A few years ago, a revolutionary ceramic material burst onto the scene, giving the bathroom industry opportunities to rethink the shape of fixtures and fittings. Called SaphirKeramik, the material was developed by Swiss bath manufacturer Laufen and boasts superior strength that allows for production of incredibly thin-walled ceramic sanitary-ware. One new series stemming from this material innovation is the sophisticated and almost weightless-appearing Ino collection designed by Toan Nguyen.
“Laufen wanted to take things further with their exploration of SaphirKeramik, and invited several designers to take part in this, including myself,” Nguyen explains. “My starting point was to take an archetypal washbasin and transform it into something different. [Ino’s] emphasis is more on lines and surface than on volume.”
His SaphirKeramik washbasin is a sink with an integrated shelf (in the same easy-to-maintain material) that can be specified for either side of the basin, offering a surface to hold items, toiletries, cosmetics and accessories. The washbasin itself sports a slim rim, resulting in a more generous wash area and refined look.
For bathroom spaces that can’t accommodate such a wide sink, however, Ino washbasins without the integrated side shelf still feature a flat deck design at the back, providing an alternative place to rest toiletries. Both of these options are available in wall-mounted models, as well. Meanwhile, a coordinating vessel-style basin with the same beautiful thin rim and enlarged wash area is offered to those who prefer a unit that sits atop a separate vanity.
Another highlight of the Ino collection, the freestanding bathtub is actually composed of a different innovative material. By using Sentec solid surfacing, the manufacturer was able to produce the tub with a single wall in one casting. This lighter-weight oval unit comes with or without an integrated headrest that can, like the sink counterparts, function as a shelf for resting accessories or bath linens.
Rounding out the collection, bathroom furniture (also designed by Nguyen) includes wall-mounted drawer or cabinet vanities with real-wood veneer or powder-coated matte white aluminum fronts and sides and a wall-mounted tall cabinet.