HANSEN “LIVING KITCHEN ARCHITECTURE” INTRODUCES MINIMALIST STYLING TO THE U.S. MARKETCOPENHAGEN & NEW YORK, MAY 10, 2008
Hansen, kitchen and bath furniture, made in Denmark, newly introduced to the U.S. in the first quarter of 2008, introduces its new, minimalist handle-free drawers to the United States marketplace. With new, “Tip On” fittings, the drawers will open with a gentle touch. Designed by Danish Architect Knud Kapper, MAA, MDD, the look is simple and elegant. Said Kapper: “This minimalist concept for Hansen expands our philosophy to
seamlessly connect the kitchen to surrounding rooms.”
The ergonomics of the minimalist drawer system is perfect for universal design applications, spanning all generations with its ease of function. Aesthetically, the minimalist kitchen and bath furniture styling, together with Hansen’s natural finishes, fits easily in any themed setting, from modern to traditional. A Hansen kitchen with minimalist drawers will be on display at ICFF.
This new minimalist drawer style takes the Hansen concept for elegant kitchen and bath furniture one step further for home interiors. Hansen furniture is well suited for today’s increasingly open, connected, spaces within the home. Hansen’s philosophy has been to create furniture for the kitchen, and with its newly introduced minimalist look for 2008, Hansen takes the kitchen to the next level, adding both comfort and function to the kitchen or bath. As kitchens are becoming ever larger, more important to a family’s life, and more connected to surrounding living spaces, Hansen’s “living kitchen architecture” answers the needs and desires of our contemporary lifestyle, in 2008.
Hansen won the prestigious ICFF award for Best Kitchen and Bath Product in 2004. Now, finally, in 2008, Hansen is available to the U.S. marketplace via Susan Serra Associates, Inc. in New York. Hansen is a 100% eco-friendly product, and is made of solid wood. The finishes used are natural oil and soap, based on renewable plant materials. The wood species are FSC Certified. Hansen uses plantation teak (when available), oak, ash, and walnut. Ever renewable, Hansen furniture can easily be refinished in a matter of hours, years down the road, or one can enjoy its aged patina over time. Hansen has designed its furniture to last, an important feature of the company’s strong eco-friendly philosophy.
Media Contact
Susan Serra, CKD
Susan Serra Associates, Inc.
Phone (+1) 631-754-0464
Email: susan@hansenlivingusa.com
Text
Hansen_Living_Release_ICFF1.pdf
Hansen_Living_Release_ICFF1.doc
Copenhagen & New York, February 28, 2008
COPENHAGEN & NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 28, 2008 – Hansen, kitchen and bath furniture, made in Denmark, introduces its eco-friendly "Living Kitchen Architecture" into the U.S., bringing a fresh, ergonomic and innovative point of view to the American kitchen and bath landscape. Designed by Danish Architect, Knud Kapper, MAA, MDD, this beautiful, solid wood, kitchen, bath and home furniture, designed to last
indefinitely, is unlike anything ever seen in the American kitchen and bath marketplace. "Entering the U.S. market is a major milestone for Hansen.” Said Kapper: “We feel Americans are open to new design concepts for the kitchen and bath, and we look forward to sharing our progressive products with them."
OF CLASSIC ORIGINS
Perhaps, once a decade, we see furniture designed for the home that over time, becomes classic. One timeless classic, the 1957 PK80 bench, newly installed in MOMA's galleries, was designed by renowned Architect Poul Kjaerholm under whom Knud Kapper MAA, MDD, studied. In the tradition of finely made, mid century Danish furniture, Hansen Living kitchens are surely destined to become classics in design and in durability as well. In fact, judges for the prestigious ICFF 2004 exhibition, in New York City, bestowed the award of Best Kitchen And Bath product to Hansen. Now, finally, Hansen kitchen and bath furniture is available in the U.S.
ECO FRIENDLY PHILOSOPHY I
Hansen kitchen and bath furniture is an honestly, eco friendly, product. Made of solid wood, from managed forests, Hansen furniture is available in plantation-teak, walnut, ash, and oak. The oil or soap finishes used are an all natural wood treatment, based on renewable plant materials. The finishes are environmentally and ecologically friendly and completely recyclable.
