Valcucine's Ergonomic Design by jay yoon

The philosophy of transparency

Man’s thirst for knowledge is a real, primary, spontaneous need. A need that we of Valcucine have always met with the precise aim to inform and share all the information in our possession, the result of years of research and collaboration with architects and designers, with anyone and straight away. It is an acknowledged fact that the quality of the single components of a kitchen, as excellent as it may be, cannot guarantee overall quality by itself. Any programme also needs a suitably studied and planned space that takes into account all the architectural and technical

aspects concerned and that is capable of satisfying the aesthetic and functional requirements of the customer. This guide is the result of the careful assessment and analyses of the most common questions asked and of the comments we recieve from retailers and planners. It is a “treasure box” of ideas and suggestions to help you clearly and schematically remember the aspects that must be weighed up and the steps that must be followed when planning both the architectural space of a kitchen and its furniture.

NB: The advice found in this guide complied with the Italian laws in force when it was drawn up. For other countries and for subsequent modifications, we suggest you examine the local Laws in force as well as any amendments made to them.

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Summary

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6 10 12 20 28 36

Types of kitchens Planning the kitchen A kitchen with a central island A corner kitchen An open space kitchen with a peninsular unit A kitchen with an island and an equipped back section

46 48 50 55 60 62

Ergonomics in the kitchen Heights and depths of base units 80cm depth: Logica System Equipped back section Wall units Wall-hung base units

66 68 70 72 74 76 80 82

Sizes and dimensions Measuring the wall Problems at the end of an arrangement Kitchen corners Height of the window sill Water drainage and connections Plastering Flooring and tiles

86 88 90 92 93 94 95

Aeration holes Check valve Hoods: types and dimensions Remote motor Extraction pipes Existing hole Useful measurements for Valcucine hoods

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104 Electric sockets 106 Artificial kitchen lighting 107 Natural kitchen lighting

110 Child safety

116 The Valcucine â&#x20AC;&#x153;home systemâ&#x20AC;?

134 The kitchens

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What types of kitchens are there?

The in-line kitchen

The in-line kitchen on two sides

This is an efficient solution for long, narrow rooms. All the kitchen cabinets are installed along one wall and a space large enough to walk around in is left on the opposite side.

If the room is long but sufficiently wide, worktops and cabinets can be installed along both walls.

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C-shaped kitchen

U-shaped kitchen

Allows you to optimise movements within the space marked off by the worktops. Sliding doors conceal the work area and make it possible to create an exclusive dining room.

It allows you to have a large work area in a compact space. The elements are installed on three sides. Contrarily to the C-shaped kitchen, there is not enough space inside the U-shaped arrangement for a table.

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Kitchen with an island

Kitchen with a peninsular unit

It requires a lot of space and, if a sink and a hob are fitted as well as the worktop, it requires very detailed planning of the electric and plumbing systems.

The peninsular unit is a handy additional unit that articulates the space in a kitchen. The projecting element can give you extra worktop space, can house a sink and/or hob and can also be fitted with a breakfast bar.

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The corner kitchen

A kitchen composed of separate units

The elements are installed along two adjoining kitchen walls. The sink, the hob and the fridge must be relatively near to each other so as to reduce distances and make it easier to carry out various kitchen chores.

All the kitchens described up to now can be divided into separate functional parts. The flexibility of the system composed of separate units allows you to create a kitchen that, not being tied to a set drawing, is able to adapt to various architectural shapes.

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How can I plan my kitchen?

fumes outlet as well as by the plasterboard worker to build plassterboard parts. It is also useful to the window and door fitter to know where to install door and window frames and also to the tiler to know up to what height he must tile the wall and what type of decorative tiling he can apply; - a top view and cross-section drawing of the plumbing system who will install water and 1 a kitchen with a central island gas pipes and radiators, if any; 2 a corner kitchen 3 a kitchen with a peninsular unit in an open - a top view and cross-section drawing of the electric system that is indispensable for space 4 a kitchen with an island and an equipped the electrician so that he knows where he can run cables, where sockets and switches can back section. be fitted, where to arrange connections for The following information is given for each intercom systems, thermostats, telephones, tv sets, the hood and under wall unit lights. type of kitchen: - the aesthetic project rendering shows the kitchen with its colours, materials and shapes; - the architectural project with its top and NB: we do not use specific technical symside view drawing that defines all the mason- bols for electric and hydraulic systems in our ry and architectural features of the kitchen projects, rather an indicative set of symbols and that is required by the builder to build that have the aim of guiding the technicians walls, windows, aeration holes and the hood in their work. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always change the architectural shape of a kitchen, but many arrangements are possible in the same room. It is a matter of finding the most suitable solution from an aesthetical and functional point of view. Four projects showing different types of kitchens can be seen in the following pages:

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Kitchen with a central island

Corner kitchen

Pages: 12 - 19

Pages: 20 - 27

Open space kitchen with a peninsular unit Pages: 28 - 35

Kitchen with an island and an equipped back section Pages: 36 - 43 planning guide

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A kitchen with a central island

The aesthetic project If the room is large enough, the kitchen with an island is the best possible solution in terms of functionality and aesthetics. It gives you lots of freedom of movement and the pleasure of working looking over the dining area. The island becomes the heart of the kitchen and, together with the celinghung hood and other elements, creates a stunning setting. The rendering offers a realistic view of the arrangement and allows you to ponder choices in terms of volumes, colours and finishes. 12

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A kitchen with a central island: how can I plan it? B

735

130

Aeration hole Ă&#x2DC; 12

J 120

A 420

640

CENTERLINE OF SYMMETRY

hob centerline

Hood fumes outlet Ă&#x2DC; 15

The architectural project A kitchen with an island requires lots of attention from a planning point of view. If possible, it is best to define the position of each single element and their sizes in the planning phase of the kitchen. The architectural drawing in its top and front view must include the measurements of the 14

furniture, of the walls and of the aeration holes that must be precise to the centimeter. If the project of the building allows for it, it is a good idea to plan for the hood fumes outlet in the ceiling, above the hob. The co-ordinates of the ceiling fumes outlet centerline must

be calculated in the following way: - crosswise, add to the distance of the island from the wall (X), a distance (J) that will vary depending on the type of hood (J is equal to 35cm for the most common types of hood). - lengthwise, add to the distance of the island from the wall

(Y), the distance to the hob centerline (K). This way it will be possible to fit the hood flue perpendicularly to the ceiling without the need for curved pipes that are often concealed by unisghtly false walls.

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Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

Aeration hole Ø 12

SECTION A-A

Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

SECTION B-B

The island requires a working space of about 120 cm. This is the optimal space necessary to simultaneoulsy and comfortably open the doors of the island and of any tower units installed along the wall. (In any case, the minimum space required for working is 100 cm).

To calculate the distance of the island from the wall it is necessary to add 120 cm to the depth of any elements installed against the wall (wall panels, towers or worktops).

If possible, to minimise the impact of the motor noise, it is preferable to choose a hood with a motor that can be installed outside the kitchen (see page 92).

For good hood extraction, the flue outlet must have a diameter of at least 15 cm.

For an excellent aesthetic result, consider the possibility of arranging the kitchen elements

in an aligned and symmetric way.

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A kitchen with a central island: how can I plan the electric system? B Wall panels

hob centerline K

Electric board for: - TV set power supply - TV antenna - electric socket - spotlight switch

Hood power supply

Power supply to ceiling lights

Power supply for: - refrigerator - ovens Electric board for: - hob - dishwasher

Electric socket

The electric system

area to use for cable outlets on the floor service gap between two base unit

the power supply of the hob, of the oven and of any sockets on the worktops. The floor outlets must remain within the 8 cm service gap created by fitting two 60 cm base units (of which one has a sink) back-to-back, or within the 5 cm gap created by

sink centerline

It is of fundamental importance to decide the exact position of the island in the planning phase. This way it will be possible to precisely determine: - the ceiling outlet of the power supply cables for the hood (adjacent to the fumes outlet described on page 14); - floor connection outlets for

5/8 35/60

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Boiserie

Hood power supply Electric board for: - TV set power supply - TV antenna - electric socket - spotlight switch

Electric board for: - hob - dishwasher

SECTION A-A

Floor cable outlet

Hood power supply Power supply for: - refrigerator - ovens

115

Electric board for: - hob - dishwasher

Aluminium cable guard (on request)

installing a 60 cm sink base unit and a 35 cm base unit back-toback (see fig.A). If the kitchen is raised on a support, Valcucine supplies an aluminium guard measuring 30 cm in length to conceal and protect electric wiring. The cable outlets must thus be planned to come out behind this guard.

Due to the fact that sockets must be accessible, the electric cables should come out below the sink because this is the only base unit that does not have a back panel. The exact position of the table allows you to determine the outlet of the cables on the ceiling for a ceiling light.

Electric socket

SECTION B-B

The Valcucine wall panelling has been designed to have the TV and telephone sockets exactly where you need them while concealing the wiring in the gap in the back. Therefore, if you decide to install a TV set or a stereo or if you want to fit shelves with led lights, a cable outlet can be provided in any

position on the wall because it will then be covered by the wall panelling.

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A kitchen with a central island: how can I plan the plumbing system?

Aeration hole Ă&#x2DC; 12

hob centerline K

Hood fumes outlet Ă&#x2DC; 15

A Gas supply Water supply Dishwasher supply Drain

The plumbing system

A area to use for pipe outlets on the floor 30

service gap between two base unit

must be centred on the centerline of the sink and must fall within 30 cm (corresponding to the length of the pipe guard supplied on request by Valcucine if the kitchen is raised on supports).

sink centerline

The water and gas supply and discharge pipe outlets must be centred in the 8 cm service gap created by fitting two 60 cm base units (of which one is a sink base unit) back-to-back or in the 5 cm gap created by fitting a 60 cm sink base unit against a 35 cm base unit. In a longitudinal direction they

5/8 35/60

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Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

Gas supply Water supply Dishwasher supply Drain Aeration hole Ø12

SECTION A-A

Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

Gas supply Water supply Dishwasher supply Drain

SECTION B-B

Floor pipe outlet

For excellent hood extraction it is necessary to provide a 15 cm diameter flue pipe whose centerline must be calculated as described on page 14.

sized according to the laws in force (see page 86).

It is very important to consider the correct aeration of the kitchen through the aeration holes in the wall that must be planning guide

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The corner kitchen

The aesthetic project Due to the fact that it is arranged on two adjacent sides, the corner kitchen must be planned by creating logical connections between the various functional areas to make work in the kitchen run as smoothly as possible. A perspective view shows the real space, allowing you to assess the position of the single elements, the colour scheme, the combination of materials and the lighting. 20

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The corner kitchen: how can I plan it? 440

Hood fumes outlet Ă&#x2DC; 15

205

Aeration hole Ă&#x2DC; 12

A 386

115

190

182

The architectural project Often one finds oneself in the position of planning kitchen furniture after the kitchen has already been built and the walls have been constructed in a hapdash way, with drains and electric sockets that do not follow a logical kitchen project. The inevitable consequence is that the kitchen furniture has 22

to be adapted to the architecture which often calls for costly custom-sized units. The correct method is to plan the kitchen furniture first by defining the position of each element and the exact size of the modules. For a corner kitchen, first of all the perfect perpendicularity of

the two adjacent walls must be checked, and these must be measured at a height of 90cm (see page 73), to avoid major problems during assembly. When planning kitchen furniture it is necessary to consider a tolerance of +1cm for possible imperfections in the straightness of the walls, and

+1cm thickness for possible wall claddings.

