Saphirkeramik: A Ceramic Revolution

In 2013, LAUFEN launched Saphirkeramik, a revolutionary patented material that is regarded as harder and with greater flexural strength than vitreous or fireclay ceramics. This ceramic material reaches its exceptional hardness blended with corundum, a colourless mineral, which is a component of sapphires. This gives Saphirkeramik a flexural strength equal to that of steel. Yet it has the potential to be wafer-thin, giving designers almost infinite freedom for experimentation and innovation.

Simultaneously hard and malleable, Saphirkeramik has enabled designs that were previously impossible to realise. When first released in 2002, the ILBAGNOALESSI collection was crafted using traditional ceramics. The possibilities offered by Saphirkeramik inspired LAUFEN and Italian designer Stefano Giovannoni to revisit this classic collection of smooth-flowing, sculptural bathroom ceramics. ILBAGNOALESSI represented an entirely new approach to the design of the bathroom: a holistic and complete collection of elements that can be freely combined to create exceptional interiors. Twenty years later, this groundbreaking approach is still at the heart of how LAUFEN develops contemporary bathroom solutions.

Today, the formal language remains as strong as it was when it debuted in 2002, but its manufacturing has been refined through use of this groundbreaking material. “Unlike the ceramic used for traditional sanitaryware,” Giovannoni explains, “[Saphirkeramik] allows us to create very thin walls that give the object elegance and lightness.” It’s a thoughtful means of bringing this classic design collection to a new generation, complementing existing elements through material innovation. Such a collection also illustrates another point of difference; LAUFEN creates designs that transcend trends to become timeless bathroom essentials. The revisited collection presents an evolution, rather than a redesign, of the iconic collection.

Such acts of renewal can be seen across scales at LAUFEN, where collaboration with renowned international designers and the use of new and naturally occuring materials allow for a continual reinterpretation of the look, feel and function of bathroom design. We look forward to having you view the ILBAGNOALESSI collection with us at LAUFEN. If you can’t make it in to one of our spaces, you can view the collection online at laufen.com.

We look forward to having you view the collection with us at LAUFEN. If you can’t make it in to one of our spaces, you can view the collection online at laufen.com.