Germany 2014: Part 3

 Our Duravit bus

 The Duravit building, designed by Philippe Starck

 Our Duravit welcome

 Duravit showroom

 Joanna leading us through the Duravit showroom

Sydney cameo in the Duravit showroom

Inipi sauna by Duravit

 Vero on display in the Duravit showroom

 Blue Moon Pool 

Our group checking out the Duravit displays


The last few days of our trip were upon us and we were off to the design centre/factory I was most looking forward to, Duravit.

Because our Duravit portion started on a Sunday, Duravit organised for us to have a leisure day which included an enjoyable lunch in Gutach followed by tobogganing down a mountain!

The day was warm and lovely, and the toboggans provided a little bit of adventure and physical exercise- which was much needed after a week of non-stop eating.

If you are not already aware, the Duravit Design Centre was designed by none other than Phillipe Starck. Driving up to the centre was spectacular, amongst the tranquil backdrop of the Black Forest emerges a sparkling silver box encasing a giant toilet. Brilliant.

Training was conducted by our lovely host, Joanna who is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Duravit. She talked us through the history of the company including the explanation behind the Duravit logo, the wood grouse. It is a very rare bird found in the Black Forest and has been a symbol for Duravit's attachment to their roots and the respect they have for their natural environment.

The ceramic factory tour was a completely eye-opening experience. I was so surprised to see how much human contact is involved in the production. Clay pieces were being hand finished by an employee who had worked with Duravit over 20 years, the glazing was hand done, the quality controls were overseen many times by many different people. The whole production was outstanding and I have now seen with my own eyes why it is such a highly valued, quality product.

Duravit only use locally sourced ingredients for their ceramic, and recycle everything they can. They even break up and send damaged product (it was very hard to spot the damages!) to companies who can recycle the material to make roads etc.

We also visited the Duravit design centre showroom and were shown a great presentation on the Sensowash seat. Sensowash was installed in a few of the working bathrooms, so we all had a turn at testing them out. Once you've used it, you can't go back to a normal toilet!

Our last day at Duravit and Germany included a short trip to the Schenkensell furniture factory.

We've always loved Duravit furniture at Candana but to see the artisan manufacture of these pieces in person further cements our belief in them. Again, each piece is given a personal touch; hand-finishing, hand-polishing. All of the furniture is made to order in this factory, nothing is kept in stock. So when you order a piece of Duravit furniture, you will be getting something made especially for you by a German Duravit-trained skilled professional.

After this tour we headed straight to Frankfurt for our flights home.

We all returned to our respective states feeling confident about the brands, full of delicious German food and with a new group of inter-state friends.

I hope you've enjoyed reading about this trip as much I enjoyed being on it. A huge thank you to Bathe Australia and Candana for making the trip possible, and of course to Kaldewei, Hansgrohe and Duravit for your time, knowledge and hospitality.

Duravit basins on display

 Sundeck pool

New Vero furniture

 New Vero furniture

Our group waving from the toilet balcony

 Our group waving from the toilet balcony

Walking tour of Freiburg

Photos © kaety/Candana

AXOR Starck V

Axor Starck V: Experiencing the Vitality of Water

New achievement in water design: Axor, the designer brand of Hansgrohe SE, is introducing a revolutionary washbasin mixer. Growing out of Axor’s relentless drive for products that reflect the vitality and emotionality of water, the brand’s first transparent mixer, Axor Starck V, was brought to life in collaboration with Philippe Starck. Its official presentation takes place at the Axor flagship store DURINIQUINDICI in Milan from April 7 – April 13.

“The vortex phenomenon has occupied my father Klaus Grohe for several years”, explains Philippe Grohe, Head of Axor. “His intuition that water could visibly be brought to the foreground through the vortex, was the starting point in the development of Axor Starck V. In our long-time friend Philippe Starck, we not only found the perfect design partner to create a shape around the vortex, but also a valuable sparring partner in the developmental process. Ultimately, the realisation of the project was not made possible by creativity and determination alone, but by technical know-how and over 100 years of experience in handling water.” The result according to Philippe Starck “is a mixer that represents the absolute minimum: totally transparent, almost invisible, and enclosing a miracle that is the vortex.”

Connecting with Water through the Vortex

For more than 20 years the human interaction with water and space has been at the core of Axor’s innovations. Axor Starck V will be one of the most prominent translations of this idea yet: with the beauty and dynamism of its vortex, the mixer bridges the gap between the functional and emotional aspects of water at the washbasin, transforming it from a basic commodity to a valuable resource. 

Organic Design and the Aesthetics of Transparency

The organic, transparent design of Axor Starck V gives it an exciting, yet subdued presence. Besides serving the technical function of making water visible, transparency aesthetically fuses the mixer body with its surroundings, thus, in essence de-materialising it. The openly designed spout contributes to the natural water experience: before the eyes of the user, the upward, swirling motion of water through the mixer’s body and its “free-fall” into the washbasin trigger a feeling of joy and happiness. 

