Key Cucine: Tai_O

Tai_O by Key Cucine is created as a concept of space, as evolution, layout and synthesis.
Tai O, which literally means “large bay”, is a city of fishermen, situated in part on an island on the western side of Hong Kong. The name refers to the mouth of the water courses that come together and merge as they move through Tai O.

Like the city from which it takes its name, the new kitchen by Key Cucine, develops out of an island, around which all the other units gravitate. The island, enclosed and protected by wooden modules that, serving a practical, functional purpose, create a delicate aesthetic effect that adds its movement to the whole layout - an L shape that separates and distances the living area from the work area (kitchen).

The central L-shaped unit consists of two new wooden elements facing outwards: an architectural counter that looks like a display case, a cornice that can be customised, and a system of suspended doors that conceal another storage space. Both of these elements are made in millennium fossil oak, with its special dark colour that comes from the oxidation of the wood. On the opposite side, it encloses a metal element painted with "soft biotite" - a special painting treatment involving a subsequent satin finish - and a block Clauzetto marble block, a special limestone with pale grey base colour and characteristic fossil pattern. The mastery of Key Cucine is revealed, as well as in the choice of unique, precious materials, including in the detailed workmanship: the joints in the marble between the top and door fronts, finely worked and almost invisible, the marble sink recessed into the top, the doors on the fitted tall units and the wall panelling, ribbed in solid wood.