For Milan Design Week 2026, next125 presents “UN:FOLD,” a project developed in collaboration with architect and designer Ankon Mitra at Superstudio. The project transforms the kitchen into an immersive architectural experience where origami, light, and materials create a dialogue between contemporary design and craftsmanship, reinterpreting domestic space from an emotional and sensory perspective.
A proposal inspired by Indian tradition
The composition draws inspiration from the forms of the handi, the traditional Indian cooking vessel, reinterpreted through Ankon Mitra's sculptural language. Folded aluminum surfaces envelop the space with an organic and dynamic structure that conveys constant movement. The folded architecture becomes the central element of the experience , generating an immersive and theatrical atmosphere.
The work with folds and curves creates a sense of visual fluidity that constantly transforms the installation. The structure seems to expand throughout the space, creating a continuous relationship between kitchen, architecture, and exhibition experience. The folded aluminum lends a sculptural and artisanal dimension that connects directly with the manual process of cooking and sharing.
At the heart of the project is a next125 kitchen conceived as a set of three independent cubes dedicated to cooking, storage, and washing. In contrast to the expressiveness of the sculptural structure, the kitchen design embraces essential lines and minimalist proportions. The composition balances functionality and artistic expression within a single, contemporary architectural language.
Light, materials and a transforming atmosphere
One of the key elements of “UN:FOLD” is the use of lighting and its relationship to the metallic surfaces. Light reflects off the folds of the aluminum, creating reflections, shadows, and changes in depth that continuously transform the space. The new LumiQ lighting by next125 connects the kitchen and architecture through an immersive and emotional visual experience.
The installation incorporates various light sources integrated into the kitchen cubes, reinforcing the perception of depth and volume within the composition. The lighting guides the eye and modifies the perception of surfaces depending on the intensity and angle from which the space is viewed. Light and architecture constantly interact to create an immersive and dynamic experience.
The design combines aluminum, wood, and ceramic to create a sophisticated and contemporary material balance. The new marble umbra effect ceramic finishes coexist with chestnut-toned wood surfaces and illuminated details that add visual warmth. The materials integrate seamlessly into the installation , reinforcing the architectural and sensory character of the entire project.
next125 and an architectural vision of kitchen design
With “UN:FOLD”, next125 continues to develop a design vision linked to architecture, craftsmanship, and contemporary innovation. Inspired by the principles of the Bauhaus movement, the German firm combines technology, industrial precision, and material sensitivity in designs where the kitchen transcends its function to become an essential part of the domestic space.
The collaboration with Ankon Mitra further reinforces the brand's interest in exploring new connections between design, art, and spatial experience. The project proposes a more emotional and architectural interpretation of the kitchen, where the interplay between forms, materials, and light takes center stage. The proposal transforms the kitchen into a complete spatial experience that transcends its everyday function.
Through this proposal presented during Milan Design Week 2026, next125 proposes a new way of understanding the contemporary kitchen, where emotion, functionality, and architecture coexist within a single visual language. Design is transformed into a tool capable of generating atmospheres , connecting aesthetic sensibility and domestic experience within a profoundly contemporary proposition.
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next125 is the international premium brand of the Schüller company . What truly characterizes next125 kitchens is their attention to detail. Following Bauhaus principles, next125 combines craftsmanship, technology, design, and architecture at the highest level with state-of-the-art industrial production.
This fusion of traditional and contemporary elements results in kitchen solutions that stand out not only for their refined aesthetics, but also for their functionality and durability . In addition to its commitment to design excellence , next125 focuses on providing a personalized experience for its clients, adapting each project to their individual needs and tastes.
This comprehensive approach ensures that each kitchen is not only a decorative element, but also a practical and enjoyable space to use every day. next125 products have already received numerous design awards , such as the German Design Award and the Red Dot Award.






