kartell by LAUFEN: saphirkeramik bathroom technologies

kartell by LAUFEN: saphirkeramik bathroom technologies
image courtesy kartell

after years of research and development, swiss manufacturer LAUFEN has produced a revolutionary ceramic material that has been used exclusively in the production of the ‘kartell by LAUFEN’ washbasin series. presented at salone del mobile 2013, the bathroom collection brings together the technological expertise seen in the work of italian company kartell and its use of polycarbonate plastic applied to the production of furniture; and the swiss specialist who is renowned for its extensive knowledge in ceramic manufacturing. designed by ludovica and roberto palomba, the resulting pieces include an interconnected ecosystem of bathtubs, faucets, lights, sanitary-ware, shower bases, shelving, washbasins and other furniture components such as cupboards, footstools, mirrors and tables.

after years of research and development, swiss manufacturer LAUFEN has produced a revolutionary ceramic material
images courtesy kartell

the ‘saphirkeramik’ composite employed in ‘kartell by LAUFEN’ is made from a completely different chemical structure than traditional porcelain, combining crystals and ceramic to provide ten times more hardness and bending strength, while reducing up to 40% in weight and material. because of this process, ‘saphirkeramik’ displays a whiter finish, utilizing less glaze in the final kiln firing process. the newest innovation is found in the material’s capability to achieve extremely narrow radii on corner fillets and chamfers at tolerances as close to 1-2 millimeters, where up until now, the maximum was 7-8 millimeters. the new technological breakthrough offers the possibility to create washbasins and other products as thin as blades. additionally, the brilliance and aesthetic qualities from the  ‘kartell by LAUFEN’ ceramic series is enhanced by the polycarbonate furniture pieces.

‘kartell by LAUFEN’: an interview with roberto palomba
video © designboom

the collection includes an interconnected ecosystem of bathtubs, faucets, lights, sanitary-ware, shower bases and shelving
image courtesy kartell

the collection brings together the technological expertise of italian company kartell and its use of plastic applied to the production of furniture
images courtesy kartell

the brilliance and aesthetic qualities from the  ‘kartell by LAUFEN’ ceramic series in enhanced by the iconic polycarbonate furniture pieces
image courtesy kartell

kartell by LAUFEN is born
video courtesy LAUFEN

kartell by LAUFEN: pure emotion
video courtesy kartell

‘saphirkeramik’ has the capability to achieve extremely narrow radius on corner fillets and chamfers at tolerances as close to 1-2 millimeters
image courtesy LAUFEN

the new technological breakthrough offers the possibility to create washbasins and other products as thin as blades
image courtesy LAUFEN

‘saphirkeramik’ results in a whiter finish, which utilizes less glaze in the final kiln firing process
image courtesy LAUFEN

kartell by LAUFEN showroom and party during milan design week 2013
image courtesy kartell

ludovica + roberto palomba
portrait © designboom