Experiencing Water through Technology and Innovation

True to the Hansgrohe principle of producing highly aesthetic, functional and sustainable bathroom products, Axor Starck V shines with a multitude of innovations that together are certain to define a whole new category of washbasin mixers. For example, the mixer is produced out of the organic material crystal glass, which is sustainable and durable. With a flow rate of 4 l/min, Axor Starck saves water without compromising the user experience. The open, rotatable, and detachable spout offers additional comfort: flexible installation of the mixer body in combination with the washbasin and easy cleaning in the dishwasher. 

via Hansgrohe

Preview... Axor Starck V

Milan is absolutely buzzing at this time of year. Designers and architects from all over the world flock to the Italian city for what can only be described as design's event of events, Fuorisalone.

A week before the fair begins, Germany's premium tapware company AXOR have released a sneak peek video into the new Starck tapware which is to be launched at this years fair. 

'Experience the vitality of water: With a powerful vortex, the new Axor Starck V basin mixer brings about an emotional connection with water. In designer Philippe Starck, Axor found a partner capable of capturing the power of nature in an organic, sculptural glass mixer'

We wait with baited breath for the official premier on April 8, but in the meantime we'll enjoy this video and try to predict what Starck has come up with this time!

via Hansgrohe

Inspiration: Design Through Time... Part 4

For our final instalment of the Design Through Time series, we've decided to focus on the 1990's.

This was an exciting time for bathrooms as it was the first time celebrity designers collaborated with bathroom manufacturers.

Philippe Starck collaborated with brands such as Duravit, Rapsel and Axor Hansgrohe to create bathroom collections that introduced the 'furnished' bathroom to the world.

  Bathroom fittings were now being seen as designer pieces and the style of the time was minimal, simple and tranquil so that we could focus on the basics: the enjoyment of water.

We've put together a 90's inspired colour scheme of black, white and a lot of chrome.

The 90's were all about city living and an urban lifestyle so the fittings should be contemporary and sleek. Many designers followed in the footsteps of Starck and even now a decade later Starck is still designing great ranges for bathrooms, allowing the general public to have their very own designer pieces.

Duravit Starck 1 back to wall toilet suite

Devon & Devon Prisma tiles

Hansgrohe AXOR Starck accessories

Rapsel X-Treme wall basin

Hansgrohe AXOR Citterio basin set

ICFF New York 2013

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair is a yearly trade fair held in the big apple, NYC. And this year Candana went a long to check out what was happening in design in one of the most prominent design capitals of the world.

'The ICFF hosts more than 500 exhibitors from more than 30 countries in 11 categories from furniture to materials to kitchen and bath to fabricators.

North America’s premier showcase for contemporary design, the ICFF annually lures those in determined pursuit of design’s timely truths and latest trends to an encyclopedic exhibition of up-to-the-moment offerings, as well as a series of fascinating, fun, edifying programs, and a packed schedule of exhibits and features.'

One of the great things about this fair was that you were greeted most of the time by the actual designers/owners of the companies exhibiting. 

The passion in their product was evident and it was great meeting some of the local NY designers and manufacturers.

On the first day of the fair, I ran into none other than one of the most prolific designers of our generation, Karim Rashid. It's pretty hard to miss him, towering over me at over 6ft and wearing an all white suit with the exception of a pink shirt and matching shoes. He is the definition of an eccentric designer. If you know me, you'll know that I am a huge fan of his work and was completely starstruck. Definitely one of the highlights of the fair.

Another highlight was sitting in on a talk with world renowned architects Claesson Koivisto Rune. I've admired their work for many years and was extremely lucky to listen to their thought process and have them talk us through some of their projects.   

Back to the fair. One of the biggest trends I spotted was minimalism.

Modern lines, block colours and clean shapes were in abundance. Very chic, very New York.

From furniture to jewellery, there was a heavy use of luxe metals such as gold, brass and copper which was also carried through to the bathroom finishes. Samuel Heath's new art deco inspired range 'Style Moderne' was on display in a lovely range of finishes, the antique gold my personal favourite.

The other obvious trend was the use of bright colour. Cerulean armchairs, lime green bath tubs and tapware powder coated in every colour imaginable were on display.

Bathroom favourites were also on show, Philippe Starck's new Axor Organic range was on display (working model and all!). The lovely Devon & Devon range as well as amazing new bathtubs by Victoria & Albert. 

ICFF is the 'couture fashion show' of interior design and I felt extremely privileged to visit one of the most influential fairs within this industry.



All photos by Candana

QT Sydney

'Hip' has a new address.

The iconic Gowings building in Sydney has recently had a make over and has been transformed into part  U.K mega-store Topshop and boutique hotel QT!

QT is actually set within two landmark buildings, The Gowings building and the State Theatre.

Architects Nic Graham & Associates and Indyk Architects worked to create an edgy space that combines the rich and colourful past of these two Sydney buildings with contemporary and unique aspects of the Sydney lifestyle today.

