Studio F. A. Porsche has designed a bathroom range with distinctive, pared-down objects that simultaneously exudes a sense of naturalness.
- Unwind in the bathroom with a simple and minimalist design language
- Two opposing design styles combine to produce a harmonious whole: straight-lined furniture and gently rounded sanitary objects
- Interplay of materials: ceramic sanitary objects enhanced with wood and natural stone, and bathtubs made from DuroCast Plus (mineral cast) and sanitary acrylic
- Extensive opportunities for individualization thanks to a range of sizes, colors, shapes, and materials
- Anti-fingerprint coating (console panel and Super Matt surfaces) as well as tip-on function for straightforward opening and closing of the drawers and cabinet doors
The bathroom is increasingly becoming a place of wellbeing, regeneration, and relaxation – an alternative realm to the hustle and bustle of everyday life and an especially private – and essential – space. A decelerated lifestyle needs a design language that is minimalist and durable while at the same time relying on natural materials with tactile surfaces. For instance – the new Qatego bathroom series, designed for Duravit by Studio F. A. Porsche: wood, ceramic, and natural stone come together to create a harmonious bathroom design for an unmistakable homely atmosphere with skillfully accentuated niches. The designers see the washbasins and furniture as unity of design and functionality. “With Qatego we took our lead from people’s requirements in the familiar and intimate surroundings of the bathroom. That’s why it was important for us to lend the objects a strong emotional quality that goes beyond mere functionality,” said Henning Rieseler, Design Director at Studio F. A. Porsche describing the creative process. The rounded form of the sanitary objects is striking against the linear and minimalistic design of the cabinets. The designers referenced archetypes in their creative process: “As a material, ceramic tends to have softer forms due to the working and the firing processes, while our perception of furniture is generally box-like,” said the design studio.
Strict geometries: the furniture
The furniture of the collection features a linear design language and comes in a range of variants: a console vanity unit with a drawer and an above-counter basin resting upon it, or alternatively a unit that merges seamlessly with a built-in washbasin. Delicately worked and featuring a shadow gap, the panel of the console vanity unit appears to be floating. In functional terms, the storage space of the furniture is managed using a thrilling interplay of open and closed surfaces. This runs like a golden thread through all design elements, including the tall cabinets with hinged doors, mirrors, and mirrored cabinets with a storage shelf. The open shelves with optional lighting break up the strict, geometric form of the furniture and introduce a homely atmosphere and transparency into the bathroom. They are ideal for the effective presentation of beloved items such as perfume bottles, bowls, and vases.
Playing with colors & materials
The furniture of the Qatego bathroom range, made from sustainable PEFC*-certified wood, is available in eight colors ranging from High Gloss White, natural and reserved nuances such as Taupe Matt and Basalt Matt, as well as strong shades such as Graphite Matt. Additionally, wood tones such as Marbled Oak, Black Oak, Terra Oak, and Natural Oak round off Qatego’s color spectrum inspired by nature. They can also be combined with the solid colors, and the bi-color variant represents a special design feature. The natural stone, deployed by Duravit for the first time, is similarly unique: the design from Studio F. A. Porsche combines the ceramic above-counter basins with stone panels made from Carrara marble, Travertine, and Pietra Lavica – a further reference to nature. Here, too, a range of customization options can be selected: the solid stone panel in widths of 1000 mm or 1400 mm can be affixed directly to the wall and the above-counter basin placed directly upon it. The console supports made from anthracite-colored metal simultaneously act as towel holders. Alternatively, the 1000 mm-wide stone panel can be placed on a wooden console, creating a harmonious symbiosis of two materials and textures. A further design highlight consists of the rounded edges and recesses in the high-quality stone panels to the left or right of the above-counter basin, offering space for accessories such as a brush or soap dispenser. Each of the natural stone panels used is a unique piece, which is expressed through the varied shimmering colors and veining. The protective impregnation on the stone surface makes for easy cleaning.
Gently rounded: the sanitary objects
The design language of the sanitary objects combines clear geometries with a soft transition to the upper edge, which has been delicately and precisely worked. Water-worn pebbles with a pleasant feel were the inspiration for the design, according to the design studio. “At this point we took a path that is more unusual for Studio F. A. Porsche: the idea was to create something natural, almost soft, and consequently also to reinterpret the functional aspect of the design,” explained Henning Rieseler. The rectangular washbasins are available in four variants: as a wall-mounted model as well as an above-counter basin with a tap platform that offers adequate storage space. These are joined by a semi-recessed basin and a built-in basin with characteristically arched sides that is available with a matching, seamlessly integrated console vanity unit. The design highlight of the series is the above-counter basin measuring 600 x 400 mm which, in addition to the standard version, is also available in a variant with strongly arched sides. The freestanding bathtub is consistent with this above-counter basin in formal terms and is the undoubted eyecatcher in the space. It is made from DuroCast Plus mineral cast with molded-in color and a fine velvety surface. As with the acrylic built-in bathtub, an ergonomically shaped lumbar support supports the lower back area and guarantees pleasant sitting comfort. A wall-mounted and free-standing toilet and bidet that blend seamlessly into the overall concept round off the sanitary objects. Pre-fitted hinges enable the toilet seat to be quickly and easily installed. All ceramic elements are optionally available with the antibacterial ceramic glaze HygieneGlaze, which achieves a previously unheard-of hygiene standard. After just six hours, approx. 90% of bacteria (e.g. coli bacteria) are eliminated, with approx. 99.9% eliminated after 24 hours. The Wave faucet series designed by Duravit is the ideal companion to the sanitary objects and completes the sophisticated design concept with five different finishes.
Studio F. A. Porsche – design for eternity
As a premium design agency, Studio F. A. Porsche designs products for customers worldwide, turns brands into experiences, and brings highest standards into the right form. The name Porsche is known around the world, and its iconic, timeless design is unmistakable. The Porsche 911 sports car, designed by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in 1963, remains iconic today and demonstrates his design maxims: to optimize function, reduce form to the essential, and to overcome the familiar so that new, improved solutions can be discovered time and time again. In 1972 F. A. Porsche set up his own studio for product design that to this day remains faithful to the founder’s design philosophy. Clear lines, minimalism, and elegance are placed center stage in the same way as durability and the honesty of the materials. The portfolio of Studio F. A. Porsche is constantly expanding: from the e-bike to the superyacht, from the washing machine through the architecture project right up to the bathroom range for Duravit. The bedrock of Studio F. A. Porsche is its deep embeddedness with its values. These are the source of the studio’s success, which finds it ultimate expression in the advancement of its customers.
About Duravit AG
Founded in 1817 in Hornberg in the Black Forest, Duravit AG is today a leading international manufacturer of designer bathrooms and is active in more than 130 countries worldwide. The complete bathroom supplier’s product portfolio comprises top quality sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, bathtubs and shower trays, wellness systems, shower-toilets, faucets, and accessories as well as installation systems. Alongside its in-house design expertise, Duravit also works closely on product development with an international network of designers such as Cecilie Manz, Philippe Starck, Christian Werner, Sebastian Herkner, and Bertrand Lejoly as well as talented newcomers. Duravit’s ambition is to make its stakeholders’ lives a little better each day through a combination of forward-looking designs, uncompromising product excellence, a keen sense of human requirements, and responsible corporate management. A key measure in achieving these aims is the overriding mission to become a climate-neutral business by 2045 with no exceptions.