ECO FRIENDLY PHILOSOPHY II - EVER RENEWABLE
Hand crafted, solid wood kitchens are rarely seen in the kitchen and bath marketplace. In the spirit of the eco conscious philosophy “to renew”, Hansen kitchen furniture can be renewed, if desired, years down the road, by simply sanding and reapplying the eco friendly finish. Anyone can do it. The kitchen is then "as new." Or, one may enjoy the beautiful, aging, patina. This breakthrough feature for the U.S. kitchen and bath
marketplace, gives “real life” meaning to Kapper’s philosophy of “longevity by design.”
PROFESSIONAL CHEFS COLLABORATION
Knud Kapper, MAA, MDD, the architect behind Hansen Living, has, over the years, collaborated with top professional chefs and has listened to their comments and recommendations on creating healthy ways to
store common kitchen items. Kapper's innovative design of perforated steel bottoms in his drawers for fresh airflow, the ergonomic use of drawers with hand cuts, less upper cabinetry to feel more "free" in the cooking process, and to be able to thoroughly clean all around the cabinetry are just a few of the intelligent concepts designed into Hansen kitchens and baths.
"INSTANT KITCHEN - JUST ADD WATER"
Selected Quotes From Knud Kapper:
"Buy this classic piece of kitchen furniture, as you buy a sofa - ready, finished, built. I have designed the Instant Kitchen to include cooktop, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, mixer, mechanical entries – to use all of it or some of it, as you wish. Experience the innovative features, and the complete design. Look at the craftsmanship."
"Bring it into your home, make the mechanical connections, and cook the same day. It's 100% eco friendly timber. It lasts. The eco-oiled surface needs a minimum of maintenance. It is designed and made in the
Kingdom of Denmark. The walnut timber is sustainably harvested in the U.S. All other woods are from managed forests."
Hansen Living “Instant Kitchens” are perfect for: small homes and apartments, kitchen islands, pool houses, guest houses and suites.
LIVING KITCHEN ARCHITECTURE
Hansen kitchen, bath, and other furniture is available in Series 100 and Series 200. Series 100 is the original, and classic, Hansen design, featuring joined corners, often with contrasting wood tones and detailed craftsmanship. Series 200 is of minimalist styling, inspired by Japanese design elements. Hansen kitchens are available in standard sizes and prices, and are fully customizable as well. Hansen Kitchen Architecture fits beautifully, in an organically connected way, into a large suburban kitchen or tiny city apartment (“Instant Kitchen”).
Formal, informal, or modern home – Hansen’s timeless style and simple, yet elegant, design details, transcend the word “trend,” an important sustainable design philosophy.
Hansen’s details…the strong, yet beautiful, finger joints in the corners, the squared or rounded hand cutouts, the precision joinery of all wood pieces, smooth drawer glides, are examples of a well thought through design concept.
Hansen “Living Kitchen Architecture” has been a fixture on the European kitchen landscape since 1997, however, the concepts and designs have been created by Kapper since he began his architectural practice in the 1970's. Kapper maintains a design practice for clients who seek original, custom furniture designed for other rooms, entire home interiors, and new houses. Commissioned work is accepted on a limited basis.
INSTALLATION
Kitchens notoriously take weeks to install. Homeowners can easily be without their kitchens for 4-6 weeks. This is no longer the case, with Hansen Living kitchens. The kitchen furniture is delivered, installed, with dinner being cooked the same day! No complex parts and pieces to trim, to engineer, to have problems with on installation. No expensive installation fees. Countertops are ordered in advance, appliances easily installed, and it's now time to shop for dinner! The installation of Hansen kitchens can truly transform the American kitchen remodeling experience from 4-6 weeks, to 1 day, by design.
REPRESENTATION IN THE U.S.
Susan Serra, CKD, Certified Kitchen Designer, owner of Susan Serra Associates, Inc., will represent Hansen in the U.S. Serra’s design work has been widely published in national media publications. Serra frequently serves as a go-to source for editors on kitchen related information, trends, and more. As a Danish American, having traveled to/from Copenhagen her entire life, Serra is very enthusiastic to serve as U.S. distributor for Hansen kitchens, baths, and other furniture. Serra is undergoing a kitchen remodeling project, using Hansen kitchen furniture right now.
Media Contact
Susan Serra, CKD
Susan Serra Associates, Inc.
Phone (+1) 631-754-0464
Email: susan@hansenlivingusa.com
Text
Hansen_Living_Release_02-2008.pdf
