2012 Milan Furniture Fair

Ergonomics and freedom reinterpreted - the interior of the new drawer and pull-out system

Aich, Germany, April 2012 - bulthaup is redefining kitchen design: the new bulthaup b3 interior fitting system for drawers and pull-out elements signifies a break with the rigid organizational structures of the past. The old systems made it necessary to store silverware, cooking utensils and other tools in right-angled containers - and to align working practices with these organizational structures, and not the other way around. Now, for the first time, the user can design drawers as they see fit, and change them at any time, with ease and speed. The exclusive focus on function has been replaced by a focus on intuition, creating an entirely new user experience, a new sensuality. This kitchen adapts to people, and to people's changing lifestyles and imperatives.

The user in the director's chair

The user becomes the "director" of his kitchen, with the power to redefine its scenography - on a daily basis, if that is his wish. The horizontal nature of the functional prisms in the drawers creates an entirely new and fascinating look, greater transparency of organization, and exceptional ergonomics, with easy access for both right-and left-handed users. The drawers continue to serve as a means for storing utensils such as knives, forks, pots and pans. But now they can be freely configured, and flexibly reconfig- ured. Making the system suitable for any lifestyle, for any culinary tradition and preference. 

It is also possible to segregate storage items by type (pots, tableware, food. etc.). The design of all elements, including the pull-out elements, is aligned with the new, flexible structure. They can be adjusted not only in the horizontal plane, but also in the vertical. A static structure is replaced by a collage of life, an emotional mirror of the individual personality. Every drawer, every pull-out element says something about the character - and the eating and cooking preferences - of the user.

Freedom and organization

To enable maximum personalization of the kitchen space, bulthaup offers a growing portfolio of accessories. This includes sliding elements of diverse sizes, which structure and dynamically change the space of the functional prisms in the drawers. They allow the user to create and organize themed zones and islands, to set priorities, to create primary and secondary areas. The shape of these sliding elements mimics the functional prisms. 

In addition to the standard range, the bulthaup collection features elegant containers - where required, with an exclusive leather lining - for storing silverware, utensils, cookies, sugar or other items. The containers are a perfect fit for the functional prisms, but can be easily removed and placed in other locations. These elements can be used to great effect outside the drawers, for example on dining tables or worktops. Moreover, bulthaup offers modular knife holders in two sizes, each for two knives. The user can combine the modules to create a personal knife holder set. The integrated knife blocks make it easier to grip the knives, and are designed to match the sliding elements. 

A new sensuality and individuality are also tangible elsewhere, for example when it comes to herbs and spices. Containers in a variety of sizes are available for seasonings from all four corners of the globe. Their shape is aligned with the functional prisms, making it easy for the containers to be grasped and removed. They can be arranged according to themes, type or season - creating colorful patterns that reflect the preferences and cooking style of the user in a unique way. The unconventional design is as attractive as it is practical: when placed on the worktop, the containers are inclined towards the cook, and when placed on a table, they are inclined towards the diner.

About bulthaup

Founded in 1949, bulthaup is today a global leader in the premium kitchen sector. The independent family-owned and operated business is now entering its third generation, with CEO Marc O. Eckert - grandson of founder Martin Bulthaup and nephew of Gerd Bulthaup - at the helm. bulthaup's commit- ment to quality, function and design, combined with a genuine passion and talent for innovation, have made the brand a driving force in the market.