LAUFEN presents VAL saphirkeramik by konstantin grcic at ISH

at the 2014 salone del mobile in milan, LAUFEN debuted the VAL saphirkeramik collection of washbasins and trays by konstantin grcic that highlighted the possibilities of the leading sanitary ware company’s revolutionary saphirkermik material — the pieces presented simple architectural lines, featuring extremely slim rims and thin walls — made possible by LAUFEN’s saphirkeramik technology — combined with textural surfaces, redefining the design boundaries of ceramics in the bathroom.

see designboom’s coverage of the project and interview with the german designer here.

the VAL saphirkeramik collection includes a free-standing oval-shaped bathtub
all images courtesy of LAUFEN

now a year later, konstantin grcic‘s initial exploration of saphirkeramik has resulted in the ‘VAL’ collection, that made its debut on the occasion of ISH 2015 in frankfurt. the family of washbasins are an extension of the german creative’s adoption of aesthetic characteristics from his studies, transforming the designs so that on the one hand, they are simple, functional and architectural; while on the other hand they project no shortage of expressive details.

the ‘VAL’ bathtub and washbasin, outfitted with accompanying LAUFEN bathroom furniture

the central component of the ‘VAL’ bathroom collection is a rectangular wall-mounted washbasin that is available in two widths of 450 and 950mm. they are characterized by straight geometric lines, rims with narrowly-defined radii, and gently rounded corners that emphasize the thin-walled possibilities of 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 konstantin grcic.

a rectangular wall-mounted washbasin features an integrated shelf with semi-dry storage areas

the comprehensive VAL saphirkeramik product range includes a rectangular and asymmetrical washbasin bowl, which was born out of grcic’s first saphirkeramik developments. each piece features an integrated shelf with a tactile surface structure, and provides semi-dry areas in which to store 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‘, grcic explains.

rectangular VAL saphirkeramik storage tray with decorative textures

the round (325mm ∅) and rectangular (360 x 280mm) VAL saphirkeramik storage trays also exhibit these decorative textures. their appearance recalls the look of fine porcelain, but as they are produced from saphirkeramik, they are extremely robust and suitable for everyday use, serving as a place to put small objects either in the bathroom or in other places.

to accompany the ‘VAL’ washbasins, grcic has conceived an oval-shaped freestanding bathtub (160x75x52 cm), whose thin-walled rims appear elegant, and harmonize well with the filigree washbowls. the design is produced using the solid surface sentec material in which it can be made with a single wall in one casting, without the need for an integrated overflow. this affords the basin to be a lot lighter than double-wall versions which are produced using other mediums; exuding a velvet, matte white and easy to clean surface. the ‘VAL’ bathub can be installed conventionally as the feet and siphon are already integrated.

the ‘VAL’ collection is completed by bathroom furniture in a variety of surface finishes

the ‘VAL’ saphirkeramik collection is completed with bathroom furniture by LAUFEN, which provides users with ample storage space. the fixtures are characterized by slim frames and aluminium handles that are shaped similarly to the ‘VAL’ washbasins’; while the vanity unit speaks the same formal language as the wall-mounted basins. a range of countertops, matching draw elements, tall cabinets with and without door mirrors, together with a practical trolley, available in dark elm, light walnut and matte white surface finishes, round out the family.

demonstration of LAUFEN’s thin-walled saphirkeramik (left) in comparison to other sanitary ware