Two new design studios recently opened by DuPont in New York and Philadelphia showcase innovative uses and new applications for Corian, the company’s popular solid surface product.

While most woodworkers are familiar with Corian as a countertop material, the uses shown in these design studios take Corian far outside the realm of the kitchen into lighting and furniture applications.

Corian in New York City 

DuPont had previously opened a design studio in Milan, Italy, but its first showcase venue in North America was in New York City. DuPont located the new studio in the city’s Flatiron district, which is known for its focus on visual arts and design.

DuPont, surface solutions provider Evans & Paul and marketing distributor Dolan & Traynor unveiled the DuPont Corian Design Studio in New York City as an interactive workshop. Plans for the facility were first unveiled at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York in May, and the doors officially opened in June. Architects and designers can make one-on-one appointments at the New York design studio through www.designstudio.corian.com.

C.H. Briggs partners in Philly 

DuPont partnered with C.H. Briggs, one of the largest distributors of DuPont Surfaces, to unveil the downtown space in Philadelphia. The studio, which opened in mid-June, is located in Philadelphia’s Marketplace Design Center. The Philadelphia studio is open to the public and to architects and designers who can schedule one-on-one appointments through www.designstudio.corian.com/phila.

New applications 

The primary point of both studios is to inspire and support architects and designers, a spokesman said. Each studio showcases the versatility and functionality of Corian in three-dimensional applications using the latest design technologies. Both studios feature designer exhibits.

“The studios will highlight Corian as a multi-dimensional design material that has reinvented itself for over 40 years to provide sustainable, inventive and modern designs that are bringing homes and offices into the 21st century,” said Thomas F. Schuler, vice president and general manager -- DuPont Building Innovations. “They give us a direct link to our customers so we can continue to provide innovative products that are relevant and readily available. These studios give us the opportunity to showcase that offering.”

Some of the unusual uses shown include a complete hospital operating room setting in the New York studio. There are also examples of benches, a bedroom suite, and lighting.

Versatility emphasized 

Corian lends itself to new applications because it is a material that can be thermoformed into custom shapes and contours, sandblasted, routed, carved, laser-etched and backlit. It is a nonporous, high-performing and easy-to-maintain solid surface that can be fabricated into virtually seamless surfaces.

With proper cleaning, according to DuPont, Corian does not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria. It meets all of the 18 preferred characteristics outlined in the 2006 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities as an ideal healthcare surface to help facilitate improved infection control. Nontoxic and nonallergenic to humans, Corian also has received NSF/ANSI 51 Certification for food contact and Class Ι (A) fire rating.

In commercial environments, DuPont’s Zodiaq quartz surface can be used in a variety of applications including conference tables, work stations and service countertops; restroom vanities and partitions; hot and cold buffets; as well as backsplashes, wainscoting and wall cladding. Zodiaq is nonporous and when properly cleaned does not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria.

More information on the entire DuPont Surfaces portfolio is available at surfaces.dupont.com.