Silver Kitchen Furniture, Equipment and Fixtures Design · 2025
Lagoon Kitchen
by Yilmaz Dogan
- A' Design Award 2025 Silver Winner in Kitchen Furniture, Equipment and Fixtures Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: QZENS Furniture
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 31,322
- Verification code 1345ECB508 · Verify this award
About Lagoon Kitchen
Lagoon is a kitchen design inspired by the dance of blue-green Aegean waves on pearl coral reefs and the mystical collision of waves merging with golden sand grains. It reflects the harmony of Greek temple architecture, mythology, and the bond of nature and light. Hellenistic carvings, bronze accents, and handcrafted cabinet doors with gold leaf and blue paint evoke a mythic aesthetic. Constructed from solid wood, lacquered finishes and Volakas marble, it integrates technologies like single-finger door systems, automated drawers, and adjustable lighting, blending tradition with modern comfort.
Lagoon Kitchen by Yilmaz Dogan emerges as a remarkable meditation on the dialogue between historical architectural traditions and contemporary living requirements, positioning itself within the lineage of grand European domestic interiors while simultaneously embracing the functional demands of modern culinary practice, the design demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to the symbolic weight of classical architectural vocabulary, deploying Corinthian orders, elaborate carved moldings, and figural sculptural elements with scholarly precision while avoiding mere pastiche through the bold introduction of contemporary material treatments and furniture forms, the extraordinary backsplash installation featuring its evocative gradient from deep aquatic blues through golden atmospheric tones suggests both the natural phenomenon of light playing across water and the historical tradition of decorative lacquerwork, creating a focal element of genuine visual poetry, technically the work demonstrates sophisticated understanding of material juxtaposition wherein the cool veined luxury of calacatta marble meets the warm organic presence of exposed brick, while polished brass finds its counterpart in matte white plasterwork, the figural elements supporting the island base recall the caryatids of classical antiquity, transformed here into a decorative rhythm that honors tradition while serving contemporary spatial needs, the integration of professional cooking equipment within traditionally styled cabinetry speaks to the evolved understanding that the kitchen now functions as both working space and ceremonial center of domestic life, the geometric wireframe bar stools introduce a welcome note of modernist restraint that prevents the composition from becoming overwhelmed by historical reference, one might consider how this design invites contemplation of the ways we carry forward cultural memory while adapting inherited forms to present purposes
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Inspired by the Aegean Sea’s blue green waves and golden sands, Lagoon blends Greek classical architecture with nature’s harmony. It transforms the kitchen area into a mythological, Aegean temple full of statues. Hellenistic style carvings, bronze details, and oxidized copper cabinet doors reflect artisanal craftsmanship, while advanced technologies ensure luxurious comfort.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Lagoon is not only a work of traditional hand work production methods but also an example of high-level technology use. It features luxurious comfort elements, such as special door systems that open with a single finger movement, Servotronic automatic drawer systems, an interior cabinet system with an automatic lift that lowers upper cabinet items to counter level, and an automatic soft-on fade-to-black lighting system.
- Tags
- Lagoon, Kitchen, Classic Architecture, Hellenistic, Aegea, Luxury, Sculpture, Marble, Temple, Mythology
- Production Technology
- The island unit, with varying heights for different usage scenarios, is made from natural solid wood, white lacquered wood, and Volakas marble from Greece. The wooden sculptures and carvings in the Hellenistic style on the front of the countertop are produced using both Cnc and handcraft techniques. Lagoon features bronze legs and details, with glass-fronted cabinets. The countertop cabinets have doors treated with a special copper oxidation technique.
- Design Challenge
- Capturing the essence of Greek mythology and architecture in a functional kitchen space was a key challenge. Extensive research on classical structures and Hellenistic sculptures was necessary to achieve authenticity. Field studies in Aegean archaeological sites provided inspiration for proportions and ornamentation. The fusion of handcrafted details with modern technology required innovative approaches to balance historical accuracy with contemporary usability.
- Project Duration
- The project started in July 2022, during a trip to the ancient city of Ephesus. Concept research continued at archaeological sites in the Aegean region. Production was completed in November 2023 in Ankara.
- Operation Flow
- It ensures a seamless kitchen experience with integrated hidden handles, allowing doors to open from any point. The island unit’s varying heights facilitate different tasks, from meal prep to socializing. Independent cooking units elevate meal preparation into an art form. The lift up extractor hood rises from the countertop, offering an aesthetic experience without closing off space. Soft on lighting, Servotronic drawers, and automatic lifts enhance ease of use, blending function with design.
- Research
- The design process of Lagoon began with in-depth research on ancient Greek architecture and sculpture. Visits to archaeological sites along the Aegean coast, including the Temple of Apollo in Didim and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, provided valuable insights into classical proportions and decorative elements. Additionally, an extensive study of Greek sculptures helped shape the handcrafted details, ensuring a seamless blend of mythology, nature, and architectural heritage.
