Bathroom Product of the Year
Technology continues to drive the evolution of the bathroom, a fact that is underlined by this year’s Bathroom Product of the Year finalists...
Winner
Ondus by Grohe
Designed in-house by the Grohe design team, Ondus is a collection of shower, bath and basin mixers and taps, all of which are controlled digitally and available in three monochromatic finishes, including the aesthetically bold Velvet Black.
Grohe define the range as the first digital bathroom with a look it describes as ‘sensual minimalism’. The range has become characterized by its highly distinctive digital operating panel with clear symbols and easy-to-use controls. Ondus launched in the UK earlier this year.
Finalist
E-Mood by Duravit
Light is everything for the Andreas Struppler-designed e-mood collection from Duravit. The key to the range is the multifunctional ‘e-board’, which discreetly houses a soap dispenser (optional), tissue’s dispenser, cosmetics shelf and power outlet – with no visible cables.
This board runs the lighting options for the various items in the collection, offering both functional lighting and atmospheric coloured lights with different programmable mood lighting. As an added convenience, a night light automatically switches on when it gets dark. Other features include the e-light element, e-wall fitted storage cabinet and large illuminated glass e-screen all of which combine for an offering that allows the bathroom to be lit completely differently according to the day or mood.
The light and colour program is controlled by touch LEDs on the product itself. All functions can also be set with conventional pushbuttons and switches. The individual e-mood modules communicate by radio or BUS data system. With the ubiquitous switching one light module is linked to another, automatically forcing the others to follow suit.
Finalist
Axor Massaud by Hansgrohe
Jean-Marie Massaud’s bathroom collection for Hansgrohe was launched in the UK last year with a design that seeks to combine organic lines inspired by nature with strong geometry that can help to create attractive bathroom design options.
The centerpiece of the range is a 40cm single-lever mixer tap which doubles-up as a storage shelf and keeps the technology hidden, but also includes matching bath fillers, showers, washbowl and accessories (such as a towel holder reminiscent of a tree and a toilet brush with a branch-like handle).
The unusually wide ribbon of water that flows from the tap was technically difficult to achieve as a ribbon usually breaks and does not flow smoothly after a certain width. The work on this feature was worth the effort though, and the result is a distinctive and eyecatching bathroom range. Massaud discussed his Axor collection in the July 2007 issue of Designer, which can be viewed online at www.thedesignermagazine.com
Finalist
Compact Thermostatic Shower Valve by Matki
Matki’s innovative Thermostatic Shower Valve has a space-saving design that allows it to be fitted into a wall space of just 48mm, rather than the previous smallest valve which needed 78mm.
Key to its design is a three-step installation process that makes it easy and flexible to fit. The valve also incorporates a sensitive ‘click temperature control’ designed to prevent scalding. Each click represents an increase or a decrease of half a degree (and set to a maximum of 48 degrees Celsius), allowing for precise and safe temperature control.
Finalist
Sorgente by Teuco
Launched at Cersaie in Italy last year (and featured first in Designer in November 2007), Sorgente recreates the visual and acoustic effects of a natural water spring, using hidden technology to bring the natural world into the home. Ultimately, it is a hot-tub and bath-tub hybrid but its real beauty for a bathroom designer is its cladding system which can be personalized in any material (including stone, wood or marble) to ensure it harmonises perfectly with its surroundings.
The flexibility of its design – bringing key benefits for both designer and the end-user – makes Sorgente a strong addition to Teuco’s range and raises the bar for luxury bathing.