Syracuse university food service counter design by HIMACS solid surface
Syracuse university food service counter design by HIMACS solid surface

HIMACS White Solid Surface Countertop Redefines the Spatial Value of Syracuse Dining Area

Given the wear and tear that students can cause, Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects, Inc. from Atlanta, GA and fabricator Sterling Surfaces of Boston, MA, were challenged to remodel the dining area’s food service countertop that would contain the architectural design features and complex solid surface countertop edges that were complimentary to the design of the overall building.

Understanding that durability and easy maintenance were paramount in the new dining facility, HIMACS Solid Surface was chosen as the dining space material for serving stations, dining tables and bar tops. The common spaces of classrooms, administration buildings, student unions and dormitories all require frequent cleaning, which can damage laminates or wood surfaces.

· Why HIMACS solid surface had been the top priority choice for dining interior designs

HIMACS is a surface material suitable for retailers that meet the key criteria presented by consistent research. It fully satiates retail designers’ aspirations to design spaces that contains all the following aspects: design, hygiene, safety and cost.  

HIMACS Solid Surface is easy to maintain, nonporous, stain resistant and won’t harbor bacteria or fungal growth. Should repairs become necessary, HIMACS can be made to look brand new with simple sanding and buffing, making the product a good long term investment for Syracuse University.

Over 150 sheets of HIMACS Milkweed were used throughout the Syracuse dining hall in applications including cafeteria tables, bar tops, serving stations, reception counters and service areas. Versatile HIMACS was thermoformed to fit the geometrical design of the serving stations, making it the perfect solution for a seamless, modern appearance throughout.



Dining Area Design Suggestions with HIMACS Solid Surface Aurora Collection

Dining area design suggestions by HIMACS solid surface
Dining area design suggestions by HIMACS solid surface

The outbreak of Covid-19 has dramatically changed people’s awareness on hygiene and safety in public areas. As people started to rethink about the cleanliness of public spaces, new design standards have been settled to satisfy consumer’s new values.

Especially for the F&B stores, people have started to demand the value of ‘spatial safety’ at the dining tables, in order to prevent transmission of viruses. According to the survey conducted by a global restaurant booking platform, ‘Open Table’, 43% of the respondents selected the existence of safety measures at an offline dining area as the most important factor for making restaurant choices in the future.

The result implies that the table space design and interior materials need to be replaced with hygienic and safe materials that can provide ‘reassurance’ to the customers.

· HIMACS, a perfectly suited surface material for safe dining areas

Generally, the characteristics of the dining tables made of various countertop materials such as wood, metal and plastic are difficult to fulfill the newly demanded value of ‘spatial safety’. Nonetheless, table products made of HIMACS, which is a solid surface with non-porous property, are extremely easy to clean and safe from contamination through moisture, dust, virus, bacteria, and other chemical substances.

Moreover, the unique 3D thermoforming process of HIMACS enables the production of sophisticated art walls that are extremely difficult to make with other materials, and design a wall cladding that not only controls the safe distance within the area, but also helps to express the brand identity.

In addition, as the need for outdoor space design such as terraces and outdoor table is expanding by the safe distance, HIMACS, which is highly resistant to UV and prevents discoloration, will be a smart choice.

HIMACS is also certified by the NSF(National Sanitation Foundation) and approved for commercial food services, medical facilities, schools, hospitality and other businesses where hygiene is essential.

· HIMACS Aurora Collection suits every conditions for kitchen interior designs

HIMACS solid surface Aurora Collection - Blanc, Terra, Bianco, Sable
HIMACS solid surface Aurora Collection – Blanc, Terra, Bianco, Sable

Aurora Collection

The HIMACS Aurora Collection is a top-quality marble aesthetics, ranging from semi-translucent white, through shades of grey, to striking dark brown and anthracite tones. Aurora Colors are inspired by the natural beauty of the Northern Lights. In brilliant waves over the sky the vibrant flow of Aurora Borealis is captured in these tones.

With the semi-translucency of the colors Pavia and Aurora Cotton, you can play with light effects giving dramatic results to integrate this natural phenomenon to your interior design. The Aurora Colors – an evolution of the Marmo Collection – combine aesthetics inspired by nature with all the benefits of the latest generation solid surface HIMACS.



HIMACS Solid Surface Outstanding Properties for Dining Area Ideas and Counter Design Plans

HIMACS is HARDWEARING AND RESISTANT

HIMACS is 100% water-resistant. It is resistant to almost all commercial household chemicals, and everyday stains such as fruit acid or red wine. HIMACS is also scratch-resistant and can be repaired in the event of small scratches – without the need to call in a tradesman. Lastly, HIMACS is heat-resistant thanks to new thermo-cure technology

HIMACS is very EASY TO CLEAN

HIMACS can be cleaned using a moist cloth and commercial detergent, removing almost all dirt without leaving any residue. It is hygienic and can be assembled without the need for visible joints, preventing germs, bacteria and pathogens accumulating in the first place. This material also offers a wide range of sinks and basins, which can also be seamlessly integrated with the worktop.

HIMACS LOOKS FANTASTIC

HIMACS has a natural matt satin finish, which can be given a high-gloss polished finish on request. HIMACS offers a broad selection of attractive shades – elegant solid colors in classic shades and new trend colors, added every year – as well as many natural stone designs. It can be machined just like hardwood or three-dimensionally molded, and also offers the option of creating spectacular lighting effects using rear-milled cut-outs.

Check out LX Hausys HIMACS solid surface collection and get inspirations for your kitchen remodeling project.