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56 Hood fumes outlet Ă&#x2DC; 15

SECTION A-A

SECTION B-B

SECTION C-C

Plasterboard filler

SECTION D-D

Aeration hole Ă&#x2DC; 12

If you want to add a free-standing fridge with a water and ice dispenser it is necessary to plan a space sufficient for the convex door to open properly (see page 68), as well as for the socket and the water supply/drain tap to be located near the appliance. Another very impotant element

to consider is the size of the side panel against a door: it is calculated by adding +2cm to the depth of the kitchen up to the door frame (see page 72).

To install a worktop under the window, it is necessary to calculate the right height of the window sill (see page 74) and the position of the tap. If the hood is wall-hung, it is advisable to make a fumes outlet hole on the same wall, taking into account that its position will vary depending on

the type of hood (see pages 96 to page 101). On either side of tower units a plasterboard wall creates an alcove-fitted effect. This must be made-to-measure after the tower units have been installed.

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The corner kitchen: how can I plan the electric system? Hood power supply Socket for back section Fridge power supply

Switches

Wall light

A Electric board for: - hob - oven - dishwasher

Power supply for ceiling light

C Power supply

for wall unit light Power supply for tower unit light

Switch for ceilng light

The electric system The electric system can be defined only after the exact position of all the units, of the appliances and of the table have been decided. The plan of the electrical system has the aim of precisely defining all the light points, the sockets, the intercom connections, the thermostats, the 24

telephone and the TV antenna sockets. This is the only way for the electrician to create a rational and aesthetically pleasing system. Often household appliances are connected to sockets located behind the furniture, at 17.5 cm from the floor, making

them not very accessible. To guarantee practical socket inspection it is advisable to collect them all together in a single electric board located behind the sink base unit, the only one without a back panel (see page 104). It is from here that the various power supply lines for applian-

ces and for the back section are managed. It is a good idea to divide the sockets in the electric board and give each a separate switch to prevent a failure of one appliance jeopardising the use of all the other sockets.

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170 25

Wall light power supply Electric board Wall unit light power supply

SECTION A-A

SECTION B-B

110

Fridge power supply Hood power supply Back section power supply

Ceiling light switch Tower light power supply

SECTION C-C

It is advisable to provide for a cable outlet concealed behind the wall units for a light or for a midway socket (see page 105).

keep sockets at a minimum distance of 60 cm from the hob and sink (see page 105).

If a back section is not fitted, provide for sockets on the back panel of the kitchen to connect small appliances. For safety reasons it is best to

Due to the fact that the kitchen can also be illuminated by the hood light and by the lights at the bottom of the wall units it is a good idea to collect their power supply under a single

Switches and light socket

switch located on the back panel of the kitchen. The cable outlet for the hood must be selected in compliance with the type of hood chosen and is usually located just above the appliance so that it becomes invisible (see pages 96 to 101).

SECTION D-D

The fridge with a water and ice dispenser requires an electric socket located alongside the appliance.

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The corner kitchen: how can I plan the plumbing system? Hood fumes outlet Ă&#x2DC; 15 Cold water supply for fridge Drain Aeration hole Ă&#x2DC; 12

A Gas supply Water supply Drain

The plumbing system It is of fundamental importance to decide the position of the units and of the appliances before planning the plumbing system of a corner kitchen, especially if you want to fit special appliances such as an American-style refrigerator. To install this type of fridge 26

with an automatic water and ice dispenser it is necessary to plan for a water supply/drain tap alongside the appliance. The connection pipe must be made from a foodsafe material.

The back section will allow the water and gas pipes to come out at any point in the wall behind the kitchen. Nevertheless, it is a good idea for the piping to come out of the wall behind the sink base unit because it is the only readily accessible place without a back panel. From here and

through the back section, the gas pipe can reach the hob. The back section can also contain the gas safety cock. (see pages 55,59).

planning guide

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56 40 Water supply for fridge Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

SECTION A-A

SECTION C-C

Gas supply Drain Water supply

Aeration hole Ø 12

SECTION B-B

SECTION D-D

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An open space kitchen with a peninsular unit

The aesthetic project A single kitchen-living room area is increasingly becoming the new trend. The open space has become the heart of the home, be it a loft or a bedsitter, an apartment flat or a single house. The versatility of the Valcucine programmes guarantees the possibility of personalising and constructing the living room, of integrating the functions and of co-ordinating elements, modules and materials. For example, the Valcucine wall panels can be fitted in the kitchen and in the living room or can be used as a way of visually connecting various rooms of the home. It is possible to co-ordinate the appearance of an open space arrangement by using furniture that aesthetically links the kitchen and the living room but that is fitted with the specific functional elements used in each area.

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An open space kitchen with a pensinular unit: how can I plan it? B Hood fumes outlet Ø 15 535

Aeration hole Ø 12

Opening on false ceiling for hot air discharge from fridge 635

The architectural project In an open space every detail must be carefully planned because the kitchen shares the space with the living room and becomes the heart of the home, the place where you spend most of your time and where you give hospitality to your friends. For a good aesthetic result, special attention 30

must be paid to the hood flue that should be concealed and to the tower units that should be fitted inside an alcove. If it isn’t possible to make a fumes outlet in the ceiling and if you don’t want to do without an island hood, the hood must be connected to the existing outlet that is usually at the

top of a wall. At this stage, if you want to conceal the flue pipe, you will be obliged to build a false ceiling. Due to the fact that we are planning a kitchen-living room, we could take advantage of the need to conceal the flue pipe by lowering the ceiling above the entire kitchen area and aligning it

with the walls, or with doors or windows to create a logical distinction of the two areas. In an open space it makes sense to install tower units so that they look as if they are alcovefitted, flush with the wall. If you want to fit refrigerators inside tower units that are as tall as the ceiling, it will be necessary

planning guide

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False ceiling Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

Aeration hole Ø 12 SECTION A-A Aeration hole in false ceiling Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

Aeration hole Ø 12 SECTION B-B

to make holes to allow the hot air generated by refrigeration to escape. The aeration holes must have a minimum total surface of 400 cm. There are some refrigerators on the market that do not require these holes because they are designed so that cold air enters half of the plinth while hot

air exits the other half. The plasterboard wall must be 2 made-to-measure depending on the height of the tower units. If a tower unit is installed in the corner against a side wall, knobs or vertical handles must be used instead of horizontal handles or enough

space must be left to open the door. This space will then be concealed with a filler (see pages 70,71).

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A kitchen with a peninsular unit: how can I plan the electric system? B

Intercom Ceiling light switch Thermostat

Power supply for wall light

hob centerline

Electric board for: - hob - dishwasher - power supply to back section

Electric board for: - power supply to TV - TV antenna - electric socket - spotlight switch J

A Power supply for fridge

Socket Switches Branch points for hood and false ceiling lights

Cable outlet for electric board Cable outlet for hood and ceiling light

Power supply for oven

Power supply for wall lights

Power supply for ceiling light

The electric system The false ceiling used to conceal the hood flue pipe is also useful to hide the electric connections that come out of the wall and that power the hood and the lights above the worktop and above the table. We suggest you choose the position of the table before deciding the position of the cable 32

outlet for the ceiling light to avoid having to use unsightly ceiling extension cables for a perfectly centred light. If your table is more than 150 cm long, it is advisable to provide for more than one light.

is usually located below the sink, a socket will be required behind the appliance. The electric cable outlet from the false ceiling to power the hood must be located near the fumes outlet (see page 34).

If the oven and fridge are too far from the electric board, that

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Electric board for: - power supply to TV - TV antenna - electric socket - spotlight switch

Cable outlet from false ceiling for hood

Cable outlet for hood

Cable outlet for electric board

Electric board for: - hob - dishwasher - back section

SECTION A-A Power supply for hood

A Oven power supply

SECTION B-B

equipped back section

area to use for cable outlets from the wall

Due to the fact that the peninsular unit has an equipped back section, the electric cables must come out of the wall behind the back section. After the exact position of the back section has been decided, the electric cables must fall within the 11cm gap, measured across the centerline of the back section and in

Fridge power supply Electric board for: - hob - dishwasher - back section

an area comprised between Y1 and Y2 (see fig.A) that varies depending on the height of the base unit (see pages 76 to 79). From here the cables will be directed below the sink where they will become part of an electric board to which the various appliances will be connected (see page 104). planning guide

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Kitchen with a peninsular unit: how can I plan the plumbing system? B K Gas supply Water supply Dishwasher supply Drain Hood fumes outlet Ă&#x2DC; 15

hob centerline

Aeration hole Ă&#x2DC; 12

A Y

Fumes outlet on false ceiling

The plumbing system For the island hood, the ceiling co-ordinates for the centerline of the fumes outlet are calculated in the following way: - crosswise to the top, the variable (J) , which depends on the type of hood chosen (J is equal to 35 cm for most hoods) must be added to the distance

of the peninsular unit from the wall. - lengthwise to the top, now measure the distance from the wall to the hob centerline (K). In this position, a flue pipe will run to the flue outlet in the wall, concealed by the false ceiling.

For good hood extraction, the pipe must also be carefully chosen and positioned (see page 93). A gas cock can be fitted in a compartment in the back section behind the hob (see page 59).

planning guide

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Hood fumes outlet Ø 15 Hood fumes outlet on plasterboard Gas supply Water supply Dishwasher supply Drain Aeration hole Ø 12 SECTION A-A Hood fumes outlet Ø 15 Aeration hole in false ceiling

Gas supply Water supply Dishwasher supply Drain

SECTIONB-B

Aeration hole Ø 12

equipped back section

area used for pipe outlets from the wall

The plumbing pipes must also come out of the wall behind back section. The pipes must fall within the 11cm gap, measured across the centerline of the back section and in an area comprised between Y1 and Y2 (see fig. A) that varies depending on the height of the base unit (see

pages 76 to 79). It is very important to remember that the drain pipe must always be fitted in the lowest position. The pipes will run from the wall to the sink base unit.

planning guide

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A kitchen with an island and an equipped back section

The aesthetic project The perspective view clearly reveals the most significant features of this new arrangement with an island. It is complete from a functional viewpoint: as well as the hob, the worktop and the sink, it has a wooden breakfast bar and a back panel with various accessories. Clean lines, pure volumes, light materials and an advanced ergonomic study distinguish this project. The island hood with its steel casing has a horizontal glass panel and a front one that contain and convey the cooking fumes and protect the wooden breakfast bar when cooking.

