Like many classic kitchen islands, this circular surface is designed to be a central element in an open-plan interior – but like a fancy food platter, it comes with something extra on top.

The upper portion of Sheer, composed of carbon fiber, serves as a vent hood when the cooking surfaces are being used below. A one-click system, it slides up via motor and slots back into place when the kitchen counter is no longer in use.

The bottom section provides a work surface with sinks, a small secondary refrigeration unit, multiple burners and a slide-out panel for serving or just adding surface area.

Two movable satellite units can be attached for additional drawer space and double as mobile bars if desired. A visually complimentary rectangular free-standing unit can store glasses, chairs, a microwave and main refrigerator as well.

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In many ways typically Italian, the result is both minimal and refined in some respects, like overall shape and primary materials, and a bit complex and opulent at the same time.

Unsurprisingly, this kitchen design has been a hit on the internet, with outlets like Wired calling it “Darth Vader’s kitchen.” It definitely seems like it could be, doesn’t it? And yet, it really does have utility in the here and now. If designs like this fail to launch, it just goes to show that we have a difficult time moving beyond traditions that don’t serve us anymore to consider cool new ways of doing things.

From Gatto Kitchens Atlanta, here’s a description of this odd kitchen design:

“A circular unit made up of two half spheres which can be opened and closed. The sink, plate rack with cutlery storage, chopping board, and cooking area with ceramic glass hob and firestone are in the lower half. The upper half houses a ventilator hood and the lighting system. The control panel is placed on the outside of the lower sphere. Illumination is provided by halogen spotlights and by a LED lighting system.”

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