The hotel boasts 200 guest rooms decorated in 12 different styles. These rooms include some of the coolest bathrooms we've seen in hotels. Most bathrooms have the luxurious freestanding bathtub as well as contemporary square tapware. They've also included some fun details in the accessories such as the 'hand' mirror holders and ceramic bunnies.

The quirky design aesthetic has been carried through to the hotels restaurant (Gownings bar & grill) and bar (Gilt Lounge) with a hint of the 1920's thrown in there as homage to the buildings era. They have quickly become hot spots for the Sydney's 'it' crowd (which also included a visit from R-Pattz this week while on his promo tour!)

Sydney's newest boutique hotel has been described as accommodation unlike any other, and it's not hard to see why.

Images via QT

The 'F' word

In the design world there is constant discussion and debate over originals and design replica's, aka fakes.

Just like fashion, furniture and artwork there are fake and imitation bathroom design pieces.

Most people don't realise that the bathroom fittings they use everyday have been designed by some of the most infamous and influential designers of our time like Philipe Starck, Alessi, Patricia Urquiola etc.

These designers are normally commissioned by the world leaders in bathroom ware such as Hansgrohe and Duravit, and they spend huge amounts of time designing a product which is aesthetically pleasing as well as practical. These are brands that focus on environmentally-friendly manufacturing and all products are made to keep up with water saving technology and sustainable materials.

Not only do bathroom fittings need be pleasing to the eye, they need to work. So the designers must have an understanding of plumbing, hydraulics and even electrics.

Hansgrohe's Axor Starck range (originally designed in 1994) was designed with the concept of our past dealings with water. For example, the slanted spout resembles that of a water pump while the bath and basin mimic an old-fashioned tub. 

This joystick style mixer and tub-like basin have been copied countlessly, however the elegant proportion and manufacturing quality cannot be replicated. 

Probably the most copied mixer tap of all time is the iconic Vola which was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1961 after being contacted by the owner of Vola, Verner Overgaard.  He imagined a design where all the mechanical parts of the mixer are hidden leaving only the handles and spout exposed. At the time this was a completely new concept, but Jacobsen realized that this idea combined with his functional approach to design could be developed. With that basic principle in mind, the simple and concise VOLA design that we know today was conceived.

These are just two examples of the hundreds of methodically thought out products available in the bathroom market. These products combine classic design which will never date and the world's best quality product to ensure it will last a lifetime.

Many of the replica bathroom products available are not only crude copies, they don't have the quality behind them that is so essential to bathroom ware.

Unlike furniture, a toilet/basin/bath isn't something you can easily change over once it is installed. So it is extremely important to purchase a product that doesn't need to be replaced in say 2 years time.

Yearly we spend 21,900 minutes in the bathroom, so wouldn't it make sense to surround yourself with the real deal?

Bathrooms: Batman vs. Bruce Wayne

During the action-packed 162 minutes of The Dark Knight Rises, I found myself thinking about the bathrooms of Batman.

I was torn between an art deco room of opulence and a super high-tech utility bathroom. Until I realised, just like the man himself it would have to be split into two completely different personalities, except for the one important element tying the two together... the dark.

Bruce Wayne's magnificent mansion would include countless bathrooms, but we've focused on the Powder Room where Vicki Vale or Selina Kyle might visit to freshen up. It is an elegant, dark space with high gloss surfaces and the complete reflection of Bruce's money, power and sophistication.

Devon & Devon Premiere console basin

Devon & Devon Black Jack mirror

Devon & Devon Crystal wall light

Brodware Classique basin set with lever handles

Away from the decadence of Wayne Manor lies Batman's lair, with his high tech gadgets and dark dreary surrounds Batman requires a bathroom to completely relax after a tough day fighting the crime of Gotham City.

We've given Batman a sunken concrete pool for his ice baths, an impressive rain panel (aka shower) which features lighting, temperature control and fragrance functions (all accessible by an electronic control) and of course some sleek hooks to hang his bat suit off before Alfred arrives to have it dry cleaned. The room is minimal and sleek with only the best and most tech-savvy fittings.

Parisi Monowash freestanding basin

Dornbracht Rainsky E rain panel

Dornbracht Deque bath filler

Gessi Rettangolo ceiling spout

Frost Lulu hooks, set of 5

sketches by Candana

Celebrity homes... Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi

I have to admit that I often wonder what the homes of the rich and famous look like. I imagine dream-like spaces, luxurious living and extravagant surrounds.

The Beverley Hills home of the hilarious Ellen DeGeneres and gorgeous Portia de Rossi is exactly that.

Its an eclectic mix of rustic, modern and international design with a few quirks that compliment this couple very well.

My only criticism is that there isn't really any Australian representation in this home, I would've loved to see something a bit reminiscent of Portia's humble Aussie upbringing.
And by that I don't mean a stuffed koala, but maybe a bit of colour in the form of a Dinosaur Design vase etc.

What do you think?

All images via Architectural Digest