You'll do a double-take: Is it a kitchen island that transforms into a staircase? Or a staircase that emerges from a kitchen island? In reality, it's both—and it's a brilliantly unconventional solution. Created through a collaboration between Faber & Söhne and Heinemeyerbeck Architects, this approach emerged during the renovation of an existing building. Here's how it happened: "When we were renovating the building, the positioning and configuration of the kitchen island were critical decisions," recalls Dirk Faber, co-owner of Faber & Söhne Küchenmanufaktur. After considerable deliberation, the owners settled on placing the island lengthwise across the room. This meant the original staircase had to go—so they made the creative leap to integrate the stairs directly over the island.

Now the kitchen island anchors the entire space—both as a focal point and as a natural circulation hub. Solid, cool concrete treads dialogue beautifully with the delicate cantilevered steel staircase, creating visual tension and intrigue. The glazed upper floor—made possible only through this staircase-island combination—delivers an additional wow factor. To let these bold features take center stage, the tall kitchen cabinets step discreetly into the background, as does the pantry entrance hidden behind the right door of the matt black cabinetry. This restraint gives the staircase composition the breathing room it needs to fully command attention.

www.faber-soehne.de

Photography Credits:

Tomislav Vukosav
www.tomislavvukosav.com

(Published in CUBE Stuttgart 02|20)