Bulthaup – timeless kitchen design
The German premium brand amplifies its presence in Singapore with a new showroom-cum-experience centre
AT THE TOP OF DUXTON Hill lies a charming cul-de-sac – free of cars, just quaint cobblestone paths lined with trees and lovely colonial-era shophouses that evoke a quiet, contemplative air away from the throbbing hum of the city just steps away.
While it livens up at night, in the day it is a hub of design creativity. Especially of late, as aesthetically minded individuals are drawn to house No 22 – a showcase for the designs and lifestyle philosophies of iconic German kitchen manufacturer bulthaup.
There is no kitchen
Taking pride of place is bulthaup’s newest concept, which was unveiled at Salone del Mobile 2024 – the foremost furniture and design event in Milan – and premiered in Singapore in its exclusive Asian debut. This sneak preview of the collection is currently on show at 22 Duxton Hill until the end of September, when its distributor The Madison Group takes it to Hong Kong and Shanghai.
“Singapore is an exciting and important market for design, innovation and craftsmanship – qualities that form the heart of bulthaup,” says Karen Gonzago, marketing director of Madison & Associates Singapore, which is part of The Madison Group.
“Customers have an elevated appreciation for fresh ideas and new experiences, making Singapore the perfect place to launch this extraordinary showcase in Asia for a limited time.”
Central to the collection’s design concept is the philosophy of “there is no kitchen”, which speaks to the post-Covid zeitgeist that prioritises meaningful relationships and human connections. It’s in line with bulthaup’s core tenet that the kitchen is not just a place for cooking, but a pivotal part of any home.
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“The human-centric design is based on bulthaup’s ‘94 line’, and highlights its innovative, modular kitchen elements that transform any space into a functional, interactive experience – a place where creativity and connection truly come to life,” adds Yam Churn Meng, Madison’s regional director.
The 94 line marks a significant milestone in the brand’s design evolution, incorporating timeless design and practicality in a format that easily adapts to the customer’s changing lifestyle. The “line” refers to a horizontal plane that is orientated towards users where they interact with kitchen tools.
One example is the sleek, stainless-steel kitchen workbench, an all-in-one set-up with everything within reach: an integrated hob, sink, barista drainer, a brewing head, and a pull-out wooden pass in prized hinoki wood.
Complementing the workbench is the new bulthaup wall system, made of rich walnut wood panels strengthened with inner layers of metal. It’s infinitely customisable with polygonal recesses that fit everything from utensils to cookware and household gadgets.
The piece de resistance might well be the vintage kitchen island in solid oak and steel – a conversation piece in its own right. Food preparation is a stylish affair with a built-in waste-disposal unit, a sturdy metal rail from which to hang cooking utensils, and an overhanging rig with pull-out grids to hold extra tools.
If there is no kitchen, 22 Duxton Hill is no mere showroom. It’s designed as a place to gather for inspiration and to interact with the brand, says Yam. “We’re setting the stage to bring our vision to life, engaging with design enthusiasts, and building excitement for what’s to come.”
Building on a legacy
Bulthaup was founded in 1949 by German cabinet-maker Martin Bulthaup, who set out to change the image of the post-war functional kitchen into a living space – subsequently turning the family business into a global leader among premium kitchen brands.
His son Gerd Bulthaup, who led the company from 1979 to 2003 before his death in 2019, continued the elder Bulthaup’s mission by conducting extensive research on kitchen design. In the process, the architecture lover established bulthaup’s design philosophy – influenced by the Bauhaus principle of “form follows function”.
The company is now helmed by Martin Bulthaup’s grandson Marc Eckert, owner and managing director. He explains bulthaup’s ethos: “Our goal is to create a space where people truly feel ‘at home’. This sense of feeling ‘at home’ and ‘familiarity’ are crucial in our interactions.
“People experience familiarity when they are surrounded by objects that bring them comfort – things they use regularly, often handle, or that hold personal significance. When these items are thoughtfully placed and visible, they contribute to creating the perfect ambience in a space.”
The brand’s collections, notably the b1, b2 and b3 systems, reflect the original aesthetic – minimalist style, functionality, sustainability and adaptability. Over the years, bulthaup’s heavy investment in research and technology has led to innovations in the use of environmentally friendly materials, smart storage solutions, advanced lighting systems, and the like.
“Bulthaup gives one the freedom to fully realise one’s design ideas with a range of hand-selected materials that reflect the space and its people,” says Gonzago. “Every detail, from hand-finished forms to precisely engineered functionality, harmonises with human ergonomics and surrounding architecture.
“Crafted from authentic materials like bog oak or lacquered surfaces, each set-up is unique and thoughtfully designed for ultimate simplicity, convenience, and balance between form and function.”
A future needs a past
As an independent family business, bulthaup is deeply rooted in its history and committed to its mission of understanding how people dine and live, and creating kitchen solutions to meet their lifestyle needs. Which is why today, it is synonymous with uncompromising quality, meticulous attention to detail and high ethical standards, while also emphasising craftsmanship and design.
Well aware that “a future needs a past”, Eckert – who took over the company’s reins in 2010 – continues to stay true to the brand values established by his grandfather and uncle.
Believing that “a company requires a strong foundation of values that are rooted in tradition” in order to move forward, he has put in place a development process that incorporates present and future human behaviour and needs, powerful innovation and passion – qualities that will cement bulthaup’s position as a brand for the 21st century.
Sharing similar values is The Madison Group, which was started in Hong Kong in 1996 by owner and managing director Ben Yiu, who brought bulthaup into Singapore in 2006. As part of its restructuring and rebranding, the group is staging a major comeback with a larger footprint and enhanced offerings.
Yiu has joined forces with Yam and Gonzago – veterans in the luxury kitchen segment – to take bulthaup forward and expand its role within South-east Asia.
The opening of 22 Duxton Hill is just the beginning, as the soon-to-be-unveiled showroom won’t just showcase innovative design solutions, but also offer a range of lifestyle products that will appeal to a wider audience and elevate the customer experience.
“The company’s journey from its origins to its recent developments exemplifies the concept of ‘a future needs a past’,” says Yiu. “As we look ahead, our future developments, particularly the upcoming showroom, are a testament to how our past experiences and learnings continue to inform and inspire our vision.”
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