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The kitchen with an island and back section: how can I plan it? Aeration hole Ă&#x2DC; 12

Hood fumes outlet Ă&#x2DC; 15

405

back section centerline

485

120

650

hob centerline

The architectural project As well as being aesthetically pleasing, a kitchen with an island is particularly practical to use because of the logical arrangement of all its elements. The new island has a 20 cm deep back section in stainless steel that stands directly on the floor and is located alongside the sink base unit and behind 38

the island. The back section gives more freedom to position the electric and plumbing floor outlets because these can run inside it. The fact that the back section is higher than the worktop turns it into a protection from splashing water and makes it possible to fix the special tap designed by

Valcucine to the vertical side of the back section. The exact position of the flue outlet centerline for the Vitrum hood is determined in the following way: - lengthwise, the distance of the island from the wall (X) is added to the hob centerline (K)

- crosswise, the distance of the front of the island from the wall (Y) is added to the depth of the base units (65cm) and of the back section centerline (10cm).

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Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

Aeration hole Ø 12 SECTION A-A

Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

SECTION B-B

Due to the fact that it is an island arrangement, the sizes of the various elements and the necessary distances between them must be carefully planned to best exploit all its potential. The island requires a surrounding space of about 120cm which is the optimal distance required

to simultaneoulsy open the doors of the base units and of any tower units installed along the wall (at least 100cm are needed).

planning guide

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A kitchen with island and back section: how can I plan the electric system? Electric socket

Power supply for: - wine-cellar fridge - fridge - ovens

back section centerline

10 65

Switches

Electric board for: - hob - dishwasher - back section

Power supply for Vitrum hood

The electric system

area usable for floor cable outlets

electric cables must be calculated by adding 75cm (depth of the base unit + distance to the back section centerline) to the distance of the island from the wall (Y).

If the kitchen has an island and a floor-standing equipped back section, the electric cables can come out along the back section in the 13 cm wide empty space below the accessories (in fig. A, the green coloured area). The centerline of the space that can be used for the

planning guide

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Power supply for hood Power supply for: - wine-cellar fridge - fridge - ovens

Electric board for: - hob - dishwasher - back section Electric socket

SECTION A-A

Power supply for hood

Electric board for: - hob - dishwasher - back section SECTION B-B

To power the new P20 hood the electric cables must come out into the steel flue casing, as described on page 101.

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A kitchen with an island and a back section: how can I plan the plumbing system?

Hood fumes outlet Ă&#x2DC; 15

Gas supply Water supply Dishwasher supply Drain

bak section centerline

10 65

Aeration hole Ă&#x2DC; 12

hob centerline

The plumbing system

From here, the pipes can run through the back section until they reach destination.

The plumbing connections must be effected in the 13cm wide empty space in the back section (see fig.A). The centerline of the space that can be used for the pipes must be calculated by adding 75cm (depth of base unit + back section centerline) to the distance of the island from the wall (Y).

area usable for floor pipe outlets

swivel mixer tap

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Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

Gas supply Water supply Dishwasher supply Drain Aeration hole Ø 12 SECTION A-A

Hood fumes outlet Ø 15

SECTION B-B If the room and the type of hood allow for it, it is preferable to install the hood motor outside the kitchen to eliminate any annoying extraction noise. All the Valcucine hoods give you this opportunity (see page 92).

Gas supply Water supply Dishwasher supply Drain

The new single-lever mixer tap can be fixed to the new 20 cm deep back section. It has a swivel and fold-down neck and a rotating glass spout, designed by Valcucine (see figure).

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How should an ergonomic kitchen be planned?

COOKING HOB

worktop

WASHING

REFRIGERATOR

SINK

worktop

PRESERVING

Ergonomic routes Working in the kitchen can be very tiring, notwithstanding the help given by many accessories and by electrical appliances. Good space organisation can reduce obstacles and unnatural and useless movements. Arranging various kitchen areas by respecting distances 46

and organising logical routes is the starting point to make work in the kitchen creative and fun. A simple rule is to connect the preserving area (larders, refrigerator), the washing area (sink, dishwasher) and the cooking area (hob), by means of small triangles. The sum of

the three sides that connect them should not exceed 650 cm. In an ideal kitchen arrangement, the three areas should be divided by worktops.

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What are the minimum distances to be respected? B

A - A distance of 120 cm between the table and a wall or any other obstacle is the minimum distance required to allow a person to walk behind a seated one, in the direction shown in the drawing.

B - To allow a person to work and even open doors and drawers behind a person seated, it is necessary to leave a minimum distance of 135cm between the edge of the table and the unit behind it. If the unit is 80cm deep, this distance must be increased by 15cm.

C - To determine the distances to leave between the worktops and other elements situated in front of them, it is necessary to keep in mind the space required for people to move around and of the room taken up by appliances and base units with their drawers or doors open.

D - A free space of one metre must be left in front of the dishwasher to allow for loading and unloading. For another person to walk behind the first one during this operation, the empty space must be increased by an additional 70cm if there is a wall on the opposite side. planning guide

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To work standing before a worktop that is too low or too high obliges the person to assume incorrect postures that, in the long run, can have serious consequences on physical health. Due to the fact that the average height of mankind is increasing, it is advisable to offer worktop heights that vary 48

depending on the needs of the user. This way, he/she will work more comfortably. Valcucine offers various worktop heights depending on the height of the person. It is important to choose the height of the worktop at the outset because it determines the position of the electric

How can I choose the height of the worktop?

sockets, the position of the wall units and the height of the hood flue outlet.

planning guide

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At what height should wall units be hung?

Traditional 60cm deep base units have now evolved towards greater and more ergonomic depths. Valcucine offers the 65cm depth and the 80cm deep system. By increasing the depth of the base units, it is possible to lower the wall units, that will be in a more ergonomic position.

A - For the traditional 60cm depth, the recommended height of the back panel is 54cm, which is required to allow for sufficient visibility of the worktop. However, the wall unit creates a couped up feeling and its position makes it difficult to see and take the contents out.

B - By increasing the depth of the base unit to 65 cm, it is possible to lower the wall unit that is then easier to see and reach. This gives you more freedom of movement and better visibility on the worktop. The recommended height of the back panel is 48 cm.

C - The 80cm depth, consisting in a special equipped back section and a 60 cm base unit, gives better visibility on the worktop. The recommended distance of the wall units from the worktop is 42cm. The contents of the wall unit are completely visible and accessible even on the top shelves. planning guide

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What are the advantages of the 80cm depth and of the Logica System?

A - With the traditional 60cm depth, even if the back panel is higher, the wall unit gives you a claustrophobic feeling and blocks the view of the worktop during food preparation.

B - The 80cm depth offers the possibility of working on a larger surface, at a safe distance from sharp edges and wall units, eliminating that couped up feeling and giving you more freedom of movement while improving the view on the worktop that can now be used to the full.

C - A traditional wall unit is usually installed at a height that prvents you from having a complete view of the objects located on the top shelf, making it difficult to use, especially for short people.

D - The 80cm depth allows you to stand further away from the wall units which can now be lowered, making them more visible and accessible and increasing the space in front of them.

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E - Wall units with traditionally opening doors are an obstacle and give you a closed-in feeling. Furthermore, due to the fact that the door often remains open, it is extremely likely that you will bump your head when moving around.

F - The balanced lift-up door can stay open all the time necessary and allows you to move around sideways and bend over with no fear of bumping or banging your head.

G - The dish drainer installed at a traditional height is awkward to use: the movement to put the plates away is unnatural and tiring and it is inevitable for water to drip down your arm. The dish drainer attached to the wall unit is also difficult to clean.

H - The 80cm depth makes it possible to fit the dish drainer inside the back panel, behind the sink. It is possible to put the plates to drain without tiring yourself and without water dripping down your arm. The dish drainer is connected directly to the trap for water drainage. planning guide

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I - In traditional kitchens, the hood is usually too near to your face and this stops you from looking over the pots and pans to check the cooking process.

L - The new Libera hood, with its upward sweeping shape, frees all the underlying space and allows you to approach the hob area easily and safely to check on the cooking process.

M - Kitchens with a 60cm deep top, as well as having the hood too near to your face, do not give you enough space to keep utensils and objects used for cooking at handâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach.

N - The new ergonomic Valcucine system consists in a P20 hood that gives you freedom of movement and in an integrated system of containers that allow you to keep the various kitchen utensils right behind the hob, just where you need them.

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The new ergonomic P20 system P20 hood Spice-rack Electric sockets Crumb vacuum Mini blender Rolling pin

Shelves

Toaster

Chopping board

The P20 system In general the back of the worktop is not used in traditional kitchens. Valcucine, with its 80cm deep worktop, makes the most of this space and exploits it by fitting the back section and by adding practical and functional containers that are perfectly integrated with the worktop.

The containers are 20cm deep (like the equipped back section and the P20 hood). They are available in sizes that differ both in width and in length and can be fitted between the worktop and the P20 hood, or between the worktop and the wall units. They can contain small ap-

pliances, a chopping board, electric sockets, various kitchen utensils and small shelves and racks.

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Which are easier to use? Base units with doors or with jumbo drawers? A

A - Traditional base units with doors and shelves oblige you to kneel down and get into awkward positions (that in the long run may cause serious physical problems), to take or put away objects that are usually stored in an almost inaccessible corner or in a scarcely-lit area. 54

B - With the pullout jumbo drawer, the entire contents of the base units is visible, more accessible and easy to reach. Valcucine offers base units with full-extension, 80cm deep jumbo drawers, with or without an equipped back section.

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The Valcucine equipped back section

The equipped back section is a 20cm wide area inside which plumbing and electrical connections can be made, giving the interior designer freedom to install the sink and the hob at a certain distance from the positions imposed by the water and gas supply outlets. Valcucine uses three types of

back sections: - an aluminium back section (see pages 126,127): it can be fitted between the base units and the wall, or used in a central island (in this case it must be finished using a wooden back panel combined with a wooden snack bar; - a steel back section (see pa-

ges 116,117): ideal for use in the centre of the room. It has a steel finished back panel that reaches the floor. It protrudes by 18cm above the top and thus acts as an upstand to contain splashing water. The new swivel tap (see page 43) can be fixed to the section over looking the sink;

- a steel back section welded to the top (see page 123): it can be used against the wall or in a kitchen with an island or a peninsular unit. It becomes one with the top, and due to the fact that it is does not have seals, is easier to clean.

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What can I fit in the back section?

Chopping board+ knife rack

Electric sockets

The back section can be fitted with a set of containers having precise functions that are normally scattered around the kitchen: a dish and glass rack; compartments with sockets and gas cocks; knife and chopping-board racks; food bowls in various sizes; digital weighing scales; bottle and spice racks, 56

Food bowls

Vacuum pum

Gas cock

a detergent holder and a small blender; a vacuum pump container. All the elements can be removed for easy cleaning, some are dishwasher safe. The back section is modular to suit requirements and allows you to work more comfortably with everything on hand.

Weighing

Container with lift-up door

Dishdrainer

All the accessories can be removed. Some are dishwasher safe.

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The equipped back section accessories A

A - Removable and dishwasher safe stainless steel dish and glass racks. The hygiene of this system is ensured because it is connected directly to the trap for direct water drainage.

