Artesio Kitchen Aquarium

Poggenpohl is one of the world's most recognised kitchen design brands, renowned for its innovative approach to contemporary living. In 2010, the company launched its award-winning +ARTESIO collection, a concept centred around redefining the kitchen as the heart of the home — a space for living, gathering, and social connection rather than simply preparing food.

Working in collaboration with the design team at Poggenpohl UK, ViDERE founder Akil Gordon-Beckford developed a bespoke aquarium feature fully integrated into the +ARTESIO concept. The installation was conceived to demonstrate how aquariums can introduce movement, colour, and a meaningful connection with nature into one of the most important spaces within the home. The project would go on to be shortlisted for two international design awards, recognising its innovative approach to integrating living systems within contemporary kitchen design.

The 650-litre marine aquarium was engineered within a custom anodised aluminium framework and seamlessly integrated into the surrounding kitchen furniture using +ARTESIO laminated glass panels and doors specified by senior designer Richard Anderson. Filtration, ventilation, and life-support equipment were carefully concealed within the cabinetry, ensuring the aquarium remained visually connected to the wider design language of the space.

Housing a thriving reef ecosystem supported by live rock, coral sand, a macroalgae refugium, and advanced life-support technology, the installation combined aesthetics, engineering, and environmental design in a way that was uncommon within residential interiors at the time.

The challenges encountered and lessons learned through the design, construction, and long-term management of this project would go on to form many of the principles that shaped ViDERE's approach to integrated aquarium design, making it a significant milestone in the company's development.