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ISSUE 139 Year thirteen April 2015 A MOTIVATE PUBLICATION
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Design Formula
Antonio Pascale designed the natureinspired Ergo collection for Galassia.
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Ringing in the changes
From showcasing innovative and often unexpected bathroom design to successful designer collaborations, Cersaie in Italy and ISH in Frankfurt are two exhibitions that never cease to impress. id brings you the best from both shows. TEXT BY: Ruby Rogers
Colour + space-consciousness Future proof Get connected Leading the way A final note
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here comes a moment during every exhibition – usually midway through the third day – when one hits saturation point: “Did I see this bath on that stand or vice versa?” Having worked the exhibition circuit for more years than we care to remember, id has come to the conclusion that it is not what you forget that is important; rather, it is what you remember: those designs that remain ingrained in your memory no matter how many exhibition halls you walk, stands you visit or products you admire.
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Antonio Lupi’s Armonia console is part of Roberto Lazzeroni’s Ilbagno collection.
Caleido presented Caesar, the first towel warmer in its range to be made of brass, offered in a chrome, bronze, gold or copper finish.
MySpa by Glass 1989 is designed for the outdoors.
Arguably one of the most arresting propositions at the Italian exhibition Cersaie was Antonio Lupi’s Armonia console, part of Roberto Lazzeroni’s Ilbagno collection, for which he teamed the clean lines of a classic white basin with the sinuous curves of a solid American walnut frame; a nod to wood in its most natural form. Antonio Pascale took this idea to the next level with his Ergo collection for Galassia, which fuses ceramic sanitary ware with solid Iroko wood, used for accessories as well as some of the larger pieces. While Lazzeroni was more restrained, Pascale takes a no-holds-barred approach, driven by his belief that man has a primal need to feel part of nature and not just a spectator. The upshot is wood that is deliberately manipulated to look very much like branches and twigs; Pascale’s freestanding towel rail is an excellent case in point. At first glance these collections might appear somewhat clichéd. After all, bathroom furnishings that reference nature are not exactly new. But look again: these pieces have something of a polished elegance about them; yes, they are rooted in nature, but neither Pascale nor Lazzeroni’s designs are an exercise in rusticism. Conversely, in both cases, surface imperfections have been removed from the wood, so that Armonia and Ergo both have a supersmooth luxurious finish. Although wood and wood effects were prevalent at Cersaie, they were never the main attraction for manufacturers. What we mean by this is ceramic, steel enamel and composites continue to be the materials of choice when making baths and basins. Wood, consequently, is cast in a supporting role,
adding warmth where it is needed most. Mastering the look was Italian manufacturer Glass 1989, which clad the surround of its outdoor MySpa bath in wood. The thinking? To allow MySpa to blend effortlessly into its natural surroundings. Zurich-based designer Kurt Merki Jr took a similar approach; however, when extending Duravit’s best selling Vero collection, he lightened the mood with blond wood. Not showing at Cersaie, but worthy of a mention, is the bent wood frame featured on Agape’s fabulous DR bath, which stopped us in our tracks during a recent tour of its showroom in Milan. Graff’s attention-grabbing Dressage tub is also noteworthy, being fashioned from hardwearing Corian and solid wood: simply stunning. And while we are on the subject, credit should also go to Bette’s new version of its BetteLux bath – the BetteLux Highline – which successfully combines the clean lines of an enamelled steel bath with a real wood veneer base, and which is available in four finishes: chestnut oak, limed oak, brown oak and macassar. Tapping into the trend for creating a bespoke look, the base of Bette’s Highline can also be tiled or decorated to an individual’s requirements. Back at Cersaie, wood wasn’t the only material in the spotlight. Italian manufacturer Azzurra made a case for ceramic with Uniko, the first shower tray to be made of ceramic at a thickness of just three centimetres. Meanwhile, Caleido caused a stir with Caesar, the first towel warmer in its range to be made of brass, offered in a chrome, bronze, gold or copper finish.
“Wood is cast in a supporting role, adding warmth where it is needed most.”
The DR bathtub by Agape is designed for sharing.