B - Container with a lift-up door and natural wooden shelves with slots for knives that are stored in a safe bladedown position.

C - A compartment with a liftup door and a wooden bottlerack.

D - Stainless steel food bowls in various sizes with lids, easy to remove and dishwasher safe. So that everything is on hand when preparing and cooking food.

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spezie spezie

E - Compartment with lift-up door, socket and a mini blender housing.

spezie

F - Electronic weighing scales in stainless steel with a capacity of up to 2 Kg and a 1 gr. weighing precision. They have a tare function so that you can weigh food in its containers. The new weighing scales are ready to use at any time.

G - Compartment with lift-up door and multilayer laminate container for practical storage of the glass spice-jars supplied by Valcucine.

H - Container for the vacuum pump, an appliance which extracts the air from special containers to guarantee better tasting food and more healthy food preservation.

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I - Compartment for electric sockets fitted with a switch to connect small appliances or fixed appliances. Thanks to its generous size it can also contain the lead which may become a nuisance if left on the worktop.

L - Compartment with a lift-up door for easy and handy access to the gas cock, usually located in a place too awkward to reach and turn off every day.

M - Aluminium containers with lift-up doors, the ideal place to store everything you need to clean your kitchen and keep detergents out of the reach of children.

N - A container with a lift-up door to fit a rack for small wooden and non-toxic teflon chopping boards and for the rolling pin.

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What is the most comfortable way to open a wall unit? A

Ergonomic opening methods A - The wall unit with a balanced lift-up door guarantees great practicality and freedom of movement and allows you to work safely even when the door is open. The oleodynamic balancing pistons allow you to open the door with a light upward touch of the hand.

B - The wall unit with horizontally-folding doors reduces the space taken up by normal wall unit doors that are an obstacle to movement and to sight. It is easy to open them thanks to a system of hinges and sliding runners.

The Valcucine Aerius wall unit A - The wall unit fitted with a patented balanced opening system ensures practicality and freedom of movement and allows you to move around safely, even when the door is open. A balancing mechanism adjusts opening and closing speed so that this very light door can be opened with a light upward touch of the hand.

B - The width of the Aerius wall unit can vary with requirements and can reach a maximum of 3 metres for a single unit. In the chipboard or multilayer carcass versions the vertical interior dividers are eliminated.

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The Valcucine Ala wall unit A - The patented Ala wall unit opens with a light movement of the hand thanks to an inside counterweight and without the use of hinges, springs or pistons. Contrarily to traditional systems, the open door isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an obstacle to the vertical or side movements of the householder.

B - The width of the Ala wall unit can vary with the requirements of the customer and can reach 240cm in a single unit. We suggest you install it by itself, separate from other kitchen elements, to make the most of its unique looks.

C - By opening a single door, the entire unit is available and remains ready to use all the time, eliminating tiresome door opening and closing movements. When you have finished, the door shuts with a single touch of the hand and everything is tidy again

D - Storage space and the view of the householder have been increased Bby removing the vertical dividers inside the wall unit.

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Which is best? A kitchen with a plinth or a wall-hung kitchen? A

Base unit with plinth

Wall-hung base unit

Loadbearing wall

Support for wall-hung base units

Base unit with plinth

Wall-hung base unit

Partition wall

Support for wall-hung base units with feet Floor-heating

Fixing a wall-hung kitchen A - A wall-hung kitchen makes cleaning under the furniture really easy. A kitchen with a plinth is less easy to clean so that perfect hygiene is not possible. Even if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it, the dirt accumulates behind the plinth which, although it has a gasket, cannot ensure a perfect seal. 62

B - The wall-hung kitchen is ideal for floor-heating because it removes all obstacles for perfect heat diffusion.

C - Steel L-shaped supporting brackets are supplied to fix a kitchen to a load-bearing wall. To avoid accidentally drilling the pipes inside the wall it is important to use an instrument that detects their exact position.

D - If the base units are fixed to an interior partition wall, add feet to support part of the weight. It is advisable to fit a quantity of feet that guarantees a distance between them of 120cm. The feet supplied by Valcucine are so slim that they do not detract from the beauty of the kitchen.

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Can household appliances be installed in a wall-hung kitchen? E

Wall-hung dishwasher

Oven inside a wall-hung base unit

Oven inside a wall-hung element In-column dishwasher

The dishwasher E - Nowadays it is even possible to install a dishwasher in a wall-hung base unit. An example of this is the new Smeg 60x90 or 60x60 dishwasher. We recommend the addition of supporting feet. It is necessary to accurately define the position of the wall pipe outlet (see page 77).

The oven F - A 76x60 dishwasher can be installed in a tall unit, in a higher position compared to a traditional one which makes it more ergonomic. Its ideal position is at the right of the sink (making it easier to load). NB: Make sure it is provided with the Acquastop device before purchasing it.

G - The oven can also be fitted inside a wall-hung base unit fixed to the wall.

H - The oven is more comfortable to use and more ergonomic if it is installed inside an element that can be hung in any position on the wall. It can have a flap door that disappears below the unit when open.

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Overall sizes and dimensions of furnishing elements

45 30- 0-120 9 60-

36 36

wall-hung

iab

var 40 30- 60 45-

65-

0-1

11 95-

95-

110

-12

WIDTH

45 40- 20 30- 0-1 15- 80-9 60-

40-58-61 64-70-75 36

with feet

36-48 variable 60-72 6-9

6-9 16-22-25 28-34 60-72

6-9

with plinth

-9 1-6

WALL PANELS

BASE UNITS

10-13 16-22 60-72

variable

HEIGHT

END PANELS

35-

DEPTH

Var ia

ble

3560- 50 6580

20 60

96-

120 18-

24-

30 3550-

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TOWER UNITS

36-48-60-72-96

wall unit H 48

-10

Ala wall unit

Aerius wall unit

-10

12 10-

102

10-13 16-22

60-72 20

192-204

16-22-25 28-34 120-144-180-192-204-228

10-13 16-22 120-144-180-192-204-228

45 0 30- 0-12 9 60

WALL UNITS

120 90- -240 180

40 30- -90 15- 0-80 6 45-

60 45- 120 0 9 -

wall unit H 48 ax

00)

m le (

iab

var

Aerius wall unit 35-

50-

35-

50-

60-

-24

180

120

Ala wall unit 34

wall unit H 48 34

113

Aerius wall unit

Ala wall unit

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How can I calculate the length of the wall to which the units are fitted? 366

302 1

300

Length of wall for in-line kitchen L.300

300

Length of wall for in-line kitchen L.300 and fridge W. 60 with horizontal handle

311+x 1

300

321+x x

10*

Length of wall for in-line kitchen L.300 and fridge with convex door

300

20*

Length of wall for in-line kitchen L.300 and American-style fridge

Measuring the wall To calculate the right length of a wall to contain the kitchen unts without the need for costly made-to-measure elements, one must remember that a kitchen is composed of modules that are multiples of 15cm. To avoid wasting space and the need for customised modifications, the kitchen must 68

also be planned as a multiple of 15 cm. An extra 1 cm tolerance on each side must always be considered if you will be adding tiles to an unfinished wall. If a fridge will be installed at the end of an arrangement, add 5cm to allow a door with a horizontal handle to open

completely; an extra 10*cm if you fit a fridge with a convex door; an extra 20*cm if you install an American-style fridge. The depth of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Free Standingâ&#x20AC;? refrigerators varies depending on their capacity in litres. For American-style refrigerators with an automatic water and ice dispenser, you must con-

sider the space for a tap to fit alongside the fridge. *indicative measurements that must be checked with the actual appliance ordered.

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367 5 60

300

372

Length of wall for corner kitchen D.60, L.300

Length of wall for corner kitchen D. 65, L.300

397

387 300

20 1

300

Length of wall for corner kitchen D.80, L.300

Length of wall for kitchen with corner tower, D.60, L.300

In the corner of the kitchen it is necessary to add the size of the corner post (X) (used to make door opening easier) to the depth of the base units. In general it is preferable to use a door with a knob and a door with a horizontal handle. To fit two doors with horizontal handles you must consider

that they will knock against each other and then calculate the width of the corner post. In general, for most kitchens the width of the corner post (X) is 5cm.

Corner post Opening with knob

x Base unit depth

Opening with handle

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What problems could arise at the end of an arrangement near a door?

Door frame

Horizontal handle at the end of an arrangement

Jumbo drawer end of arrangement

min. 5cm

Gap from the wall

Gap from wall

Filler

Door frame protrudes by min. 1cm

Drawers or jumbo drawers Door frames usually protrude from the wall by about one centimetre. This is why, when you plan a kitchen that finishes against a wall with a door, a few simple rules must be followed. A good rule is to keep the base units detached from the side wall by 5 cm to allow the jumbo drawer to be pulled out 70

without knocking against the door frame. A filler strip will be used to conceal the gap while the top will continue against the side wall.

Horizontal handle If the kitchen has doors with horizontal handles, a gap must be left between the end unit and the wall. The width of the gap will depend on the space taken up by the handle when the door is open. A 5cm gap is usually sufficient but it is always best to ask how deep the handles you want to use

are. To avoid this problem, a knob can be fitted on the door near the wall.

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Door frame

Dishwasher end of arrangement

Wall unit with lift-up door at end of arrangement

min. 5cm

Gap from the wall

Gap from wall

Filler

Door frame protrudes by min. 1cm

Door frame protruding by min. 1cm

Dishwashers A dishwasher at the end of an arrangement and near a door requires a gap of approximately 5cm from the wall to allow the door to open without knocking against the door frame. Valcucine discourages dishwasher installation at the end of an arrangement because, if the corner is not a perfect right-an-

Wall unit with lift-up door gle, problems may arise both for assembly and for door opening. Furthermore, due to the fact that the dishwasher is not installed inside a base unit but is attached to the side panels of the base units on each side, if it is installed at the end of an arrangement, one side support would be missing.

If a special wall unit with lift-up door such as the Ala or Aerius wall unit have been planned at the end of an arrangement, due to the special size of the door, it will be necessary to install the wall unit at a distance of at least 5 cm from the wall to allow it to open without knocking against the door frame.

However, to make the most of the special aesthetics of these elements, it is preferable to fit them in an isolated position, at a certain distance from other kitchen cabinets and from the walls.

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How far should the door be from the corner of the kitchen?

B K=X+16

K=X+2

Measuring the wall from corner to door The width of the wall (K) from the corner to the door frame must be calculated by considering the depth (X) of the kitchen units that are installed against that wall. In general it is always advisable to maintain a safety gap from the wall of about 2cm.

A - If there are base units, the width of the wall is calculated by adding to the depth of the base units (X), a 2cm gap before the door frame. The total width of the wall will be: K=X+2.

B - If there are tall units, it will not be sufficient to add a 2cm safety gap, but you must also consider the space taken up by a switch (generally 12cm). In this case, the width of the side panel will be calculated by adding to the depth of the tall units (X=), a 2cm gap between the tall unit and the

switch, 12cm for the switch and a 2cm gap between the switch and the doorframe. The total width of the wall will be: K= X+16cm.

