Designer Philippe Starck is as prolific as he is proficient. Just take a quick gander at some of his recent efforts (Superarchimoon, The BaoBab Desk) for a taste of the unique personality and singular aesthetic of each of his designs. But while he’s tackled lighting and contract furnishings on more than one occasion, he’s yet to take a crack at the kitchen sink. Until now, that is. Starck and longtime collaborator Duravit announce the Starck K collection of kitchen sinks. Constructed of a new breed of Starck-approved ceramic that has an enhanced material mass—and, thus, better durability and impact resistance—Starck K promises to remain stylish and ultra-functional as long as the square stays in vogue.

Starck K. Desigend by Phillipe Stark for Duravit.

Vintage Starck in an Intuitive Design

Being an omnipresent, celestial sort of form, the square will certainly outlive our math-shackled species, so it’s a safe bet that Starck K will as well. The piece’s design might be characterized as square cubed, or—for the algebraically inclined “(square)3 * 2”, since the central feature of the sink is its equilateral, high-walled basin. An appealing harmony of depth, width, and height, the countersunk receptacle is perfectly proportioned for the requisite array of kitchen tasks—deep enough to clean five gallon pasta pots, wide enough to handle baking sheets, long enough to get the gristle off of boning knives. Lest you think that the featured actor here is absent a co-star… Starck K’s second half is a subtly recessed surface that accommodates various cutting boards for easy prep (and easy clean-up).

The different profiles of the two halves might suggest they operate independently from one another. Au contraire… The two, in fact, profess the best species of harmonious interaction. When it comes to kitchen sinks, that means dry countertops. The central connecting feature is a narrow groove that promotes passage of water from the primary basin to its side companion, allowing automatic drainage of any potential overflow. This—in concert with the main basin’s projecting sidewalls—keeps water where it belongs: in the sink or down the drain.

Starck K comes in multiple configurations. Sizes range from 40” x 20” to 35” x 20”. Options include a double-deep basin in lieu of the recessed basin, and various integrated cutting boards. Choose your K from the very Starckian color assortment of white, pergamon, anthracite, or chestnut brown.