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Colour, Space-Consciousness & Customisation It won’t surprise you that white continues to be the dominant colour in the bathroom. The rationale? White is forever fashionable, giving a clean look to what is very often a small space, making it feel bigger and more airy. It is somewhat refreshing, therefore, that a smattering of colour is creeping in, found, most notably, on the Globo stand at Cersaie, where its Forty3 washbasin was presented in a new palette of unobtrusive powdery shades inspired by nature. Idea Group was another case in point, showcasing Onda, a new flush-to-floor shower tray in a choice of five coloured finishes. Elsewhere, Dutch designer Marcel Wanders took a more ‘in your face’ approach, using colourful mosaics to create a bold pattern for the face of his Quadro vanity for Bisazza Bagno. Proving there is more than one way to introduce colour into the bathroom, Cristina launched its Dynamo Rainbow showerhead, complete with colour-changing LEDs. Admittedly, it was Dynamo’s promise to transform one’s daily shower into a therapeutic experience that first captured our attention. Nevertheless, we quickly learnt that what sets Dynamo Rainbow apart from other chromotherapy showers is its savvy ‘self-generating energy system’, whereby a turbine placed within the shower head uses the water flow to produce the energy, which in turn powers the LED lights. Our favourite colourful contribution, however, was a collection by Italian brand Olympia, which presented the My.Bag vanity by Gianluca Paludi in a choice of forest green and sunshine yellow. One look lends a playful look to the bathroom; the other has strong associations with nature. Like Dynamo Rainbow by Cristina, My.Bag is more than just an exercise in colour. Call it a serious case of wanderlust, but its design recalls a suitcase, which can be closed to conceal the washbasin and create an additional countertop. Olympia is not alone in its travel-inspired proposition. Designer Giulio Gianturco is putting Italian manufacturer Makro on the map with Hidden, which comprises a basin sitting inside what looks like an old-fashioned trunk. Once again, the top can be closed when required to hide away the Corian washbasin.
Marcel Wanders’ Quadro vanity for Bisazza Bagno.
My.Bag and Hidden may be quirky, but there is no denying the fact that they serve the need for stylish, space-conscious design. Interestingly, in order to achieve this, both Paludi and Gianturco looked beyond the bathroom and into the bedroom for inspiration, serving as a reminder of the blurring boundaries between the different living spaces.
Hidden by designer Giulio Gianturco for Italian manufacturer Makro.
Further proof of this barrier-free living was found on Globbo’s stand at Cersaie, where students Gaia Cervellati and Celeste Volpi sourced inspiration for their concept washbasin, Novo Lavatoio, from outside the bathroom. Much like a kitchen sink that comes complete with an integrated sink cover to extend the work surface, Novo Lavatoio features a removable wooden top that fits over the basin when required. When not, it is stored in a niche under the basin.
My.Bag by Olympia is inspired by travel.
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“Bathroom designers are faced with something of a challenge: to create a collection that will first and foremost sell, but also speak to each and every user on an individual level.”
This notion that bathroom designers need to start thinking outside the box was more thoroughly explored at ISH (10-14 March 2015), the world’s biggest showcase for bathroom design. Organiser Messe Frankfurt went with the slogan ‘Freedom within four walls’, which not only references the aforementioned trend for barrier-free bathrooms, but also expresses the demand for new concepts that can be tailored to the needs and tastes of the individual. Thus, bathroom designers are faced with something of a challenge: to create a collection that will first and foremost sell, but also speak to each and every user on an individual level. Duravit’s solution was to call upon the creativity of renowned French designer Philippe Starck, resulting in ME, a minimalist collection that serves as a clean backdrop to whatever stylistic choices the homeowner wishes to make. Arlex Italia took a different tack with its Cocó Flower vanity, which makes a play for individualism by using a material not commonly used for bathroom furnishings – namely stucco, a textured cement or plaster typically found on exterior walls. The stucco is available in Arlex Italia’s complete range of lacquered colours, making it even easier to create a one-of-a-kind look. Certainly, choice is a very effective means of customisation, enabling manufacturers to offer homeowners very practical as well as aesthetic benefits. German manufacture Hansgrohe is a case in point, targeting busy family bathroom with its new Croma Select shower range, designed so that users can easily switch between various spray modes at the touch of a button.
Duravit collaborated with French designer Philippe Starck to create the minimalist ME collection.
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Future Proof While new thinking is important, the products produced must always be simple and intuitive to use. People who have to cope with restricted movement of any kind, whether physical- or agerelated, or who have young children, know only too well how important a freely accessible, secure and easily usable bathroom is. Thus, walk-in showers are becoming a prerequisite for any bathroom that serves elderly people, those with mobility issues or young families: for example, see Inda’s new Avenue shower enclosure. Style is also crucial, something that French designer Jean-Marie Wilmotte understood when asked by Teuco to design a solution that would ‘elegantly and intelligently’ accommodate the needs of the whole family. His solution was Pret à Porter, a combined bathtub and shower featuring a 13-centimetre step and full-height glass door that opens inwards, making it easier to get in and out of the bath without having to climb over the side. Wilmotte’s preoccupation with stylish but usable design is shared by a number of notable designers and manufacturers. At the end of last year, Philippe Grohe and Italian architect-designer Antonio Citterio flew to London to launch Axor Citterio E, a new collection of contemporary classic bathroom fixtures that tick the boxes for aesthetic appeal, sophisticated functionality and outstanding workmanship. Controlling water flow and temperature is a signature feature of the comprehensive collection,
Avenue is part of Inda’s Lounge collection and available in two colours: smoke and miel.
hence users are given the choice of a joystick or classic crosshead handle, both easy to use when hands are wet and soapy. “The products are not only characterised by flexible implementation, but also by exceptional ease of use and a pleasant touch and feel,” concludes designer Antonio Citterio.
Axor Citterio E is a new collection of bathroom fixtures by Antonio Citterio for Axor, a brand by Hansgrohe.
