The Glass House

Kaoru Ishikawa & Jeff Taylor

We recently had the privilege of working on a unique and challenging project that tested our bespoke joinery services to craft bespoke joinery units for a landmark Huf Haus. The project involved crafting a kitchen joinery bar unit and bespoke consoles that needed to seamlessly integrate into an existing Poliform Kitchen within a truly extraordinary home—a Huf house, one of the largest in Europe when it was constructed 20 years ago. This property is not only a testament to innovative design and high-end craftsmanship but also an example of how timeless architectural style can harmonise with contemporary luxury.

A Masterpiece of Prefabricated Innovation

Huf houses are prefabricated houses, known for their precision-engineered post-and-beam construction and German craftsmanship, and represent an evolution in prefab homes. Originally conceptualised by Johann Huf, these kit houses embody the principles of energy efficiency, innovative design, and modular construction. This particular Huf house was constructed using a post-and-beam structure, a hallmark of the brand’s architectural style, and features expansive triple glazed glass walls that allow natural light to flood the living spaces. The house’s load-bearing dividing walls and durable materials reflect the quality and durability associated with off-site construction approaches.

The current owner, who has an eye for contemporary design, has embarked on a series of renovations, including a stunning garden landscaping project that features a pond for koi carp. This modernisation plan extends the original vision of the house while introducing new elements of natural beauty and tranquillity.

The Pinnacle of Italian Craftsmanship

At the heart of this Huf house lies a Poliform Kitchen—a brand synonymous with ultra-high-end kitchen design. Poliform kitchens are renowned throughout the world for their elegant kitchen spaces, blending Italian craftsmanship with contemporary luxury. The kitchen’s beautiful kitchen island, sleek base units, and expertly crafted storage cupboards are all fronted in a warm timber, providing a perfect blend of form and function. The choice of material, such as American walnut, and the inclusion of smoked glass display cabinets, highlight Poliform’s dedication to using only the finest, most durable materials.

Poliform’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of their designs, from the soft-close hinge mechanism on their cabinets to the powder-coated metal frame that supports their furniture pieces. This high-end kitchen is a shining example of contemporary style, where Italian design meets practical elegance, creating a space that is as functional as it is beautiful.

Matching Canaletto Walnut and Crafting Bespoke Consoles

Our task was to create a kitchen joinery bar unit and matching open consoles that would not only complement but also elevate the existing Poliform Kitchen. The challenge was to match the Canaletto walnut finish—a rich, warm American walnut timber that has a bleached look to it. Achieving a seamless match required a meticulous design process, where our team of artisans carefully selected veneers and solid wood samples that reflected the exact tone and grain of the original material.

The consoles we crafted were designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing additional storage without disrupting the flow of the space. Constructed using moisture-resistant MDF and finished with a matt lacquer to protect the wood, these bespoke pieces were built to last, embodying the same high standards as the Poliform Kitchen itself. The open consoles were made of the same timber finish, ensuring they perfectly matched the existing kitchen while adding a touch of bespoke elegance.

Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail

The success of this project was rooted in our bespoke production plan, which involved a combination of factory production and on-site installation. Every component of the bar unit and consoles was crafted with precision, reflecting our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The basic structure of the bespoke furniture units was carefully measured and designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing kitchen’s beam structure and load-bearing walls, preserving the integrity of the original architectural style.

Our installation team worked closely with Ishikawa to ensure that the new joinery complemented the natural light and open feel of the Huf house. The new bespoke furniture pieces were designed and positioned to enhance the flow of the living spaces, ensuring that the new additions felt like a natural extension of the home’s original design.

A Perfect Blend of Old and New

The final result was a stunning transformation that respected the original architecture while introducing new elements of contemporary luxury. The kitchen joinery bar unit and bespoke consoles blended so seamlessly with the Poliform Kitchen that they appeared to be part of the original installation. The Canaletto walnut finish matched perfectly, and the smoked glass details provided a cohesive look that tied the new pieces to the existing kitchen.

This project stands as a testament to our ability to create bespoke homes that honour their history while embracing modernity. By carefully matching the Poliform walnut finish and incorporating Italian design principles, we were able to deliver a space that is both timeless and contemporary.

Kaoru Ishikawa’s influence for the interior design is not about opulence but about achieving a sense of tranquillity and balance, creating spaces that are both functional and serene. This philosophy resonates strongly with the core values of Poliform Kitchens and Huf houses, where elegance is achieved through the careful selection of materials, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of how design can enhance the quality of life.

As the owner continues to renovate and modernise this iconic Huf house, including the addition of a tranquil koi carp pond in the newly landscaped garden, we are proud to have contributed to the home’s legacy. This project exemplifies how bespoke joinery can transform a space, creating elegant kitchen spaces and living areas that reflect both the past and the future, all while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship and design.