konstantin grcic + toan nguyen explore LAUFEN’s saphirkeramik technologies

LAUFEN‘s 2014 presentation at the salone del mobile sees the swiss company pushing the boundaries of its saphirkeramik technology that has revolutionized the bathroom world for its exceptional characteristics, combining resistance, lightness and slimness. working together with konstantin grcic and toan nguyen, LAUFEN showcases saphirkeramik’s formal possibilities through the realization of a set of washbasins that exhibit the brand’s aim to go beyond the limits of the material.  

konstantin grcic’s washbasins put emphasis on small details such as textures and geometric patterning

for salon del mobile, considering ‘function as ornament’, konstantin grcic has envisioned a series of designs that focus on the values of tailor-made work not often associated with industrial production. the pieces he has conceived each bring forth an exceptional emphasis on detail, whether it is a curve that suggests to circumscribe a function, a pattern or a texture. grcic’s washbasins employ combinations of rectangular and circular elements that range in dimension, rendered unique through the subtle game of material subtraction offered by LAUFEN‘S saphirkeramik technologies, and embellished with geometrical rhythms that adorn their surfaces.

each washbasin is a compilation of various-sized geometric shapes

konstantin grcic with the LAUFEN team checking over the washbasins

konstantin grcic inspecting one of his designs

(left) konstantin grcic, (right) toan nguyen

toan nguyen’s washbasin takes on a more classic look, while offering unexpected functions

toan nguyen’s ‘classic’ washbin takes on a more traditional aesthetic, while still being far from ordinary. considering the design ‘human, almost magical’, nguyen’s concept exhibits extremely thin, delicate proportions; rendering it almost two-dimensional from some angles. he redefines the boundaries and determining alternative functions for what a washbasin stands as, by producing an object that has been considered with movement in mind.

from line drawing to realized product

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view of the elevated washbasin

toan nguyen with a model of his design

toan nguyen’s ‘classic’ washbasin being manufactured

see more images of the development of washbasin designs by konstantin grcic and toan nguyen here.