enhanced bathroom features an upgraded double-vanity niche, anchored by artisanal concrete tiles and a refreshing mint-hued terrazzo. On the bedroom side, an oak wardrobe wraps around the volumetric design, contributing to the integrated millwork theme. The collaborative effort with KLN Studio ensured that every bespoke millwork piece not only addressed spatial inefficiencies but also fulfilled the programmatic needs of the residents. The overarching design philosophy embraces minimalism, with integrated millwork serving as a unifying element that shapes a domestic life characterized by a perfect blend of functionality and spatial harmony.

This renovation exemplifies how thoughtful design can profoundly impact daily living. By reconfiguring an existing space with custom-built elements and a keen eye for material integration, the architects have crafted a home that is both aesthetically pleasing and profoundly responsive to its inhabitants' needs. The emphasis on minimalism, combined with functional innovation, offers a serene and highly efficient living environment, proving that even a merged apartment can become a sanctuary of harmonious design.