Character strengths

Advances in bathroomware typically focus more on design than materials. A visionary product designer is likely to focus on both.

Having defined bathroom culture since 1892, Laufen was the originator of ceramic bathroom products in Switzerland, and is now a leading global manufacturer of bathroom solutions for contemporary lifestyles, says managing director for Laufen in the United States Javier Korneluk.

"All Laufen product ranges reflect the level of artisanship that the Swiss are famous for precision and high-quality design. And this is what has made Laufen a leading manufacturer and designer of ceramic products for the bath for more than 120 years.

Known as much for technical innovation as for design aesthetics, this year Laufen introduced a number of industry firsts, including the revolutionary SaphirKeramik a new recipe for ceramic. Advantages of this material include its flexural strength, which is comparable with steel and twice as strong as vitreous china.

For the product designer, this allows for a more delicate, refined design language, more defined in shape and line matching evolving trends in modern architectural design. Thinner walls and refined structures mean products are more sustainably produced a smaller amount of raw material is needed, and less energy for firing, production and transport.

SaphirKeramik was used to create Laufen's recently released Kartell by Laufen collection. This collection is a collaboration between the iconic Italian brand Kartell and Laufen, with direction from Roberto and Ludovica Palomba, renowned Milan-based product designers.

Other exciting product innovation releases from the Swiss company include a hidden drain and a rimless toilet.

Great innovation has seen Laufen win many industry accolades such as an iF Product Design Award and German Design award in 2013.

With branches in more than 20 countries, Laufen manufactures over four million ceramic pieces annually.

For more information on Laufen products and recently released designer collections, visit the website: www.laufen.com

Story by: Trendsideas