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How are corners measured? A

Non-square corner <90° D<141.5 Length of wall Length of kitchen

Gap from the wall Filler

Pullout jumbo drawer

Non-square corner >90° D>141.5 Length of wall Length of kitchen

Filler

Non-square corners Before ordering kitchen furniture it is a good idea to take accurate measurements of the walls to check for possible offsquare corners. Two walls are perpendicular if the diagonal line, measured at one metre’s distance from the corner, is 141.5 cm. This measurement must be taken at various hei-

ghts, but special attention must be paid to the measurement taken for the top (at a height of about 90cm from the floor) for which it is advisable to reproduce a cardboard template. A small mistake in this measurement may require costly worktop modifications with a high probability of error.

If the kitchen corner is not square, two cases are possible: A - the diagonal line is <141.5 therefore the angle is <90°. In this case the length of the kitchen must be shorter than the length of the wall, especially if jumbo drawers, drawers, a dishwasher or the oven are

fitted at the end of the arrangement. B - the diagonal line is >141.5 therefore the angle is >90°. In this case the length of the kitchen can correspond to the length of the wall. The empty gap at the front wil be covered by a filler. The top will be produced using a template. planning guide

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At what height should the window sill be? back section H6 or H18

back section H6 or H18 with dish drainer

splashback H6

splashback H1

Height of the window sill To prevent the height of the window sill from determining the choice of your kitchen, it is necessary to decide it in advance by keeping in mind a few important aspects. The height of the window sill (Y) is calculated by adding 3 cm from the height of the kitchen base unit (J) to the un74

derside of the window sill, or by adding 25cm if the equipped back section with a dishdrainer is fitted below the window (25cm is considered to be the average space taken up by plates standing in the back section rack). The height (J) of the kitchen base unit depends on the

height of the worktop from the floor and whether it is fitted with a back section or a splashback. The height of the window sill is determined as follows: Y=J+3cm or Y=J+25cm.

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How can I plan the sink area below the window? A

horizontally or vertically-sliding windows

hinged windows with centred sink

hinged windows with non-centred sink and fold-down tap

The sink area If the sink is installed below a window, the householder can look outside and washing up becomes less of a chore and thus less tiring. One often gives up on the idea of the functionality and beauty of a sink below the window because of the problem of where to put the dish drainer (superfluous if a

dishwasher is installed). Valcucine suggests two solutions: a dish drainer in the back section (see page 57) or a dish drainer in a pullout rack inside a base unit near the sink base unit. If the sink is fitted below the window, it will be necessary to make sure that the windows do not interfere with

the tap. This can be ensured in three ways: A - by installing horizontally or vertically-sliding windows; B - by fitting the mixer tap exactly in the space where the hinged windows open; C - by installing a fold-down tap if B is not possible. In this case a height of 13cm, corre-

sponding to the height of the folded tap, must be calculated when deciding the height of the window sill.

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At what height should drains and plumbing connections be?

sink centerline

45/60/80/90/120

60/72

31/46/66/76/106

24/36

Area to use for cable and for pipe outlets on the wall

A back-to-wall kitchen In this type of kitchen, the space in which pipes can come out of the wall must correspond to the empty space (without a back panel) of the sink base unit. This space is included between Y2 (upper limit) and Y1 (lower limit), where: Y1 is equal to the height from 76

the floor of the base unit K (be it with a plinth, with feet or wall-hung) increased by 10cm, corresponding to the low bottom back panel + about 6cm for safetyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake. Y2 is equal to Y1+24cm if the base unit is 60 cm deep, Y1+36cm if the base unit is 72 cm deep.

From a front view, the drains must be centred preferably with the sink centerline and must be kept at a distance of about 7cm from both sides of the base unit.

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24 34

Wall-hung kitchen H34cm from the floor and base unit H60

7 8

Y1=34cm+16cm=50cm Y2=50cm+24cm=74cm. D - wall-hung kitchen H58 from the floor and H36 base unit: Y1=58cm+7cm=65cm Y2=65cm+8cm=73cm. Due to the reduced space for pipe outlets we do not recommend fiting a sink inside a H36 wall-hung base unit.

Y2 Y1

Kitchen with feet H25cm and base unit H60

Three examples of calculations for pipe outlets A - kitchen with H13cm plinth and H72 base unit: Y1=13cm+16cm=29cm Y2=29cm+36cm=65cm. B - kitchen with H25cm feet and H60 base unit: Y1=25cm+16=41cm Y2=41cm+24cm=65cm. C - wall-hung kitchen H34cm from the floor and H60 base unit:

Y2 Y1

Kitchen with plinth H13cm and base unit H72

Wall-hung kitchen with base units H36

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Where should I fit drains and pipe connections in a kitchen with an island?

service gap centerline

area usable for floor pipe outlets

sink centerline

service gap centerline

service gap between two base units

5/8

5/8 35/60

35/60

Island on feet without a back section In the event of an island arrangement without a back section and raised on supports, the drain outlets and the floor plumbing connections must be positioned across the centerline of the 8cm service gap that is created by fitting two 60 cm base units back-to-back (of which one is a sink base unit) 78

or across the 5cm created by installing a 60cm deep sink base unit back-to-back with a 35 cm deep base unit. In addition to this, the pipes will be centred in the sink base unit centerline, the only one without a back panel and therefore accessible. On request, Valcucine supplies a 30x5cm

aluminium guard to conceal the pipes. They must come out of the floor within this space.

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... or in a kitchen with a pensinsular unit or an island with a back section?

back section centerline

24/36

drains and connections come out of the wall

drains and connections come out of the wall 13

Peninsular unit with back section and feet

Island with back section and plinth

Peninsular unit with back section on feet

Floor-standing island with back section

The plumbing connections must come out of the wall behind the back section. It is important to determine the exact position of the back section so that the pipes can be made to come out in the 11cm gap, measured across the centerline of the back section and in an area between Y1 (made up of the height K of

the base unit from the floor, + 16cm corresponding to the low bottom back panel + about 6cm for safetyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake) and Y2 (equal to Y1 + 24cm if the base unit is 60 cm deep, +36cm if the base unit is 72 cm deep). The drain pipe must be installed at the bottom. For the island arrangement

with a steel, floor-standing, back section, the plumbing connections must be effected in the free area at the bottom of the back section, that is 13 cm wide. From here the pipes can reach destination by running through the back section. If the steel back section is used on a peninsular unit, the pipes

can come out of the wall but it will be necessary to order a back section with a special side panel.

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How can I prevent mould from forming in the corners? A Insulator

Ceiling

Insulator

Temperature of the wall in the corner: 15° C

Internal wall temperature 19° C

A - The kitchen is a room in which relative humidity is very high on the ceiling and unless the heat bridge has been eliminated during construction, condensation problems may arise and mould may form.

Insulator

Ceiling

EXTERNAL INSULATION

Temperature of the wall in the corner: 19° C

Temperature of the wall in the corner: 18° C No mould

Formation of condensation and mould

Ceiling

THERMAL BRIDGE

External wall temperature 5°C

No mould

Insulating paint

External wall temperature 5°C

B - There are special insulating paints available on the market that avoid the temperature from dropping due to the heat bridge on the ceiling thus preventing the formation of mould.

Internal wall temperature 19° C

External wall temperature 5°C

Internal wall temperature 19° C

C - The ideal solution is to add a good thermal insulator to the exterior of the ceiling to completely eliminate the heat bridge and all its negative consequences.

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What plaster should I choose? A

PLASTER SYNTHETIC

PLASTER

NATURAL

Plaster Various types of plaster are available on the market, some are synthetic, others are natural. Bio-architecture recommends the use of natural plaster only, that is less harmful for our health. It is made of lime and sand mortars and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t contain cement. Lime mortar is resistant to humidi-

ty and mould, anti-bacterial, extremely transpiring and an excellent heat insulator. Slow hardening due to the presence of dicalcium silicate gives this plaster excellent resistance to sudden changes in temperature, perfect adhesion to the base to which it is applied and excellent ela-

sticity. These features result in extreme durability and very high reliability, guaranteeing great resistance to flexion and compression. For as much as regards paints, silicate paints made of potassium silicate and natural mineral pigments are excellent. They are transpiring, hygienic and have a high

tolerance to humidity because they are very permeable to water vapour. The choice of colours is also important in a kitchen because it affects the luminosity of the room: light colours make spaces look larger while warmer colours create the right harmony. planning guide

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What flooring should I choose for my kitchen?

Cotto, stone, marble and granite are natural materials that must be treated using waterrepellent products because they tend to stain. Wood gives the kitchen a homely atmosphere but only if it is finished with natural varnishes that set off its original texture. Care must be taken to avoid wet82

ting it continuously because humidity makes it swell. It is important to appreciate the â&#x20AC;&#x153;wornâ&#x20AC;? look because even if a resistant wood such as oak is used, sharp object, sauces, wine and coffee will take their toll and leave their mark. As an alternative to natural materials, single-fired tiles can be

used which are very resistant because the material mix and the enamel are fired simultaneously at a very high temperature. Double-fired tiles are more refined but also more delicate, they chip easily and end up looking unkempt. If you are planning a flooring with a design, for example a Venetian-

style flooring with a different coloured border, it is important to know the exact size of the furniture and where it will be placed to avoid covering the design or obtaining results that differ from those planned.

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Where should wall tiles be applied?

For cost reasons and because this would prevent the wall from transpiring properly, it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessary to tile the whole wall behind the kitchen elements. The tiled surface must be calculated according to the height of the base units and the position of the wall units. The height of the tiles (K) is

obtained by subtracting the height of the worktop (Y1) from the height of the lower edge of the wall units (Y2) from the floor. Dut to the fact that the height of the worktop can vary, for safetyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake it is a good idea to tile about 10cm below the worktop. In the hob area, it is preferable to tile up

to the lower edge of the hood. To determine the height, it is necessary to have already chosen the hood you will use. For most hoods, the distance from the worktop is 68cm. If decor tiles are applied, these should be placed at the centre of the visible tiles. Before tiling the wall, install

an electric socket above the worktop respecting a minimum distance of 60cm from the hob and from the sink (see page 105).

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Why are aeration holes necessary?

Hob without thermocouple and/or use of LPG

Hob with thermocouple and/or use of natural gas

Air inlet aeration holes Ă&#x2DC; 12cm, total surface 200 cm 2

Air inlet aeration hole Ă&#x2DC; 12cm, minimum surface 100 cm2

The quantitiy of air that enters the kitchen must be at least equal to the air used for normal gas combustion. In addition to this, one must consider that without a flow of air from outdoors, hood extraction may generate a drop in pressure that would prevent the complete expulsion of fumes. To avoid 86

these two problems the air flow must come in directly through permanent openings on the outside walls of the kitchen. These openings are governed by the UNI7129 standards and must comply with the following requirements: - they must have a net crosssection of at least 6cm for each

kW of heat capacity installed, 2 with a minimum of 100cm ; - if the hob does not have a ther2 mocouple (device that stops the gas flow if the flame goes out) an additional hole is required to obtain a minimum aeration cross-section of 200cm. It is advisable for the second hole to be at the top of the ki-

tchen wall to solve problems 2 connected with the use of LPG which, as well as needing a greater quantity of air for combustion, has a relatively lower density compared to natural gas.

