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A story about space and HI-MACS®
Space, where the natural meets the carefree
Do you dream of completing the design of a space above and beyond what you thought, like you could only imagine before? This is a story about grafting art to technology, about the boundless potential of a new building material that world-class designers have chosen, and the evolution and transformation of space.
Written by Hyeon-jung Park / Published in CASA Living Magazine
Evolution of space catalyzed by material change
Space has continued to change with the passage of time and the diversification of culture. It is an evolution toward greater comfort, convenience and beauty. In the center of this transformation has always been “nature.” It is human instinct to try to preserve nature while building structures and designing spaces using materials drawn from nature. Both unsuccessful and successful efforts to draw the warmth and familiarity of Mother Nature into living space have allowed designs to shine brighter over the years. Especially the eye-catching is the use of wood and soil, stone, sunlight and marble. The delicate patterns drawn by wind and water, and the graceful texture and color of marble have made it an indispensible part of both internal and external space. But there were drawbacks as well. Natural marble is porous to water and soft, creating problems in sanitation as well as aesthetics. Acrylic solid surface was developed to overcome these limitations. The desire to maintain the advantages of natural marble while transforming the faults into even bigger advantages has led to real success after numerous attempts. It would not be too premature to expect an even greater transformation and evolution of space with acrylic solid surface that retains the positive qualities of natural marble and none of the negative.
As if hewn by natural light and wind, another kind of marble
A beautiful and functional kitchen is the jewel of any house, a space that continues to evolve to meet user expectations. Today’s “system kitchens,” composed of kitchen furniture and countertops, emphasize sanitation as much as aesthetics. Countertops are usually made from acrylic solid surface. Natural marble has long been used in Europe in architecture and art due to its irregular patterns and beautiful colors, and the ability to retain a shine after skillful polishing. Michelangelo’s David, a favorite of visitors even after centuries have passed since its creation, was sculpted from marble. But in contrast to its appearance, marble is easily corroded by acidic rain and absorbs excessive moisture. Acrylic solid surface was created to preserve the beautiful patterns and colors of marble while offering a hardier and more flexible material. Acrylic solid surface recreates the refinement and charm of marble while allowing the material to be heat formed, giving the designer a potent tool for expression. A wide variety of textures and colors are also possible. Acrylic solid surface is durable and moisture-resistant, free from contamination, stains or scratches. It is non-porous and prevents microbe or fungus growth, making it an extremely clean and sanitary material. Acrylic solid surface is seamless and smooth-edged, making it the material of choice for kitchen design.
Turning space into an art object, HI-MACS® in life and art
HI-MACS®, the acrylic solid surface created by LG Hausys
HI-MACS® recreates the colors and patterns of natural granite and marble, and is the material of choice for world-class designers including Zaha Hadid, Ron Arad and Jean Nouvel due to its superior heat-forming capabilities. HI-MACS® is designed to be ideal for both artwork, commercial spaces, and home interiors such as kitchen countertops, and is eco-friendly, durable, light but strong, and non-porous which delivers the highest level of sanitation and cleanliness.
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m i n i i n t e r v i e w
Dreaming of a freer design
Kim Gae-cheon, Professor of Interior Design, Kookmin University
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What are today’s interior design trends?
Interior design that formerly moved within a fixed framework is now becoming freer and more flexible. A duality of both “strength and gentleness” has become an important consideration.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of acrylic solid surface, one of today’s most common materials?
Acrylic solid surface is a durable, water-resistant material that overcomes the limitations of natural marble that has been a favorite of architects and artists for millennia. Acrylic solid surface can also be formed into any shape, thus expanding the scope and expression of artistic works. It is a material that will continue to see wider use in many fields as long as costs can be kept at reasonable levels.
What is the lifespan of acrylic solid surface?
Barring extreme environmental changes or weather events, acrylic solid surface is semi-permanent and perfect for application in building exteriors or artistic works. It is a material for both lifestyle and artistic application, two fields that are increasingly integrated into one these days. That is why materials such as HI-MACS® that combine practicality and functionality with an artistic flourish are finding greater use.
What are the potential capabilities unique to acrylic solid surface?
The biggest advantage of acrylic solid surface is its ability to seamlessly cover a large space. Any form and shape desired by the designer or artist can be expressed. It can be used in both exteriors and interiors of buildings, kitchen countertops, flooring, finishing, walls, ceilings, and all other surfaces. Acrylic solid surface has also found a place in the bathroom for flooring, ceilings and even in fixtures such as washbasins. If the material can be made thinner, designers and architects agree that acrylic solid surface will find even wider application.
