An Extraordinary Culinary Experience

13 June 2012,
A concept restaurant by Electrolux, the cube is a nomadic structure traversing Europe, bringing with it an exciting once in a lifetime gastronomical journey.

More than meets the eye, The Cube is not just a cube but a nomadic, stateless and cosmopolitan piece of architecture. Designed with a sophisticated aluminium skin, the cube which houses a restaurant-theatre, is able to stand up to any latitude and any climatic condition. Known for its stylish shops, galleries, and restaurants, Milan was an obvious choice for The Cube’s second stop after its launch in Brussels in April 2011.

Originating from Electrolux’s concept of an itinerant restaurant, The Cube was conceived by Belgian event agency, Absolute Blue and designed by Italian firm Park Associati, Milano while Studio FM of Milan was responsible for the design of the logo as well as the pattern on the aluminium panels that have been laser-cut with a honeycomb pattern of holes of variable size and density.
This nomadic structure includes a dining pavilion with a single large table that can disappear by raising it to the ceiling, allowing space for a lounge area after dinner. It seats 18 people for lunch or dinner and diners are treated to scrumptious meals by some of the best chefs who will perform live for their guests, offering special menus prepared in the kitchen of the restaurant.

With an inside area of roughly 140 sqm, visitors will find a 50 sqm open air terrace, the dining pavilion and visible kitchen fitted with top-of-the-range hi-tech kitchen equipment, as well as three small, enclosed service rooms which contain a storeroom, a bathroom and a technical area.

Materials used are highly innovative in terms of technology, eco-sustainability and energy saving, as well as constantly reusable. The flush grills below the glazing aid circulation that prevents condensation in winter while the floor area is made from special planks of reconstituted wood with under-floor heating incorporated below.

Designed to be assembled and disassembled relatively easily, the pavilion has an overall weight of roughly thirty tonnes. As each location has different weather as well as architectural conditions, a preliminary survey of the site is necessary to prepare special foundations to transmit the loads according to the specific site conditions each time it is installed.

Architects and Interior Design: Park Associati, Milano – Filippo Pagliani, Michele Rossi

Design team: Lorenzo Merloni (project leader), Alessandro Rossi, Alexia Caccavella, Alice Cuteri and Fabio Calciati

Graphic consulting and texture Design: Cristiano Bottino, Barbara Forni, Sergio Menichelli with Libero Corti from Studio FM, Milano
Contractor : Nüssli AG, Hüttwilen, CH, Frieder Braun, Maurizio Ledda and Maik Rauch
Area : 140 sq/m.