Intent on capturing the scenographic quality of culinary life, Gabellini Sheppard and Nero Cucine have created NU, an unconventional and compact presentation of the elements of the kitchen. NU is a sculptural smart hub that combines Nero Cucine’s award-winning N037 wing top technology with Gabellini Sheppard’s design into an ‘off-the-wall’ performative stage. When the countertop is closed the system acts as a sculptural piece. When raised and recessed – it becomes a highly functional action station. Defined by two monoliths, one vertical and one horizontal. The vertical monolith is constructed of stainless steel panels with a unique gradated stainless steel in an ombre of dark to light The horizontal monolith has a tinted artistic glass enclosure while the action station’s marble top is made of Cipollino Verde marble from Italy. NU incorporates unique materiality with the best of Italian craftsmanship to mold an immersive sensory experience replete with the highest level of innovation. NU introduces rest and motion to illustrate both the enhanced function and beauty of the system’s innovation. The hub’s drawer interiors are lit from within and constructed of a warm walnut. The material palette for the collection is jewel-like in color and transparency, inspired by the glowing quality of gems. The anticipatory quality of the system’s smart technology, integrates Viabizzuno’s illumination concept which enables the space to be mutable throughout the day or night as the need or mood requires.

Nero Cucine’s Red Dot Award-winning N037 is a dynamic countertop that transforms a sculptural monolith into a fully functional kitchen island. Conceived by Stefano Venier and Bartolomeo Bellati co-founders of Nero Cucine, N037 employs a fully-concealed, innovative Wing Top mechanism that lifts the 3m (10ft) wide marble countertop to a 90-degree angle, uncovering its stainless steel work surface. “Our collaboration with Gabellini Sheppard to create NU was a natural alignment for us” – notes Bartolomeo Bellati, CEO of Nero Cucine – “as we’d worked together on high-end residential projects in the past. We approached Michael and his team specifically because of their know-how as it relates to both residential and hospitality environments. We see this concept as an ideal solution for those who like to entertain and appreciate an elevated experience assisted by technological innovation.”