Half & Half is an exercise in simplicity.

Less usual from an Industrial Design project with a definitive brief, the project began as research on residential building developments, with a focus on identifying opportunities for design innovations. We observed construction sites, studied the process, and found ourselves fascinated with the complexity of the kitchen installation.

A conventional Built-In Kitchen required two builders and two days to complete. Built on-location, In a residential unit, from a mound of individually numbered panels, frames, and hardware. The conventional method splits a kitchen into small parts, trading logistic flexibilities with installation complexities.

The findings inspired us to design a kitchen system that is simple to transport, simple to build, and with room for growth. Half & Half is a consideration of the presence and the future. Because change is constant and adaptivity is longevity.

We built a functional kitchen prototype to test the design. The kitchen was transported four times and built up three times. The two halves went through every door with comfortable clearances. The Half & Half prototype could be assembled in 15 minutes and fully installed with plumbing and power in 1 hour. Thanks to the pre-assembly from the factory, where the kitchen halves can be built with standard efficiency.

Half & Half was a full spectrum project; involving research, design, experiment, fabrication, testing, and production. The complexity of systematic design was a challenge and a pleasure. The scale of the kitchen was its largest design limitation. And when we welcomed the restrictions and let go of the preconceptions, our vision for the Half & Half became clear.

Design:
Pichaya Puttorngul

Client:
SC Asset

Photography:
Pratch Siridhara (Studio)
Pichaya Puttorngul (Process)

Illustrations:
Pichaya Puttorngul
Kirata Manlekha