- Inspiration
- Lagoon is inspired by the dance of the blue-green waves of the Aegean Sea on the pearl coral reefs and the mystical collision where the waves merge with golden sand grains.
It reflects the harmony of the classic architectural style of Greek temples, mythology and the bond of nature and light. - Image Credits
- QZENS Design Team
Colors of Lagoon Kitchen
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G0E3 ShopGrand Interview about Lagoon Kitchen
My visit to Ephesus in July 2022 was a turning point in shaping the conceptual foundation of Lagoon Kitchen. Walking among the ruins and witnessing the refined proportions, columned spaces, and interplay between light and shadow deeply influenced how I approached the idea of a kitchen not just as a utilitarian space but as an architectural experience. The fluted motifs, stepped forms, and the serene balance of symmetry found in Hellenistic structures inspired the layout and vertical rhythm of the design. Lagoon Kitchen reflects this spirit by merging timeless Greek aesthetics with a contemporary spatial flow that feels both ceremonial and functional.
The idea of introducing varying countertop heights came from observing how people naturally gather and move around kitchen spaces. In Lagoon Kitchen, the different levels allow for a seamless transition between preparation, presentation, and conversation. The raised marble block serves as a sculptural anchor, reminiscent of an altar, while the lower wooden surfaces invite more relaxed interaction. This configuration encourages both utility and sociability, turning the island into a dynamic landscape rather than a static work surface.
Creating the finishes for the cabinet doors was like composing a layered painting. We started with hand-applied blue pigments to evoke the depth of the Aegean Sea, then added delicate touches of gold leaf to reflect the warmth of sunlit shores. Finally, we used copper oxidation techniques to introduce an organic unpredictability. No two panels are exactly alike. The result is a surface that feels alive, shifting in tone with the light…
Merging ancient temple aesthetics with modern functionality was one of the most rewarding challenges of this project. We wanted the space to feel like a place of ritual, with tall vertical forms and symmetrical balance, but also to operate with ease. Hidden automated drawers, single-finger touch systems, and soft-close mechanisms were carefully integrated behind classical detailing. This required precise planning so that modern elements would remain invisible until used. The goal was to let innovation serve the design quietly, allowing the mythic atmosphere to remain undisturbed.
The fluted details in Lagoon Kitchen were directly inspired by the columns of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Temple of Apollo in Didim. The stepped base of the island echoes the temple foundations, while the vertical cabinet divisions reflect classical colonnades. We also designed the lighting to mimic the way sunlight filters into ancient structures, creating a calm and sacred atmosphere. These references helped us root the kitchen in a sense of place and history while keeping the overall design contemporary and functional.
We chose Volakas marble for both its physical beauty and symbolic resonance. Its subtle grey veining against a soft white background reminded me of seafoam gliding over golden shores. It became the perfect metaphor for the meeting of land and water. This marble anchors the island unit while harmonizing with the warm-toned cabinetry and brushed brass details. It was important for us that the material not only elevate the aesthetic but also deepen the emotional and cultural associations within the space.
The upper lift system was born from a desire to challenge conventional kitchen ergonomics. Traditional overhead cabinets can be difficult to access, especially for users of different heights. By integrating a motorized lift mechanism, we created a way for these upper compartments to gracefully descend to the user’s level with a single touch. The movement is quiet and slow, in harmony with the temple-like ambiance of the kitchen. It adds a sense of ceremony to even the most ordinary task, reinforcing our belief that luxury lies in both ease and experience.
The sculptural elements and detailed carvings in Lagoon Kitchen required meticulous collaboration between digital and human processes. We used CNC milling to achieve consistency in the fluting and relief patterns, especially in curved corners and layered frames. However, the final definition and surface texture were refined by hand to remove the rigidity of machine precision. This interplay between technology and touch was essential in capturing the expressive quality of Hellenistic stonework, where craftsmanship was always visible in the smallest details.
Lighting was essential in creating the calm and timeless atmosphere we envisioned for Lagoon Kitchen. The fade-to-black system allows the lights to dim gradually, much like the shifting light in ancient temples. This soft transition enhances the sculptural details without overwhelming them. It brings a sense of calm and elegance to the space, making everyday use feel more thoughtful and immersive.
Winning a Silver A’ Design Award with Lagoon Kitchen affirmed our belief that cultural memory can live within modern environments in ways that are relevant and inspiring. This project has shown us that the kitchen can evolve beyond minimalism and convenience to become a sculptural and emotional center of the home. I believe it opens new pathways for integrating regional identity, craftsmanship, and advanced technology into future kitchen design. It encourages a design philosophy that respects the past while embracing the intelligence of the present.