In 1908, an idea developed which was based on the the idea of a gas-fired dome oven that, for what was said to be the first time, gave us the benefit of even, radiating heat that didn’t overcook or dry out food. The French who created this concept titled it “La Cornue” – which apparently means “the retort” in English – and this year the French architect, Jean-Michel Wilmotte, recreated the idea in a modern collection he calls La Cornue W for the Wilmotte Collection.

La Cornue W kitchen. Designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte.

Cook Like a French Chef with La Cornue W Kitchen

Consisting of various units that work together as a whole, the La Cornue W kitchen system includes an induction table, electric oven, range hood, preparation countertop and storage cabinet. Their contemporary spin on traditional French kitchens allows elegant design to enter the residential culinary space.

“La Cornue defends a special vision of the kitchen, the heart of the home, both intimate and gourmand, but also a place to share the special moments in the grand tradition of the French lifestyle,” spells out the mission of the La Cornue W. At 150 cm (59″) wide, the four-zone induction table has a central workspace, towel rail, LED indicators, and six knob controls. Matching it is the electric oven with four cooking modes, a 74-liter cooking cavity, and LCD display.

The La Cornue range hood is made from screen-printed gray tempered glass and a lacquered sheet metal with a five-speed blower and six halogen lights. In oiled American Oak wood, the prep countertop is an ample 1,500 cm (590″) wide and has three drawers to accompany the storage cabinet, which consists of two doors, up to five shelves, and has LED lighting with a ventilation grill.

As described on the La Cornue website, “the style and signature of Jean-Michel Wilmotte (and his La Cornue W. kitchen design) make a true reference for lovers of architecture and design.”

About the Designer: Jean-Michel Wilmotte is an architect, town-planner and designer who opened his agency in 1975. His work uses light and depth in architecture, which he brings into his product and interior design as well. From towers to individual houses and housing design to museums, his team’s architectural skills cover a wide range of applications – even finding their use in the intricacies of kitchen design as shown in the La Cornue W. collection.