Announcing the Winners of the 2016 Das Design Competition

A jury has spoken and selected six projects as demonstrating excellence in kitchen and bath design in the 2016 Das Design Competition. The annual awards program, sponsored by Hansgrohe/Axor, recognizes both residential and commercial projects completed within the last five years that deftly combine function and aesthetics with the brands’ various fixtures, fittings and accessories, whilst also considering environmental factors. Of the six, two were named first-place winners — one each in commercial and residential — and four were designated honorable mentions. They are:

RESIDENTIAL WINNER

Camino Norte

Camino Norte by PS Modern
Situated in Palm Springs, California, this home was designed in a modern vernacular with 10- to 12-foot ceilings and maximizes the panoramic scenery of the San Jacinto Mountains from every space. A variety of Hansgrohe/Axor products helps elevate the sleek, minimalist baths and kitchen while maintaining a timeless aesthetic that will continue to look current for years to come.

From the designer: “The Axor designer series presented us with unique options to complement the modernized structure and design elements. With the master shower, we wanted the fixtures to complement the organic composition presented through the veining within the Satin Mountain white marble slabs. Two prominent walls of the master shower are clad with this beautiful marble. With carefully book-matched slabs, our marble installer created a beautiful image of a phoenix rising behind the organically shaped bathtub. In order to complement this powerful design feature, we turned to the naturalistic, ethereal design of the Axor Massaud products.”

Other products featured include: 1 Jet Axor LampShower by Nendo, Axor Urquiola Thermostatic Trim, Axor Starck Organic Porter with Handshower, Axor Starck 2-Spray Semi-Pro Kitchen Faucet, Axor Starck 2-Spray HighArc Kitchen Faucet Pull Down and Axor Starck Pot Filler Wall-Mounted.

RESIDENTIAL HONORABLE MENTIONS

Heijnen-Kavelaars Garden Residence

Heijnen-Kavelaars Garden Residence by Intexure Architects
Wrapping around and affording views of a central pool and garden, this house features accents that evoke water, plants and sky in the master, secondary and guest bath and powder room — and a selection of fixtures and accessories that create a luxurious experience for the occupants in each of these spaces as well as in the open kitchen.

From the designer: “The challenge was to keep the selections cohesive and serene, giving individual areas character while maintaining a holistic design. By keeping the fixtures entirely to the Hansgrohe/Axor brand, a unified sense of style was created throughout the home while at the same time adding differentiation to the baths. In the master [bath], selections from the Axor Starck collection were used to create a luxury shower experience. Axor Uno wall-mounted faucets also bring elegant simplicity to the home. In the kitchen, the signature Starck faucet helps define the space. Hand showers were used in all the baths to enhance functionality.”

Other products featured include: Hansgrohe towel bars and toilet paper holders, Hansgrohe Metris Faucets, Hansgrohe Raindance Showerpipe, Hansgrohe Talis S Kitchen Faucet, Axor Double Body Spray, Axor Thermostatic Controls and Hansgrohe Metris Tub Filler and Tub Spout.

The Swan House by H3K Design
The Thunderbird Heights part of Palm Springs was known as a getaway for celebrities and the elite since the 1950s. As such, this renovated ’60s H-shaped house pays homage to the mid-century architecture of the region while injecting touches of California glamour.

The Swan House

From the designer: “The silver lining of the house was the fact that the house hadn’t been remodeled extensively over the years. Here was a 50-year-old house barely touched by the Spanish or Southwestern influences that plagued desert architecture in the mid ’80s and ’90s. This really was a diamond in the rough. Today, the house has been reimagined for today’s living — a great room with open kitchen, a media room, a formal dining room, en suite bathrooms with high-end Hansgrohe fixtures — while still harking the vibe of the original 1960 layout. A true ugly duckling becoming a swan. Hansgrohe was integral in that transformation.”

Products featured include: Axor Urquiola Collection single-hole faucets, wall- and deck-mounted widespread faucets and freestanding tub filler.

Willowick Remodel by Kuhl-Linscomb Design
At this 1963 residence in Houston, the interiors were reconfigured to optimize circulation and storage without adding any square footage beyond the original house’s footprint. Among one of the unique solutions implemented was situating the master bath’s freestanding tub and shower near the center of the space and inserting glass floor-to-ceiling splashguard walls.

Willowick Remodel

From the designer: “The master bedroom was reduced to a manageable size, producing an optimum plan for the bathroom and doubling his and her closets. A designed tile rug articulates the linearity of the custom-designed slatted barn doors at the closets. The space is finished with the organic design of the Pura Vida collection, emoting a soft sensual quality.”

Other products featured include: Hansgrohe Metris S collection and Hansgrohe Talis S collection.

COMMERCIAL WINNER

Emerson Sales Center by Mark Williams Design Associates
The design firm recreated a kitchen and master bath of a typical unit inside the luxurious Emerson Buckhead Condominium for the Atlanta property’s sales center. Hansgrohe/Axor fixtures proved the perfect complement for the sculptural yet minimalist aesthetic of these spaces.

Emerson Sales Center

From the designer: “The Emerson Buckhead embodies the idea of architecture as art — art that embraces a new way of living, architecture that redefines the interpretation of what a residence should be. We decided to specify Hansgrohe/Axor because we believe the products represent the modern, clean, sophisticated and sculptural essence the building represents. We also believe the typical buyers at this end of the spectrum will appreciate the quality and detail that goes into handmade Hansgrohe products. Having the factory/headquarters of Hansgrohe here in Atlanta was also a big selling point to the developers.”

Products featured include: Hansgrohe Talis S High-Arc Faucet, Hansgrohe Metris S Single Hole Faucet, Axor Starck Freestanding Tub Filler, Hansgrohe Raindance Showerheads, Hansgrohe S Trims, Hansgrohe Raindance Handshower and Handshower Porter.

COMMERCIAL HONORABLE MENTION

Ronald McDonald House by BJS-Assoc. Interior Design
The 100th of more than 300 Ronald McDonald House programs worldwide, the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island serves as a warm and welcoming home away from home for 1,000-plus families of children undergoing medical treatment at nearby hospitals every year. To go beyond creating a pretty space, the design team aimed to provide a serene and holistic spa-like environment and germ-free and healthy climate.

Ronald McDonald House

From the designer: “The Hansgrohe/Axor products hit on every cylinder — durability, design, beauty, elegance and simplicity. A major consideration in using Hansgrohe/Axor was that it is a green company. [The fixtures] produced not only an inviting environment, but one where the care, health, safety and well-being of the clientele was at the forefront of the overall design and functionality. Fundamental to the overall project was that they would withstand severe conditions for decades to come while offering sleek timeless design.”

Products featured include: Hansgrohe Metris S Widespread Faucet, Unica S, S Tub Spout, S Pressure Balance Trim with Diverter and S/E towel bars and toilet paper holder.