Sustainability
The greater hardness of SaphirKeramik permits thinner walls and simplified structure of the ceramic parts, which in turn results in less material, lower weights and benefits in terms of sustainability: fewer raw materials are required and lower energy consumption in firing, production and transport.
Awards
iF Design Gold Award 2016AiT / Innovationspreis Architektur + Technik
Notes
The Val bathroom collection is a further development of the SaphirKeramik project, benefiting from the experience gained by Grcic and Laufen in the course of the SaphirKeramik project. Although Grcic adopted central aesthetic characteristics from the studies, he transformed them into a design that is on the one hand simple, functional and architectural, but on the other hand has no lack of expressive details. In the process he benefited from Laufen’s vast experience with ceramics, since over the past decades the company clearly demonstrated that it is capable of developing innovative materials and then transferring outstanding designs to an industrial process.The central component of the new collection is a rectangular wall-mounted washbasin, available in widths of 450 to 950mm. Its main characteristics are straight geometric lines, rims with narrowly-defined radii, and gently rounded corners which emphasise the thin-walled SaphirKeramik. “The simpler some pieces are, the more aesthetic they are. When they are installed in a bathroom, one must not look at them in an isolated way, but rather observe them as part of a complex environment. The simpler they are, the better they appear”, says Grcic.Additionally, Val includes a rectangular and an asymmetrical washbasin bowl, which developed from conceptional pieces in the SaphirKeramik project. The bowls each feature an integrated shelf, the tactile surface structure of which creates semi-dry areas which are ideal for storing soap and cosmetics. “These surface structures and patterns are decorative on the one hand, and functional on the other. They prevent items from slipping off, or leaving unsightly marks”, explains the designer. The round and rectangular SaphirKeramik storage dishes, which are also part of the Val collection, also feature such surface textures. The round dish is 325mm in diameter, the rectangular one measures 360 x 280mm. Their graceful look reminds the observer of fine porcelain, but thanks to the SaphirKeramik material used, the bowls are far more robust, and are suitable for daily use in the bathroom and other living areas. They can be freely placed in the bathroom, serving both as storage for bathroom accessories and for decorative and other practical purposes. To match the SaphirKeramik objects Grcic has designed a freestanding 160 x 75 x 52cm bathtub. The oval tub appears light and elegant, and thanks to its extremely slim rim harmonises perfectly with the filigree washbasins. Since Laufen manufactures the bathtub using Laufen solid surface material Sentec, it can be made with a single wall in one casting, without having to do without an integrated overflow. In this way the bathtub is far lighter than double wall tubs produced using other solid surface materials. The velvety, matt white and easy-to-clean surface flatters the skin, inviting the observer to a relaxing bath at first glance. The bathtub can be installed conventionally; the feet and siphon are already integrated.
TRANSFORMING THE BATHROOM TO A LIVING ENVIRONMENT
The personality of this highly traditional Swiss brand reflects a symbiosis of design, quality and functionality. LAUFEN, the premium brand under the ROCA umbrella, is one of the world's leading manufacturers with a global distribution network.
The company's core competence is its knowledge in the area of sanitary ware manufacturing. Over 125 years, the LAUFEN brand has been using the oldest malleable material known to man to make innovative sanitary products in state-of-the-art plants with legendary Swiss precision. Knowledge of the bathroom as a whole developed from the competence of LAUFEN in ceramics manufacturing, and sophisticated design. What makes LAUFEN products unique at the first glance is that their Swiss design unites two major design trends: emotional Italian design from the south and the northern tradition of design precision and clarity.
For LAUFEN, quality has two aspects: manufacturing knowledge and high degree of practical benefit that the finished bathroom affords the customer – which is often not immediately apparent. LAUFEN, a Swiss company manufacturing products that allow water, a precious resource, to be used sparingly, demonstrates in this manner a commitment to preserving natural resources and environmentally- friendly production.
Miami FL 33138
United States
(866) 696-2493
http://www.us.laufen.com/wps/wcm/connect/LAUFEN_US
