We are particularly fond of telling the stories of those encounters that illustrate the symbiosis between man and material. Nicolas Yazigi is the perfect example of that quest for creativity and perfection, and above all of a relentless search for innovative materials. HIMACS is one of those materials. Not only does it allow designers to explore new creative frontiers, but it also pairs perfectly with traditional materials.
As a woodworker and interior designer, he’s used his talents in this project to create a perfect harmony between indoor and outdoor, with a surprise-filled kitchen designed down to the smallest detail, paired with an outdoor bar and table, all made using HIMACS Marmo.
The kitchen, between design and technical prowess
Opening onto the living room, and offering a convivial feel created by the table extending out from the central island, the kitchen draws attention thanks to its sleek lines and selection of materials of oak and HIMACS.
The impressive 4 m island features a functional half, all made of HIMACS. Seemingly carved from a solid piece, it includes an integrated hob, as well as drawers and storage that are flush with the vertical façades.
The extending wenge-tinted oak breakfast-bar gives striking appeal to the ensemble. It also adds a touch of warmth and ties the kitchen in to the more earthy tones of the living room.
Perfectly aligned with today’s increasingly connected world, the island’s worktop has an extra feature: an access box sculpted into the worktop encloses electrical outlets where smartphones and tablets can be left to charge while protected from the risk of splashing.
Nicolas Yazigi’s client requested, “a sufficient number of electrical outlets on the island and splashbacks, but I couldn’t bring myself to install those standard plastic ones. As I continued to discover the incredible possibilities of HIMACS, I decided to push the boundaries in a quest for flawless design, without compromising safety. I carved into the material to house live, neutral and earth wires, then I fixed the socket to the back of the box.”
As for the generous and functional fittings outside of the island, nothing was left to chance.
First, there are two alcoves hidden behind doors, each with a pull-out structure made of HIMACS. Both include a splashback fitted with electrical outlets for small kitchen appliances.
Thanks to the hygienic properties of HIMACS, the worktops offer a smooth surface, perfect for making meals and extremely easy cleaning. Also, because it’s non-porous and visibly seamless, dirt and bacteria don’t penetrate into the material, which makes it the ideal choice for kitchens where there can be no compromise on hygiene.
The thermoformed sink was combined with a seamless splashback for optimal hygiene.
Another added detail consists of an LED strip that runs around the underside of the worktop. Not only does it add the finishing touch, but it also ties the HIMACS worktop in nicely with the oak kitchen units. The plinths are also made using HIMACS, which means they can withstand moisture from floor cleaners.
Let there be light!
Lastly, lighting is often reduced to a simple technical feature in the kitchen, making it difficult to reconcile with design, partly due to electric wiring. Here, Nicolas Yazigi once again proved his ingenuity.
Two rectangular pendant lights face each other, one is made of oak and the other of HIMACS, in keeping with the theme in the kitchen. There is no visible wiring thanks to a clever system used to hang them from the oak ceiling light.
Another noteworthy detail: the HIMACS cornice above the fixtures that reflects the LED lighting.
Open bar
As for the terrace bar and table, the starting point of the project consisted of using the same material used in the adjoining indoor kitchen. HIMACS was one of the only suitable materials for this job. It has been growing in popularity in outdoor projects thanks to its many properties: non-porous, hygienic, easy to clean, durable and resistant to UV rays.
Seemingly carved from a solid piece, the bar design consists of HIMACS solid surface inside and out. Nicolas Yazigi recognises that “the constraint was to make sure that the joins did not disrupt the pattern of veins in the HIMACS material. Moreover, it required specific bonding technology, which had to be reinforced to provide the durability needed to protect the unit against the weather challenges throughout the year”
The 2 m x 2 m table, with its sleek and airy design, features a perfectly smooth, weather-resistant tabletop. Stabilizing such a large piece was a definite challenge. The HIMACS tabletop sits on four steel legs, created in collaboration with the local blacksmith.
According to Nicolas, “This project was a challenge for me. HIMACS can be used in many fields of application, offering creative freedom and unparalleled durability. It inspires us to push our own limits, and as we say, ‘there’s a lot more under the cover’, and I continue discovering every day.”
PROJECT INFORMATION
LOCATION: Montpellier, France
DESIGN & FABRICATION: Nicolas Yazigi | HWS Habitat Workshop | www.hws.archi/
HIMACS DISTRIBUTOR: Planacryl | www.planacryl.com
HIMACS ELEMENTS: HIMACS Marmo — kitchen island, worktops, plinths, splashbacks, pendant lights, cornice — outdoor bar and table | www.himacs.eu
PHOTO CREDITS: © Nicolas Yazigi