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Odours travel to other rooms in the home

Aeration hole in a room adjacent to the kitchen

Aeration hole in an inside kitchen wall

All odours are conveyed in the right direction and expelled by the hood

Standards also allow indirect ventilation by taking air from an adjacent room, as long as this room is ventilated directly from outdoors, is not a bedroom and is not at a high risk of catching fire (e.g. a carport, a garage, a warehouse etc.). In addition to this, the adjacent room must not have a

lower pressure compared to the room to be aired because of the presence of an appliance powered by any type of fuel (e.g. a fireplace, a stove, etc.) or of an extraction device for which an air inlet has not been provided. The air can flow in from the adjacent room through permanent openings or, if a

door divides the two rooms, it can enter by increasing the gap between the door and the floor (min. 2 cm). Where possible, Valcucine suggests to make the aeration holes in a room adjacent to the kitchen to avoid annoying cold air draughts (before reaching the kitchen the air has time to warm

up) and to prevent odours from going towards other rooms in the home by conveying them in the right direction.

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Why do I need a check valve?

Toxic gasses come in from adjacent chiimneys

Hood without a check valve

Low pressure roome

Hot air escapes

For all its hood models, Valcucine has adopted a special check valve that shuts when the motor is off, preventing unwanted air from flowing in from outdoors, and opens automatically when the motor is on. Unpleasant inconveniences may occur in absence of this valve. 88

Due to particular circumstances that may occur in the home (draughts or drops in pressure) if the fumes outlet hole is near other flues it may take in the toxic gasses coming from the fireplace, stove or boiler of adjacent homes. Furthermore, if a check valve is not installed, cold air may

come in from outdoors. Furthermore, due to the chimney effect, a hood without a check valve tends to extract the hot air from the room and convey it oudoors even when it is off, thus incresing heating costs.

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Low pressure room Odours from other rooms Hood without a check valve

Branched common flue pipe

In a multi-storey building, all the fumes are usually conveyed into a common flue pipe and then discharged outdoors. The flue pipe must comply with the UNI EN 1443 standard construction requirements. It must also be heat-insulated to prevent condensation or cooling of fumes and it must

run vertically and be without constrictions. The hood flue pipes must run into a common flue pipe that is branched and used to this aim only. A problem that must not be underestimated is the possible use of an extraction hood without a check valve. In this

case, a flue pipe used in common with other homes may attract the fumes and food odours of neighbouring kitchens into your kitchen. If your hood does not have an integrated check valve, we suggest you install a separate one-way valve in the outside wall. planning guide

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What hoods can I choose from? A

extraction wall-hung

extraction built into wall unit

extraction, ceiling -hung for island

extraction from worktop

A - The hood has a fundamental role in the kitchen because it eliminates odours caused by cooking food and extracts the vapours which would otherwise stagnate and tend to condense on cold kitchen surfaces. It is also used to eliminate toxic combustion gasses (carbon monoxide and 90

nitrogen monoxide). Various types of hoods are available on the market: - wall-hung hoods: to use for kitchens installed along a wall; - hoods below wall units: can be completely integrated inside the kitchen unit; - island hoods: to use if the cooking area is in the centre

of the room; - worktop hoods: these can shut and be completely camouflaged with the kitchen worktop.

B - To reduce the diffusion of odours it is preferable to use hoods that partialise the air inlet to the greatest possible extent. The best system is a hood that is shut in on all three sides.

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What is the right hood size for good extraction? A

The depth of the hood A - very often, a 80 cm deep kitchen is fitted with a less deep extractor hood (50cm deep) that does not extract fumes well.

The width of the hood and the height of the worktop B - For the 80cm depth, Valcucine offers hoods with shapes and dimensions that are sufficient to completely cover the cooking area thus ensuring better extraction.

A - If the width of the hob is greater or equal to the hood, vapours and odours cannot be completely extracted, especially if the hood does not have a powerful motor. For safety reasons the hood must not be installed less than 65cm above the hob.

B - If a hood wider than the hob is installed, extraction is improved and the aesthetic result is definitely more attractive because the hood can become a feature and design element that distinguishes the kitchen.

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How can silent extraction be achieved? external motor

remote motor fixed to the wall

internal motor

. . . bz

zz.

remote motor fixed to the roof

The heart of the hood is the motor which determines its extraction capacity. For good extraction, the power of the motor must be suitable for the shape, type and size of the hood. The motor can be fitted inside the hood. In this case, to reduce its noise level, it must be a 92

top quality one. If you want to further reduce noise, a remote motor can be installed outside, taking care to fit a duct that avoids air vortex formations that could make the hood very noisy (see page 93).

All Valcucine hoods have an inside motor of at least 750m (volume of air extracted in an hour). If the hood is particularly large, the power is increased 3 by fiitting two motors. On request, all Valcucine hoods can be fitted with a remote motor instead of an inside one. For excellent results, Valcucine

recommends the use of a remote motor of the same brand as the extractor hood.

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What should I remember when fitting the extractor hose?

hose with 45Â° rounded bends

MIN

hose with 90Â° rounded bend

A - To increase the efficiency of the hood, the length of the extraction hose and the quantity of 90Â° curves must be reduced to a minimum (every bend reduces the speed of the fumes and thus the extraction rate by 20%). The hose must also run straight for at least 30cm before a 90Â° curve.

hose with 90Â° sharp bend

B - The diameter of the hole in the wall must not be smaller than the diameter of the hood hose, otherwise this narrower section will create turbulence, increased air resistance and a high noise level.

smooth hose

flexible hose in aluminium hose

C - The elbows must be rounded and not at a right angle because air turbulence forms near sharp edges and these are an obstacle to the complete expulsion of odours to the outside. The best solution is for bends to be rounded at 45Â°.

extensible steel and fibreglass hose

D - It is best to use hoses that have a smooth inner surface to avoid the formation of turbulence. If runs are not straight, flexible aluminium hoses without sharp edges can be used. It is preferable not to use an extensible hose because the ridges create more resistance and noise. planning guide

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How can I hide the hood hose if the outlet is in the wrong place?

Rectangular hood concealed by a shelf

When you purchase or rent an old house, it is likely that the fumes outlet will be in a position that is wrong for the new kitchen plan. The above examples give you three possible solutions to conceal the hood hose that is usually considered unsightly.

Hood hose concealded by a 35 or 60 cm deep shelf with a H12 front

A - If a flat hose is used it can be camouflaged by a slim shelf. Valcucine does not recommend this hose because its has the disadvantage of being very noisy. B - If a normal-sized hose is used, it can be concealed by an overshelf with a raised front edge.

Hood hose concealed by a plasterboard beam

C - Alternatively, a plasterboard beam or false ceiling can be built. N.B.: If you are renovating a house we suggest you widen the outlet to a diameter of at least 12cm or, if possible, to make one in the right position for the hood to avoid the need

for a visible connecting run. Furthermore, great care must be paid to avoid using the exhaust pipe of the gas boiler or of the fireplace for the hood.

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How can I plan the fumes outlet to hide the hood hose?

If you plan the fumes outlet and the electric cable outlet at the right height, you can avoid the connecting hose and the socket, that are often not a pleasant sight, from being visible. The examples of flue outlet and power supply cable positions shown in the drawings on the next pages refer to Valcucine

patented hoods. For different hoods, the exact measurements must be requested from the manufacturer. For back-to-wall kitchens the height of the fumes outlet hole will be calculated by adding a variable height that depends on the type of hood, to the height of the base unit and of the back

panel. The electric cable outlet must be calculated by taking as a reference point the height of the top edge of the hood and increasing it by 5cm for safetyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake. This way the electric socket will also be concealed. For island hoods, the position of the flue outlet in the ceiling must be calculated as follows:

lengthwise it must be centred over the hob; crosswise it must be located at a distance from the edge of the base unit that varies depending on the type of hood.

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60-65-80

100

90-120

120

Distance of the fumes outlet centerline from the wall: 10cm

The Libera hood The Libera hood can have its fumes outlet in a central position at the top or at the rear. Due to the exclusive design of the hood, we suggest you use the rear outlet so that the hose remains completely concealed. The height to the outlet centerline on the wall is calculated by adding 56cm to the 96

Height of the fumes outlet centerline: Y1+Y2+56cm

Height of the electric cable outlet on the wall: Y1+Y2+70cm

Optional distance between the fumes outlet centerline and the wall: 20cm

Height of electric cable outlet: Y1+Y2+71cm

Height of fumes outlet centerline on the wall: Y1+Y2+75cm

The Overhead alignment hood height of the worktop (Y1) and of the kitchen back panel (Y2). To keep the socket concealed, the height of the electric cable outlet must be calculated by adding 70cm (5cm above the top of the hood) to Y1 and Y2.

In this hood the fumes outlet is in a central position at the top, which means that the hole in the wall must be made lengthwise to the kitchen so that it perfectly corresponds to the hob centerline. To conceal the extraction hose, the height of the hole centerline on the wall must be calcu-

lated by adding 75cm to Y1 and Y2. The height of the cable outlet is obtained by adding 71cm to Y1 and Y2.

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110

120

min.33 Fumes outlet centerline

Distance of the fumes outlet centerline from the wall: 33cm

Ceiling cable outlet near the fumes outlet

Ceiling cable outlet near the fumes outlet.

Hob centerline

The Mare hood The Mare hood must be fixed to the ceiling and can be used for a back-to-wall kitchen or for an island arrangement. It consists in a shaped glass panel attached to a tubular steel structure that contains the motor and that measures from min. 90cm to max. 170cm at Y1. The filter is a removable

The Nuvola hood semi-sphere whose supports contain two led lights each. In a back-to-wall kitchen the fumes outlet hole centerline must be centred over the hob and must at a 33cm distance from the wall. The electric cables outlet must be near the fumes outlet hole.

The Nuvola hood must be fixed to the ceiling and can be used for a back-to-wall or island arrangement. It consists in a tubular steel structure that contains the motor and that has a semi-spherical shaped filter at the bottom. The Y1 measurement of the steel hose varies from min.90cm to

max.170cm. A shaped glass panel is fixed to the steel structure with two adjustable, etched glass, conical supports for lights. The centre of the fumes outlet hole must be 10cm behind the hob centerline.

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100

60 - 90

- 120

110 10

40 Distance of fumes outlet from edge of base unit: 40cm

Distance of fumes outlet centerline from the wall: 10cm

Area usable for ceiling cable outlet

17,5

TOP VIEW OF HOSE

The Linea hood The fumes outlet is at the top of the Linea hood. It must be connected directly to the ceiling above an island arrangement. The co-ordinates of the centerline of the ceiling fumes outlet must be calculated as follows: - in a lengthwise direction along the kitchen the hole 98

3,75 5

5 3,75

The P20 hood with a ceiling fumes outlet must be centred along the hob centerline. - in a crosswise direction, a distance of 40cm must be calculated from the edge of the base unit. The electric cable outlet must also be near the fumes outlet. Cables will be concealed by the steel hood guard (see drawing).

