The problem with kitchen design often boils down to a kitchen’s life cycle. Everyone wants a new kitchens with new appliances, new cabinets, and new materials—but no matter how classic the design, the newness wears off fast. This leads to lots of remodeling, with the kitchen becoming the nexus of a redesigning cycle. Besides being costly, kitchen remodels create huge waste, often of non-recyclable materials.

Italian company Valcucine offers a new recipe for kitchens, one that is truly eco-conscious. The main ingredient in Valcucine’s green kitchen is Invitrum. This counter base unit is made from 100% recycled glass. The slim frame of Invitrum is made of recycled aluminum, which takes “just 5% of the energy needed to obtain primary aluminium.” But Invitrum is superior for other design innovations. While normal kitchen base units are installed side by side, Invitrum units are designed horizontally using a single “glass carcass.” The result is that Invitrum is 10 mm thick—as opposed to traditional cabinets, which can reach a thickness of 36 mm due to the side by side installation. Less material also equals less waste.

The best part of Invitrum is Valcucfdine’s realistic approach to kitchen longevity: Invitrum “can be dismantled at the end of its life cycle.” This is achieved easily, given that the base unit uses no glue (mechanical joints only) and the Ricicla door uses no screws or brackets—“thus expressing the concept of dematerialisation and total recyclability.” Valcucine is truly looking toward the future. Sleek designs and eco-friendly materials will outlast their competitors’ kitchens. Chances are, Valcucine will remain stylish long after other designs feel dated. When Valcucina does need to be replaced, its materials will live on.

via JetsonGreen