At the recently organized Salone del Mobile in Milan, SMEG and Stefano Boeri Interiors unveiled "ISOLA: where Technology and Design Shape New Horizons. We're talking about a collection of kitchen appliances featuring induction hobs, both with and without integrated hoods, along with an advanced floating exhaust system and matching lighting. ISOLA stands for "island" in Italian and the fact that the floating cooktop becomes visible on the countertop like an island. Good to take a closer look at this exciting introduction in this edition of Keukenbouw, because this is a special collaboration anyway. Made in Italy!
Speaking is Stefano Boeri, who immediately reflects on the long-standing collaboration with SMEG: "I met Roberto Bertazzoni almost twenty years ago, when I was editor-in-chief of Domus. Together with publisher Giovanna Mazzocchi, we visited him in the headquarters designed by Guido Canali. I immediately became fascinated then by their enlightened approach, seamlessly integrating design and technology into products, processes and locations. When his son, Vittorio Bertazzoni, suggested that I work together, it was an honor to meet them again. It was very special for me to become part of a legacy that includes such luminaries as Canali, Mario Bellini, Renzo Piano and Marc Newson. Naturally, I said 'Yes' to that immediately!"
Best described as an embrace of SMEG's philosophy of understated elegance, ISOLA is distinguished by its against-the-flow-in approach, emphasizing addition rather than reduction, which is especially evident in the design of the cooktop. Unlike conventional cooktops that are out of sight, the ISOLA cooktop takes center stage, with a 20 mm high edge adorned with elegant and catchy LED lighting. The raised glass top makes this cooktop a true eye-catcher in any kitchen.
Giorgio Donà, partner and director of Stefano Boeri Interiors, explains: "Our goal was to create an element with a distinctive brand identity, call it 'simple but impressive,' that not only stands out in its environment, but also inspires to make different choices during the design process. Moreover, the independent use of lighting reinforces this idea, which fits perfectly with the credo of SMEG itself: 'technology with style'.
ISOLA's integrated hoods combine sophistication and functionality, with attention to detail in their sophisticated finishes and customizable options, including black, taupe or satin stainless steel. These hoods operate with active extraction, even after cooking, to completely eliminate residual odors.
The perfect combination - cooktops and extractor hoods from the same collection - confirms that these appliances were not just designed as mere appliances but can be seen as inspiring design elements that work harmoniously together. ISOLA range hoods are also equipped with adjustable light intensity and an intuitive metal touch display, for a user-friendly experience. A floating light track complements the collection. It is designed to fit flawlessly with the various ISOLA cooktop variants with integrated hoods, adding an extra layer of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
In short ... with ISOLA, SMEG and Stefano Boeri Interiors show how technology and design can go hand in hand to ultimately create innovative kitchen solutions. This collection sets a new standard in kitchen construction, where design and functionality are thus perfectly balanced. How much fun is it now for every kitchen specialist in the Netherlands to start talking about this with the curious consumer? The answer? A lot of fun!