The P20 hood can have either a ceiling or a wall fumes outlet. For the P20 hood with a ceiling fumes outlet, the hole centerline must be at a distance of 10cm from the wall and centred above the hob. The electric cable outlet must be near the fumes outlet, at a distance of 3.75cm from its

centerline, in an area to the side of 5x5cm (inside the steel flue casing; see drawing).

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- 120

Steel flue hose casing H20cm

Height of cable outlet hole: Y1+Y2+65cm 250

70 Y2 Y1

60 - 90

Steel guys to fix the glass panel to the wall. Min.h. from floor 250cm

12,5

Height of fumes outlet centerline: Y1+Y2+70cm

The P20 hood with a wall fumes outlet For the P20 hood, the height of the flue outlet centerline (15cm diameter) on the wall is calculated as follows: Y1+Y2+70cm (see drawing). The flue will be concealed by a H17.6cm flue casing. The electric cables must come out of the wall at the following height: Y1+Y2+65cm.

The wall-supports to secure the glass panel guys should be fixed flush with the sides of the hood, at a minimum height of 250cm from the floor.

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120 - 1

Rear fumes outlet hole Electric cable outlet

Y2 Y1

53 Y2 Y1

Height of hole for electric cable outlet: Y1+Y2+53cm

Height of fumes outlet centerline: Y1+Y2+34cm

12,5

The Lux hood The Lux hood consists in a steel extracting body that can reach a length of 180cm in a single element. In the Lux hood the fumes outlet is at the rear at a distance of 12.5cm from the hood centerline, towards the left. The height of the fumes outlet centerline is calculated in the 100

following way: Y1+Y2+34cm (see drawing). The position of the electric cable outlet is: Y1+Y2+53cm.

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107

Holes to fix flue casing to the ceiling

90-1

X1 Distance of fumes outlet from the edge of the base unit: X1+10cm

5 3,75

17,5

Area usable for ceiling cable outlet

5 3,75

Electric cable outlet near the ceiling guy

Island

The Vitrum hood The Vitrum hood is used in an island arrangement and is fixed to the ceiling by means of a steel framework. The height (Y) of the framework can vary from a minimum of 71.5cm to a maximum of 211.5cm. The hood is made from a steel body completed by a front and a vertical glass panel that con-

tain and convey vapours and odours. The fumes outlet hole centerline is calculated as follows: - lengthwise it must be centred above the hob centerline; - crosswise, add 10cm to the depth of the base unit (X1). The electric cable outlet on the ceiling must be very close to

the fumes outlet, in one of the four corners created by the 5x5cm sides that are inside the steel flue casing.

ceiling, Valcucine will supply a custom-sized spacer to which the hood framework must be fixed.

If the roof is slanting it will be necessary to use an element that adapts the framework to the slope of the roof. If there is a plasterboard false planning guide

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The electric sockets refrigerator hob dishwasher electric control board

oven

sink unit

The kitchen is the room containing the largest quantity of household applinaces in the house. Some of the appliances are permanently connected while others are turned on or off as needed. Often some refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens are con104

nected to sockets installed at 17.5cm from the floor, at the back of base units. Problems may arise when it is necessary to disconnect an appliance for maintenance or repairs: in these cases it will be necessary to dismantle the kitchen. The ideal solution is an electric board with individual sockets

and switches in the sink base unit, the only one without a back panel. In the event of a failure, this will allow you to cut out the appliance concerned without interrupting the power supply to the rest of the kitchen. If it is not possible to collect all the sockets below the sink,

they should be positioned behind the appliance so that they can be unplugged without dismantling the cabinets.

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Sockets to connect small appliances in the kitchen should be positioned: A - on the back panel of the kitchen, respecting a safety distance of 60cm from the sink and from the hob, because they must not be exposed to heat or water; B - in the aluminium under

wall unit bar near the neon light, C - if there is an equipped back section, inside a compartment fitted with a switch and a safety cutout.

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Kitchen lighting A

Artificial lighting In the kitchen, good visibility contributes to reducing accidents and creating a cosy atmosphere. The right lighting must be planned for each area of the kitchen. Direct lights create very well-lit areas while others remain in the shade, allowing you to create special atmospheres. However, too strong light and dark con106

trasts can be irritating and tiring for the eyes. In this case, it is important to soften them by using lighting that creates a gentle diffused light. A - A ceiling-hung light behind a person standing creates a dark shadow that falls on the kitchen worktop. A1 - An under wall unit light en-

sures excellent visibility on the worktop. B - Above the table, a diffused light may be annoying, especially without a lampshade. B1 - A light with a lampshade is better because, as well as creating a warm atmosphere, it diffuses the light in a directed beam and does not dazzle the

people sitting at the table. The light should be 55-60cm above the tabletop. C - The inside of kitchen units should be well-lit but are often in the dark. C1 - In particular the inside of the sink unit should be illuminated by a fluorescent light.

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Natural lighting It is necessary to plan windows and doors carefully to create an environment that is well-lit and comfortable even during the day. Directing light through adequately-sized windows allows you to save on electricity as well as promoting greater psychological and physical well-being (badly-lit rooms create a gloomy

and sullen atmosphere). A - If the worktop faces a window, attention must be paid to prevent direct sunlight, or light reflected by pale-coloured surfaces facing the window, from dazzling or irritating the eyes. A1 - It is a good idea to fit a blind on the window to deflect intense rays so that only the right quan-

tity of light is let into the room. B - A window behind the worktop projects the shadow of the person working at the top, reducing visibility and obliging one to switch on the artificial light even during the day. B1 - Ideally, kitchen furniture should be installed so that the work area is illuminated by light

coming in sideways to avoid too must light dazzling the eyes and unpleasantly dark areas.

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How can I plan a child safe kitchen? A

A - The socket inside the back section can be used to connect kitchen appliances. It is very useful for the oven because the power supply can be interrupted by a dipole switch, thus preventing children from accidentally switching the oven on.

110

B - Detergents are usually stored below the sink, an easily accessible place for children. It is a good idea to keep them in a container with a safety lock.

C - Children love pots and pans. To prevent burns, a guard should be fitted in front of the hob.

D - Sometimes, attracted by some object located on the worktop, children climb onto handles and pullout drawers. If the kitchen is wall-hung, it must be provided with a safe wall-fixing system.

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D H

E - It is preferable to choose the latest generation of cooltouch ovens with a tangential fan that ensures efficient heat insulation. These ovens keep the door cool even when food is cooking inside, avoiding burns that can sometimes be serious.

F - Tower units must have wall-fixing systems that are tested to prevent them from capsizing in the event of children climbing on them.

G - It is a good idea to add clips or magnets to drawers and jumbo drawers to prevent children from opening them. This way they are prevented from hurting themselves when they shut them and from reaching the objects located inside (detergents, knives, etc.).

H - If a child climbs onto a pullout drawer or if all the jumbo drawers of a kitchen island are pulled out together, the unit is quite likely to capsize. To avoid this it is necessary to fix base units with drawers and jumbo drawers to the floor using capsize-prevention brackets.

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/. /&&

I - The hob must be provided with a safety valve that stops the gas supply if the flame is not ignited and interrupts its supply if the flame accidently goes out.

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L - If doors or drawers have a hole instead of a handle, it is a good idea to check that it is not too small. A child may slip his/her finger through the hole and fracture it by moving it around.

M - All the glass parts of the kitchen (shelves, doors, etc.) must be tempered for better resistance to impact and to other types of stress.

N - Install a master switch out of the reach of children to interrupt the power supply to the oven. Children are attracted by oven knobs and can easily switch the oven on if they play with them.

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D R

O - It is preferable to install the hob near the sink to avoid having to walk a long distance holding red hot pots and pans that may be dangerous, especially if children are nearby.

P - Make sure that wall unit fixings have been tested for resistance to heavy weights and that they can be adjusted in height and depth.

Q - In general, sharp edged elements are used in modern kitchens and these can become very dangerous for children. It is preferable to choose a kitchen that has rounded doors, handles and knobs.

R - It is not a good idea to install the hob near a window because an incoming draught could turn the hob flame out and swaying curtains, perhaps moved by a child, could catch fire.

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What is the Valcucine “Home system”? Kitchen area

The most important revolution in domestic space at the end of the 20th century was undoubtedly the “open space” concept. An undivided space perfectly suited to contemporary lifestyles, multi-faceted and unpredictable that puts flexibility of enrivonments and of furnishings to the fore. 116

Sliding glass panels

It is a well-known fact that open spaces give an airier appeal to home environments but the dispersion of odours from the kitchen to the living room remains a problem to solve. Valcucine has designed a “Home system” that allows you to organise the day area in various ways: if necessary,

Living room area

it can be partially divided while still maintaining that visual open-space appeal. The Valcucine “Home system” includes: - modular partitions that separate the kitchen from the living room and that can be transparent (sliding or fixed panels) or full (wall panels);

- sliding glass panels to enclose the cooking area; - cupboard units with sliding glass doors that can accommodate both the kitchen units and the household appliances.

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Sliding glass panel

A sliding glass panel divides the kitchen from the living room The use of sliding transparent glass panels is an innovative idea for the architectural planning of small apartment flats but also of important villas. Nowadays, formal rooms such as the living room and the kitchen have been replaced by large multi-functional rooms in which it is possible

to interact with the family and friends, eat and cook, relax or spend your spare time in various activities. The need to create partial spaces that at the same time preserve an open, luminous appearance is satisfied by using large floor-toceiling glass panels that slide in runners fixed to the ceiling.

They can be completely transparent or personalised with various decors (that can also be created by the customer) and are purposely produced by Valcucine.

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Fixed glass panel

Play area for kids

A fixed glass panel that separates the kitchen from a play area for kids The kitchen is the room where most of the accidents in the home take place. It can be a very dangerous place, especially for children. This is why, in addition to the precautions mentioned in the preceding sections, it would be very useful to plan a play area for the youngest members of 118

the family, divided by means of transparent panels that allow you to check up on them while you do your kitchen chores. The glass panels must necessary be impact-resistant and a tested ceiling and floor (or wall) fixing system must be used. All the glass used by Valcucine is impact-resistant.

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Fixed glass panel

Play area for kids

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Partition composed of double panelling with shelves and an interior sliding glass panel

Wall panels fitted with base units, shelves and wall units

living room

kitchen

Double panelling with a sliding glass panel to separate the kitchen from the living room Valcucine has designed a panelling system that can be used in the kitchen or in the living room or that can divide the two areas. In this case it can be fitted with a glass panel that runs on a track and that, when necessary, can completely divide the two areas. The panelling guarantees utmost 120

flexibility of arrangement: it is modular in height (it can be floor-standing or raised) and in width to cover any space. It can be fitted with accessories that are suitable for the kitchen or for the living room. This panelling leaves you free to furnish with co-ordinated materials and finishes and to

put functional and aesthetic elements together for rational space-planning.

