Synergy

It may sound like a grand claim to suggest that something as humble as a faucet embodies a pure synthesis between form and function. But when a product line wins the prestigious iF Design Award, the idea of a bathroom fitting achieving a sculptural presence becomes utterly credible.

Grohe's new F1 line of bathroom fittings, from the company's premium Articulation range, was designed in consultation with the F.A. Porsche Design Studio. Grohe vice president of marketing and sales Jeff Carney says that the aim was to create a product whose aura would arouse a fascination for design and technology.

"We wanted a line of fittings that would focus on the purpose of comfortable water delivery, but would still combine this functionality with a high degree of sensuality."

The F1's signature element is the cone, which enables a seamless flow of water from the body to the spout.

"Enhancing the fundamental F1 design are the more subtle and tactile elements of a silky aluminum finish and the gentle knurled details of the handles, lift rods and aerators," says Carney.

The F.A. Porsche Design Studio changed the conventional means of adjusting water temperature on single-hole centerset faucets by using two small levers for hot and cold water, rather than one.

The two levers are positioned one above the other on the body of the faucet and glide in a horizontal plane. To set the desired temperature the levers may be operated separately or by grasping both levers together with a single movement of the hand.

To achieve this dual functionality, Grohe engineers developed new Advanced Cartridge Technology (ACT). This features a sophisticated clockwork-type geared movement combined with state-of-the-art ceramic disks.

The Grohe F1 line of fittings includes centerset and wideset lavatory faucets, bidet, Roman tub filler, exposed thermostatic mixing valves, thermostatic shower valve trim, volume control trim and coordinated bath accessories.

For more details, contact Grohe America, 241 Covington Drive, Bloomingdale, IL 60108, phone (630) 582 7711, fax (630) 582 7722. Website: www.groheamerica.com.

Story by: Trendsideas