Dutch studio i29 has designed a minimal stainless-steel kitchen island for a classical Paris apartment (+ slideshow).

Interior architects i29 created the island to house a sink and cooking hob, while keeping the profile as thin as possible.

"Our aim was to develop a kitchen system that seems to disappear in space," said the designers.

"The design is reduced to its absolute minimum, having a top surface of only a couple of centimetres thickness with all water, cooking and electrical connections included."

The black-coloured unit looks like it is folded from a single piece of metal to create three surfaces.

Underneath, the legs and top are slightly angled to a central ridge that accommodates the wiring and pipes.

With the sink located at one end and the hob at the other, the central sections of the island can be used for preparing food.

The rest of the kitchen appliances and storage spaces are hidden behind white MDF panels with mouldings that match the other walls around the apartment.

Created by cabinet maker Simon Sintenie, the panels open up like doors then slide back into the walls to reveal coffee machines, a desk, and shelves for storing food and utensils.

"In the case of this apartment in Paris, where the kitchen concept is installed, an existing profiled wall is exactly copied on the front panels in order to integrate the solid volume with the monumental space," the designers said.

The kitchen island is positioned in the centre of the room, with glass french doors in front and floor-length windows that lead to a balcony on one side.