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Wall panels fitted with base units, shelves and wall units

Partition composed of double panelling with shelves and an interior sliding glass panel

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Cupboard unit with sliding doors that contain household appliances

Double panelling that can contain plumbing and electrical connections

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Panels fitted with kitchen elements

Panels fitted with living room elements

Double panelling fitted on both sides that can also contain plumbing and electric connections The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Valcucine home systemâ&#x20AC;? includes a panelling system that divides the kitchen from the living room and that can be fitted on one side with base units, shelves and drawers, and on the other side with kitchen elements. Water pipes and electric cables are concealed inside the panelling. 122

The 2.6cm thick Valcucine wall panelling can only be fitted with small shelves while the 6cm thick panelling can also support wall, base and tower units. If these elements are more than 36cm deep, it is a good idea to add feet for extra support. An arrangement with a back

section welded on a steel top must be used preferably on perfectly even walls to avoid making their unevenness more obvious. Alternatively, a back panel can be fitted to conceal any imperfections in the wall.

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Double panelling with the possibility of containing plumbing and electric connections

Wall panelling fitted with living room elements

Back section welded on steel top

Panels fitted with kitchen elements

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540

Wall-hung extractor hood

Glass sliding doors

Hob

Onfalos (hotplate cooking system)

Oven facing the wall-hung extractor hood

Cooking area can be enclosed using sliding doors

Sliding glass panels that enclose the whole cooking area It is a well-known fact that even the best hoods on the market are not capable of absorbing 100% odours. Valcucine has designed an â&#x20AC;&#x153;ideal anti-odour systemâ&#x20AC;? that uses sliding glass panels to completely isolate the cooking area and to stop the odours from escaping. This system even allows you to 124

use a hotplate barbecue in your kitchen. Onfalos is an exclusive furnishing object constructed entirely from stainless steel and featuring a set of original design solutions that have transformed even structural components, that are not usually aesthetically pleasing,

into decorative elements. Onfalos can be fitted near a wall-hung extractor hood even capable of capturing the fumes and odours coming from an oven installed facing it.

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Wall-hung extractor hood

Onfalos (hotplate cooking system)

Glass sliding doors

Oven facing the wall-hung hood

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60 170 120 120 80

Sliding doors that enclose a niche with household appliances

A sliding glass panel that encloses a niche fitted with household appliances If the space available is large enough, it is possible to fit some of the kitchen elements in a purpose-made niche enclosed by sliding glass doors. If the fridge is installed in the niche, it will be necessary to make some openings at the top of the panel above the

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glass doors, to allow the hot air generated by refrigeration to escape. The aeration holes must have a total minimum surface of 400cm. To avoid interfering with the 2 efficiency and durability of the refrigerator and for greater energy-saving, it should be

installed at a certain distance from heat sources such as radiators, ovens and hobs.

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Enclosure Fridge aeration opening Sliding glass panels that enclose the niche fitted with household appliances

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Swivel tap under wall unit

P20 ergonomic system

Wooden swivel shelf to cover burners Cristalan top covers the sink

Plasma TV set

System consisting in: double panelling with shelves and interior sliding glass panel

Cupboard unit with sliding doors

A cupboard unit with sliding glass doors that contains household appliances The Sinthesys kitchen has even been designed to become a real living room thanks to various elements that disappear or are transformed. Household appliances such as the oven and the refrigerator can be concealed inside a cupboard unit with glass pullout sliding doors that can 128

be personalised using various drawings created in the Valcucine laboratory (or reproduced from a customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drawing). The hob can be covered by a wooden swivel top that becomes a shelf; the tap can disappear in a purposely created space behind the wall units; the sink can hide below a pa-

nel in Cristalan, a compound material that is also used to construct wall-hung base units and tops. Cristalan is hygienic because it is non-absorbent and nonporous, ecological and nontoxic. Thanks to this new material it is possible to perfectly integra-

te the worktop with the sink and, thanks to the almost invisible joints, the top becomes a continuous surface that is available in an unlimited size.

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Cupboard with pullout sliding doors

P20 ergonomic system Cristalan top to cover sink

Wooden swivel top to cover burners

Swivel tap below wall unit

In the drawing on the right: A - wooden swivel top that can become a shelf or a hob lid. B - A swivel tap which, when required, can be concealed in the wall unit.

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How can I plan a kitchen for people with special needs? Controls for hob and for worktop raising-lowering mechanism

Hob with pasta strainer

Dish drainer and sink

Wall-hung corner swivel base unit

Wall unit with raising-lowering mechanism

Steel cooking and washing modules with raising-lowering mechanism

Steel, bracketconcealing guard

Hability: beauty and accessibility even for the disabled Hability can be used by people in perfect physical condition or by those with special needs without it becoming a way of classifying the person using it, as often happens with other products. The distinguishing element of Hability is Easy Food, a stainless steel system that 130

is very innovative in terms of ergonomics, safety and technical solutions. The top is made in a single mould (without welded parts or built-in elements) and has an up/down mechanism that can be managed by means of the controls located near the hob. From this same po-

sition one can prepare, cook and strain food without having to move pots and pans. A self-cleaning system drains the water away from the user and conveys it directly to the service sink between the hotplates. The top can also be fitted with a worktop dish-drainer

rack, pullout and mobile sinks and a single-lever spray head mixer.

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Wall-hung cupboard

Steel cooking and washing modules with raising-lowering mechanism

Wall unit with raising-lowering mechansm

Tap with spray head

Dish drainer Controls for hob and for raising-lowering mechanism

Pasta strainer

Runner guard for top raising-lowering mechanism

Easy Food has been completed by Valcucine using: - wall-hung units and corner elements with accessories that are fully accessible even by someone on a wheelchair; - the steel and tempered glass Libera hood that can be managed by a remote-control; - a wall unit that is more acces-

sible thanks to a raising-lowering mechanism that moves the wall unit forwards to the front of the top; - an oven with a disappearing bottom-hung door. To meet the most varied layout requirements the Easy Food modules can be assembled inline, in a corner, as an island

or as a peninsular unit with various elements to complete them. Easy food has been designed in standard dimensions that are compatible with most kitchen furniture on the market.

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Artematica Vitrum: the culture of beauty in the kitchen

Valcucine supplies the culture of beauty with projects and products in which original shapes blend with continuous research into innovative technologies and materials mixed with a passion for Italian handicraft tradition. Thus, beauty is born from a harmonious synthesis of design, functionality, respect for Man and for the environment. In Artematica Vitrum, the borderline between art and manufactured products becomes very slim in interpreting the pureness and lightness of one of the most fascinating and ecological materials created by man. By means of a balanced synthesis of ongoing experience and research that started two decades ago, Valcucine is now capable of extending its guarantee on all glass elements to 15 years from the date of purchase. The doors consist in a light and resistant aluminium frame to which a matt or gloss, coloured or etched glass panel is applied that can also be personalised with various drawings created in the Valcucine laboratory or by reproducing a customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drawing. The worktop is also in tempered glass and is supported by a drawn aluminium structure. The glass is also used for the side panels applied to base and wall units.

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Artematica Vitrum Art at Palazzo Grassi: design that is inspired by nature

The kitchens of the Artematica Arte line have been created to give artists the possibility of letting their creativity and their many ideas flow into the design of the kitchen fronts. After three yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; research, Valcucine has developed a technique to make inlaid drawings on glass. A very hi-tech process that has its roots in handicraft tradition and that sets off the priceless value of handicraft workmanship. Inside the Valcucine laboratory it is possible to reproduce graphic decors and paintings on glass fronts, thus offering artists the greatest possible freedom of creativity and absolute kitchen personalisation.

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Artematica Multiline: high technology and innovative design

The Artematica Multiline programme is distinguished by pure volumes, formal clean-cut lines and great versatility in models that allow you to create a kitchen to satisfy any taste and reflect different life-styles and personalities. The doors are made of a slim layered laminate panel in various finishes: laminate (matt, lined or gloss), lacquered (matt or gloss) in various sample card colours, veneered (oak, cherry and beech), aluminium, steel or glass. The panel is 5 mm thick and is applied to an aluminium structural frame. This makes the door lighter and the door hinges more durable as well as having a smaller impact on the environment. The layered laminate doors remain completely unaltered by humidity and heat: they can in fact soak in water for a long time without undergoing damage. There are no edges that can come unglued because the panel is layered throughout in a single machining phase.

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Riciclantica: the kitchen that is respectful of the environment

Distinguished by new shapes and volumes inspired by nature, it looks like life pulsating within matter. The use of special materials such as carbon, aluminium, steel or layered laminate is backed up by the very accurate planning of construction details: the inside of the new frame has a pure and clean-cut appearance (no screws or hole caps) and the frame-panel joint is perfectly flush at the top of the door. Its membrane swells and changes shape thanks to lots of small raised dots that jutt out to give the impression of pulsating life, like that of many animals or of thousands of plants. Riciclantica is an ecologically-sustainable kitchen: the door, the utmost expression of the dematerialisation concept, can be completely recycled and is long-lasting thanks to its absolute resistance to water, steam and heat.

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Artematica Sinthesys: a composition of volumes and colours

Pure, single-matter, acrylic resin blocks have been designed to stop the kitchen from looking like a mere workstation. The arrangement contains a system that camouflages the hob, sink, tap and ovens, setting off the clean-cut lines of the arrangement which, having concealed all its functional elements, becomes pure domestic architecture. The doors and the worktop are in Cristalan, a compound material that is non-absorbent, non-porous, recyclable and non-toxic. It is supplied in slabs and can take on any shape. Cristalan allows perfect integration of the worktop and sink without gaps and the top has a continuous surface that has no size limitations.

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Hability: ergonomics and beauty even for those with special needs

Hability was born from the need to combine a careful study into the needs of the disabled with a kitchen that is not only accessible but also aesthetically pleasing and accurate in every detail. The collaboration between architect and designer Marco Miscioscia and Valcucine, a company that has made the philosophy of beauty its forte, has resulted in this industrial product designed to be extremely accessible to the advantage of everyone using the kitchen. Easy Food is a kitchen system in stainless steel designed to reduce and simplify work during food preparation. It is extremely innovative in terms of ergonomics, safety and technical solutions. The stainless steel worktop is made from a single mould. This technological solution eliminates the need to weld parts or build-in elements, thus reducing costs and imperfections. Hability is a concrete and tangible example of how it is possible to improve the quality of life in the kitchen for all, without having to forsake beauty.

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Created by: Gabriele Centazzo Graphics and illustrations: Arch. Lara Santin Rendering: Ennio Furlan Texts: Gabriele Centazzo, Arch. Lara Santin Photographs: Gianni Antoniali (Ikon fotostudio) Our thanks go to: Paola Fracassi, Ufficio Tecnico Valcucine, Ufficio Marketing Valcucine, Ufficio QualitĂ Valcucine, Ufficio Commerciale Valcucine. Printed by: Grafiche Risma, April 2007.

If you want to express your opionion, make a comment or a suggestion, please contact us at the following address: E-mail: daniele.prosdocimo@valcucine.it

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