Integrated Lapitec Sink Installation – Kirkland Showroom
Project Overview
This showroom installation in Kirkland, Washington features a fully integrated sink fabricated directly from Lapitec, creating a continuous surface between the basin and the countertop. The project was developed in collaboration with Italian designer Minotti and focuses on architectural clarity, restrained geometry, and material continuity.
The design objective was to eliminate visible transitions between the sink and the surrounding surface while preserving full functionality for daily use. Traditional sink installations typically rely on drop-in or undermount components that introduce seams and hardware transitions. In this installation, the basin is machined directly from the Lapitec slab, allowing the entire surface to function as a single architectural element.
The result is a monolithic countertop system where material, geometry, and fixtures work together without visual interruption. The installation also serves as a technical demonstration of integrated sink fabrication using sintered stone materials.
Material Strategy – Lapitec Sintered Stone
Lapitec was selected as the primary surface material because of its structural reliability and long-term performance characteristics. Lapitec is a full-body sintered stone composed entirely of natural minerals without resins or synthetic binders. The material is completely non-porous and resistant to UV exposure, staining, and temperature changes.
These properties make Lapitec particularly suitable for integrated sink fabrication. Sink areas experience constant moisture exposure and regular contact with cleaning agents, which can affect many surface materials over time. Lapitec maintains dimensional stability and structural strength even when machined into complex internal geometries.
Another important advantage is the material’s consistent internal density. Because Lapitec has a uniform structure throughout the slab, it can be machined with high precision using CNC fabrication equipment. This allows the basin cavity to be formed directly within the slab while maintaining structural integrity and smooth internal transitions.
From a design perspective, the goal was to create a surface that appears sculpted from a single piece of material. The integrated basin eliminates visible seams and reinforces the architectural simplicity of the installation.
Italian Faucet Integration
To maintain a clean and uninterrupted countertop surface, the installation incorporates a foldable kitchen mixer manufactured by the Italian brand Rubinetterie Treemme. The model used in this project is the Rub.Magistro foldable kitchen mixer with pull-out shower.
The faucet is designed to fold downward toward the countertop when not in use. When folded, the fixture sits close to the surface, minimizing visual interruption across the work area. When raised, it operates as a standard kitchen mixer with a pull-out spray function.
This type of folding faucet system is commonly used in contemporary European kitchen designs where minimal visual elements and clean surface geometry are important architectural principles.
Precise dimensional coordination between the faucet mechanism, basin depth, and concealed plumbing connections was required to ensure correct alignment when the faucet is folded and proper clearance when the mixer is in use.
Digital Templating and Precision Fabrication
Integrated sink fabrication requires significantly greater accuracy than conventional countertop installations. The project began with digital laser templating to verify cabinet alignment, substrate flatness, fixture positioning, plumbing clearances, and structural support conditions.
The digital measurements were transferred to CNC fabrication equipment where the Lapitec slab was machined to form the integrated basin cavity. The basin geometry was engineered with controlled internal slopes to ensure proper drainage while maintaining smooth surface transitions.
During machining, milling parameters were carefully controlled to preserve the structural integrity of the material. After the basin cavity was formed, interior surfaces and edges were refined through staged finishing and polishing processes to achieve consistent visual quality.
Installation Coordination
Because the basin and countertop are fabricated as a single structural unit, installation tolerances are tighter than in conventional installations. Cabinet leveling and substrate alignment were verified prior to placement of the integrated slab.
The Lapitec assembly was installed using controlled adhesive bonding and precision positioning techniques. Plumbing connections were concealed beneath the cabinetry to maintain the uninterrupted appearance of the surface.
Final calibration of the Rub.Magistro folding faucet was completed on site to ensure smooth operation and correct resting alignment with the countertop plane.
Project Outcome
The completed installation demonstrates the architectural capabilities of Lapitec when used as an integrated surface system. The basin, countertop, and faucet function together as a unified design element while maintaining durability and structural performance.
As a showroom installation in Kirkland, the project highlights how sintered stone materials can be fabricated into seamless countertop systems that combine technical precision with contemporary European design principles.