Zbären Manufacture enjoys a first-class reputation, both nationally and internationally, and is regarded as the place to go to for unique, handmade luxury kitchens. Inspired by the nature of the Bernese Oberland, brothers Benjamin and Matthias Zbären are continuing the family legacy and setting new standards with their interior designs and a 44-strong team. When the client brought Zbären on board for the redesign of a private house, the initial aim was to create a kitchen that took the structural conditions and the client’s own design wishes into account. Once again, Zbären’s high level of expertise is confirmed: velvety soft, sand-coloured reclaimed oak bathes the room in a warm atmosphere, which is given a subtle elegance by the ivory-coloured natural quartzite stone of the worktops. State-of-the-art high-tech appliances and heat lamps are harmoniously integrated – even a retractable television that can be lowered into the huge kitchen island. A richly contrasting eye-catcher: the black professional range cooker from La Cornue, whom Zbären exclusively represents in German-speaking Switzerland. This task was followed by numerous other interior fittings and interior solutions. The unique dining table in the living room was complemented by illuminated bookshelves and display cabinets in reclaimed oak. The customised sideboards that act as room dividers between the dining and living areas have a special heat embossing, giving them a structured texture that appears naturally dried and is extremely robust.
Zbären combines outstanding aesthetics with high functionality in every project: the spacious main kitchen is adjoined by a compact back kitchen, which is separated by a sliding door and offers an intelligent workspace for preparation, washing up, rinsing and storage. The design with reclaimed oak and Taj Mahal quartzite is continued here throughout making it appear as though from a single casting. The fascinating radiance of the oak timbers on the ground floor worked its magic – and inspired the client to order a new project: floor-to-ceiling wall panelling in the open gallery on the upper floor. Following this idea, Benjamin and Matthias Zbären created a unique design, allowing the exquisite material to reappear in its own magnificent setting. Elegant, large coffers clad the room right up to the open roof truss, giving it a cosy and sublime character. The door and the wardrobes are seamlessly integrated. The smooth surface of the hand-planed, brushed and subtly bleached wood has a delicate whitish sheen. The interplay of light and shade beautifully emphasises the texture of the wall.
A single, elongated block in finely veined, ivory-coloured quartzite. Curved Dornbracht fittings above the smooth recesses of the two sinks. A rear wall, room-high in the same elegant material, hung with large, backlit crystal mirrors. Straight-lined floor units with smooth-running drawers and open compartments that take up the light sandy look of the reclaimed, delicately treated oak. A bathroom worthy of the name 'well-being oasis' is styled in sensual harmony and contemporary modernity – once again demonstrating the incomparably exclusive signature of Zbären Manufacture. In collaboration with specialist trades, Zbären created a customised plan that impresses, not only with its design artistry, but also with its maximum functionality: the centred double washbasin, which creates carefully shielded space on both sides for the showering and WC areas. The large bathtub nestles harmoniously under the sloping roof. Or the built-in cupboards that fit perfectly into the niches, behind whose light-coloured oak doors there is space for towels and bathroom utensils – and even the laundry trolley can be conveniently parked step-free.
Tangible nature. Stone, dark, roughly hewn and with exciting, organic unevenness here and reflective smoothness there. Immediately adjacent is the oak with its grooved embossed texture and weathered appearance, whose cool sandy tone naturally complements the noble dark grey of the Brazilian natural stone. The second bathroom provides a delightful contrast with its design variation. And whilst the redesigned dressing room also reveals a design concept where the reclaimed oak that clads the room on all sides plays the main role, other materials likewise make for some distinctive features too – such as the light textile covering of the floor-to-ceiling wardrobes and the vibrant grey saddle leather used to construct the handles of the wardrobes and drawers. The sleek genuine leather has also been worked into the top of the centre chest of drawers, creating a pleasantly soft, smooth feel. With this room, the final task was completed – and with it, another Zbären masterpiece.
