Most Read
Most E-mailed
Print Article
A large working kitchen used for demonstrating appliances and cooking techniques to the public utilizes Zodiaq on its horizontal surfaces. Oversize building blocks of Corian rise out of the ground in a pocket park in Cambridge and transform themselves into a child-friendly medieval castle and play area. Solid surface goes Art Deco in a tri-color Corian conference table designed and built for a local magazine.
These are the winners of the first annual SolidSurface Design Contest, which challenged designers and fabricators of solid surface and stone products to stretch the limits of their creativity and fabrication expertise. Ranging in size and scope from a single conference table to an entire park, each winning project transcends pie-in-the-sky creative fantasy by finding practical and commercial application in an everyday working environment.
Best Commercial
James R. McLain, CKD
Signature Kitchens & Baths of Charleston, Inc.
Charleston, S. C.
Project Name: Live Cooking Display
Location: Charleston, S. C.
Objective/Scope
The objective of this project was to provide a large display area in which to demonstrate appliances and various cooking techniques. The scope included design and selection of materials for cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances and plumbing fixtures.
Challenges
The first challenge was to select the most durable and functional materials while breaking up the monotony of large expanses of countertop and cabinetry. The second challenge was to provide two large sources of ventilation without blocking the observers view during cooking demonstrations.
Solutions
The cabinetry chosen for the area incorporates wood, stainless steel and glass doors arranged in an artful, soft, contemporary fashion. The effect is exciting and highly functional. To break up the large expanse of countertop, two materials were integrated for function and elegance: Zodiaq and stainless steel. Zodiaq was also chosen for the backsplash material due to its durability and ease of cleanup. The main workspace and seating areas utilize Zodiaq while a stainless steel countertop with custom-formed 6-in. double e radius edge is used to integrate with the professional appliances employed in the kitchen.
Two large custom stainless steel hoods solved the problem of smoke and odor elimination from the showroom and office environment.
Most Innovative
Joel Miller
Sterling-Miller Designs, Inc.
Brockton, Mass.
Project Name: Maple Avenue Park
Location: Cambridge, Mass.
Objective/Scope
Maple Avenue Park is a neighborhood park nestled within historic Victorian residences in the city of Cambridge, Mass. The objective of the project was to create a play environment for children utilizing components that look like oversized children’s building blocks. In essence, the entire site becomes the play space, with some blocks built into structures and other blocks just spilled over into the site.
A second objective was to use materials that are smooth and splinter-free, are never too hot to the touch, are resistant to graffiti and water damage, are repairable and require minimal maintenance. The “feel” of the structures should invite children to climb over, sit on, slide on and glide over the surface. The historic nature of the neighborhood also requires sensitivity in color selection.
The centerpiece of the park is a castle (approximately 20’ x 15’ x 10’) constructed of Corian “building blocks,” surrounding a sand play area. The castle area is interspersed with benches and tables also designed to look like building blocks, thereby echoing the block theme throughout the park. Approximately 80 sheets of DuPont Corian were used to create the structures.
