KBB - May/June 2012 - (Page 56)

FAVORITES 1 2 Workshop/apd’s Top Product Picks Andrew Kotchen and Matthew Berman don’t believe in design and architectural trends. Instead, the principals of workshop/ apd, and two of today’s most acclaimed designers, tackle every project with a fresh pair of eyes. Whether they’re developing a new public space—such as their recent LEED-platinum project readapting a 1857 former U.S. Marine Corps Commandant’s home in Brooklyn, NY, into an exhibition and visitors center celebrating the Navy Yard’s past, present and future—or renovating a residential retreat, they look beyond the immediate to find an angle that’s more intriguing and less predictable. “Our design philosophy is simple: design first,” said firm principal Berman. “This means that whatever the challenge or the budget, we are committed to providing solutions that are unique and well-conceived.” The pair encourages clients to focus on overall continuity, without placing too much emphasis on a particular product. “Materials need to be thought of as notes in a symphony,” Berman said.“If one dominates or many compete to be the loudest, the result will be jarring and awkward.” Nevertheless, there are a few items they believe contribute to the sustainability, quality and function of the kitchen and bath. In 2010, they paired up with Italian kitchen manufacturer Aster Cucine to create Timeline (3), a signature cabinetry line developed around the belief that “the kitchen—and, therefore, kitchen furniture—should reflect the same level of quality and design as fine living or dining room furniture.” Though the collection features rich and expressive details, it remains “balanced and versatile.” Berman said. The pair loves the customizable capabilities of Corian (2).“We continue to be fascinated by the possibilities of this highly malleable material, and we use it in many projects, from custom wall panels to custom sinks and furniture,” noted Berman, adding that he likes the way light spreads evenly over the matte white finish. “It is much more than just a countertop!” In the bath, both prefer faucet finishes that “introduce patina and have more depth,” Berman noted, such as black nickel, blackened steel and oil-rubbed bronze, which are available from California Faucets (4). In addition, he recommends the company’s online Virtual Faucet Creator for exploring the “tremendous variety of style choices.” “The simple addition of a teak tray to a shower floor gives any bathroom a spa-like feel,” noted Berman, who recommends custom-sized trays from MTI (1). “I love the way it feels on the feet, and I like the effect of watching the water drain between the slats.” “We’ve long loved the TOTO Aquia dual-flush toilet (5),” added Berman, emphasizing that its simple design “fits with any aesthetic.” Together, Berman and Kotchen prove that an intimate understanding of function, combined with a progressive use of materials, can be translated into successful, sustainable real-world projects. n 3 4 56 5 + K BB May/June 2012 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - May/June 2012

KBB - May/June 2012
Table of Contents
Online Contents
Editorial
Show Director’s Note
Road to KBIS
Web Savvy
Trends
Products
Abroad
Education
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - May/June 2012