De Castelli, Silko, and V12 Design forge a new archetype in professional kitchen design, transforming high-performance utility into an expression of Italian craftsmanship and material poetry, set to debut at HOST Milano.
The New Stage: Evolving Demands in Professional Kitchen Design
For several years now, a significant shift has redefined the landscape of high-end gastronomy. The traditional barrier between the dining room and the kitchen has largely dissolved, giving way to an architectural and experiential model where the kitchen is a central, visible stage. This established movement towards transparency and sharing is no mere trend; it represents a fundamental re-evaluation of the culinary ritual, transforming food preparation into an engaging performance for the guest. On this now-familiar stage, the aesthetic demands have evolved. The chef is the lead actor, the ingredients are the script, and the kitchen equipment—once purely functional—is now essential scenography.
It is within this evolving cultural context that Pi, the new monobloc kitchen born from a landmark collaboration, makes its entrance. Conceived as a direct response to this heightened theatrical demand, Pi is an object designed not just for function but for presence. Its premiere at HOST Milano, the global nexus for the hospitality and catering industries, is a deliberate statement of intent, positioning it not merely as a new product but as a new protagonist for the most demanding culinary environments.
The very existence of this project signifies a fundamental change in the requirements for professional kitchen design. It must still deliver uncompromising performance, but it must now also possess aesthetic depth and narrative power. Pi was conceived from its inception to fulfill this dual role, establishing a new benchmark that re-categorizes the object from a pure industrial appliance to a new hybrid: a work of performative utility.
A Dialogue in Excellence: The Trinity of ‘Made in Italy’
It is the result of what the creators describe as a “dialogue” between three masters of their respective domains, a convergence of philosophies united by the quintessential ethos of ‘Made in Italy’. This collaboration represents a microcosm of the contemporary Italian design ecosystem, born from the synthesis of artisanal heritage, industrial prowess, and strategic design integration.
De Castelli is the master of material. Inheriting a legacy from four generations of blacksmiths, the company has pioneered the reintroduction of high design into metalworking, operating at the “crossroads of high craftsmanship, advanced technology, and aesthetic research“.
Silko is the master of technology. A benchmark for “high-quality technological equipment” and professional kitchens since 1980, Silko is a key brand within the global Ali Group, bringing industrial scale and engineering precision to the partnership.
V12 Design is the master of synthesis. Led by Valerio Cometti, the studio’s “Deep Design Thinking” philosophy is engineered to fuse a “rigorous engineering approach and the creative vision,” serving as the intellectual fulcrum that harmonizes the other two forces. This project is a physical manifesto of the modern Italian formula for success: innovation is not siloed but is the result of a deep, collaborative fusion of craft, industry, and strategic vision.
The Soul of the Surface: De Castelli and Artisanal Metallurgy
Their philosophy is one of infusing “artisan ideas and workmanship into industrial processes,” resulting in objects that, despite being part of a series, remain entirely unique. This practice of artisanal metallurgy is about exploring “metal affinities,” creating surfaces that “dance in harmony with light, color, and space“. For Pi, this philosophy is made tangible through its special front panels: a custom brass façade that gives the kitchen its name and its soul.
The exclusive texture is achieved through De Castelli’s proprietary DeErosion technique. This is not a mechanical engraving but a sophisticated, handcrafted finish realized through a special controlled erosion technique that creates natural-looking textures, inspired by the action of time. The process involves a chemical etching of the brass sheet, which is then manually oxidized and protected with a transparent lacquer.
The result is a surface with extraordinary three-dimensional effects, transforming the flat metal into a “tactile painting“. This method aligns with the company’s deep research into historical decorative techniques, such as 16th-century aquatint engraving, bringing an authorial, artistic hand to an industrial process. This level of material expression is what has made De Castelli a favored partner for leading architects and designers like Cino Zucchi and Piero Lissoni, cementing their reputation for creating architectural skins and surfaces of unparalleled beauty and complexity.
The Unseen Power: Silko’s High-Performance Core
Behind the poetic brass façade lies the formidable engine of the Pi kitchen: a high-performance core engineered by Silko. While the exterior is designed to captivate the eye, the interior is built to withstand the relentless pace of the professional kitchen.
Silko’s approach to professional kitchen design, honed since 1980, is fundamentally user-centric, creating solutions that optimise productivity and improve the organisation of work in the kitchen. For chefs, the objective is to create “an efficient kitchen, which allows you to optimize processes and working times”. This focus on ergonomics, workflow, and durability is the unseen power of Pi.
Silko’s leadership in the sector is driven by continuous technological innovation, with advancements like their Induction Tech and Fryer Evo systems setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability. Their expertise in creating bespoke, high-end kitchen blocks, particularly through their ‘Ikonico‘ line of customized one-piece worktops, provided the perfect technical foundation for the Pi project. The result is a meticulously calibrated professional instrument, embodying Silko’s commitment to engineering excellence.
The Architect of Synthesis: V12 Design’s Integrated Vision
The synthesis of De Castelli’s artisanal workshop and Silko’s industrial factory floor was orchestrated by Valerio Cometti and his studio, V12 Design. Cometti’s background as an engineer provides the studio with a profound understanding of manufacturing processes, ensuring that creativity is preserved during industrial development. This unique duality is the foundation of their “Deep Design Thinking” methodology, an approach that moves beyond aesthetics to deliver a “complete, profound, detailed, technical, and reliable plan for implementing the strategy”.
The defining graphic motif etched onto the brass surface is inspired by PiGreco (π), a symbol chosen with deliberate intent. This choice serves as a perfect intellectual bridge between the collaborators. The symbol π represents the rational, the mathematical, and the precise—a clear nod to the rigorous engineering of Silko and the methodical process of V12 Design. Simultaneously, π is irrational, its decimal representation extending into infinity, evoking a sense of the sublime and the poetic that resonates with the timeless, alchemical quality of De Castelli’s metalwork.
V12 Design, therefore, did not simply apply a decoration; they conceived a narrative. They identified a symbol that perfectly encapsulates the project’s central theme: the marriage of science and art. This user-centered approach, honed on successful projects for brands like Bertazzoni, demonstrates a design process that is as strategic as it is creative, ensuring the final product is not only beautiful but meaningful and market-ready.
A New Archetype: Redefining Gastronomy and Design
Ultimately, the Pi monobloc kitchen is more than the sum of its exquisite parts. By redefining “form, function, and aesthetic impact,” this collaboration has created a product that transcends its category. It is a new archetype that elevates a piece of professional equipment to the level of functional sculpture, permanently altering the relationship between the culinary arts and the world of professional kitchen design. It is a workstation that expresses “unicità, bellezza e maestria artigianale” (uniqueness, beauty, and artisanal mastery), transforming the professional kitchen from a purely utilitarian space into a curated environment that enhances the visual experience of hospitality spaces.
In its seamless fusion of ancient craft, modern technology, and integrated design thinking, Pi stands as a powerful testament to the enduring vitality of Italian design culture. It is a bridge between a storied past of artisanal mastery and a future of relentless innovation. It embodies the “culture of the Project,” a belief that through creative alliances and a commitment to excellence, design can shape objects and influence daily lives.