Pret à Porter is a combined bathtub and shower designed by French designer Jean-Marie Wilmotte for Italian manufacturer Teuco.
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Methven Aio shower
Get Connected Technology is the ultimate way to create a bathroom that is easy to control as well as instantly adapted to specific needs or preferences. Electronica, Blu Bathworks’s new range of digital applications for sinks, showers and bathtubs, is regulated by a digital controller, which gives the user complete control over water flow and temperature via their smartphone or tablet. What’s more, the smart system allows users to choose up to three individually saved settings – a feature that stores the preferences for different users in the home. Additional features include a convenient cleaning mode for the shower, whereby holding the control until the light turns to green will turn off water supply for 60 seconds to allow the user to clean the surrounding areas without risk of getting wet. From a safety point of view, a coloured LED light ring is featured across the range to indicate water temperature. Colours range from red when the water is at its hottest, to blue when it is running cold.
The turbine placed within Cristina’s Dynamo Rainbow showerhead uses water flow to produce the energy, which in turn powers the LED lights.
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Leading the way So what else was new at ISH? Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen has longevity on its mind. Debut collections by Konstantin Grcic and Toan Nguyen were made of SaphirKeramik, a new highperformance ceramic that has all the benefits of traditional ceramic but is exceptionally tough, drawing its strength from a compound found in sapphire. Both Grcic and Nguyen explored the almost boundless possibilities of shaping SaphirKeramik, resulting in a range of washbasins, shower trays and bathtubs that are guaranteed to stand the test of time. Elsewhere Scarabeo took a fresh look at drainage, perhaps not the most glamorous aspect of bathroom design, but infinitely more so in the case of Mitzu, which features a scooped ceramic top panel that has seemingly been sliced in half to allow the water to escape through the gap to reach the cleverly concealed drain underneath. In an age where everyone wants something different to what everyone else has, Mitzo’s arrival is timely. Meanwhile, Keramag Design continued its story with updates to Robin Platt’s popular Xeno² Collection. Platt’s distinctive asymmetrical basin design has been enhanced with new options in Varicor solid surface, while the furniture is now available in a new matt white finish, in addition to matt grey. And finally, British brand Victoria + Albert Baths presented its first ever collection of vanity units and mirrors, signifying its move into developing bathroom furniture to sit alongside its well-respected freestanding baths and basins. The collections include two integrated vanity units, the Mandello 114 and Lario 100, which have been designed exclusively for Victoria + Albert
Venticello bathroom collection by Villeroy & Boch
Dune freestanding bathtub by Mario Ferrrarini for Antonio Lupi
by Meneghello Paolelli Associati, who previously designed Victoria + Albert’s award-winning Amiata bath, as well as two countertop vanity units, the Bosa 112 and Stiletto 110.
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A final note Far Eastern design is very much about creating a space that both calms and uplifts, thus enhancing the user’s mental wellbeing. It’s no surprise, then, that bathroom designers are looking east for inspiration, creating products with Zen-like appeal. Top marks go to Gessi’s new Cono collection by designer-sculptor Prospero Rasulo, whose use of graceful Eastern shapes provides a cool counterbalance to the edgy Western influences that come through. The hands-down winner, however, is Kelly Hoppen’s stone composite Origami bath for Australian brand apaiser.
Dressage bathroom furniture from Graff
Ribbed Seafoam Towel from Crate and Barrel Spring 2015 collection Buckle tube squeezer by Lorenza Bozzoli and Gabriele Chiave for Alessi
Laufen bathroom, Kandolhu Island Resort Maldives
Mediterranean inspired room fragrance and bathroom accessories from Riccio Caprese available at Bea e Martina
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Design Sources Agapedesign.it; tel: 04 434 7172 Alessi.com; tel: 04 340 2933 Antoniolupi; tel: 04 339 0760 Arlexsrl.com; tel: 04 386 2235 Apaiser.com; tel: 04 507 6000 Azzuraceramica.it; tel: 04 339 0760 Bagnodesign.org; tel: 04 507 6000 Beaemartina.com; tel: 04 321 4331 Bette.de; tel: 04 427 0568 Bisazzabagno.com; tel: 04 347 3347 Blubathworks.com Caleido.it Ceramicagalassia; tel: 04 339 0760 Ceramicaglobo.com Crateandbarrel.com; tel: 04 399 0125 Cristinarubinetterie.com Dupont.com Duravit.com; tel: 04 427 4080 Geberit.com; tel: 04 507 6000 Gessi.com; tel: 04 339 0760 Glass1989.it Graff-faucets.com; tel: 04 380 8808 Hansgrohe.com; tel: 04 332 6565 Inda.net Keramagdesign.com Laufen.com; tel: 04 268 9993 Makro.it Methven.com; tel: 050 940 3647 Olympiaceramica.it Robertolazzeroni.it Scarabeoceramica.com Taconline.it; tel: 04 380 8808 Teuco.com; tel: 02 644 5441 Vandabaths.com Villeroy-boch.com; tel: 04 328 5412
Soft and rounded forms, such as Mythos by Axil, remain on point for 2015.