AN ORGANIC EXTENSION OF THE PALOMBA COLLECTION 2012
Since its introduction in 2005 the design language of the successful Laufen Palomba Collection has fluctuated between rigorous geometric and organic forms. If geometric shapes have tended to prevail in recent editions, this time round Italian star designers Ludovica and Roberto Palomba have returned to soft lines that look as if they had been fashioned by water. The extension focuses on the “Menhir” washbasin and an exceptional bathtub. These two leading protagonists are accompanied by a cast of four new countertop washbasins, two washbasin bowls and a new bathroom furniture collection.
“Menhir”, which means “tall stone” in Breton, is a floorstanding ceramic washbasin available in a freestanding or wall-hung version. Its smooth contours recall a rock formed and polished by the tide, its bowl organically morphing into the washbasin surface. Ludovica and Roberto Palomba describe this effect as a “fingerprint of nature”. Characteristic of the entire Palomba Collection, it ensures that all elements can be combined with one another.
The new bathtub also follows this philosophy: its dynamic asymmetrical geometries and high back recall a natural water basin washed out of the rocks over the millennia. These natural lines moulded to the contours of the body also promise maximum bathing comfort, for the back is ergonomically sloped for beneficial support. Bathing pleasure can be optionally enhanced with light and air massage functions.
The two new asymmetrical washbasin bowls in the Palomba Collection 2012 are also organic by nature. The 520 x 380 mm bowl is suitable for freestanding faucets and wall outlets as it has no faucet ledge of its own. By contrast, the 600 x 400 mm bowl has a faucet ledge. Laufen has also added four countertop washbasins in 500, 650, 800 and 1000 mm lengths matching those introduced in the previous collection editions with organically shaped bowls that blend softly, almost lagoon-like, into an ultra-flat 16 mm washbasin panel. The position of the bowl leaves ample storage space at either side.
To match the washbasin bowls and countertop washbasins Laufen has introduced new delicate bathroom furniture to the Palomba Collection. Aside from vanity units, which are optionally available with atmospheric illumination, one tall and one medium cabinet and two console tops are included in the collection. The furniture is available in white, stone grey, common pear light and cherry Vermont dark.
The Swiss bathroom specialist has also added mix and match furniture modules to the furniture programme. Practical storage solutions can be orchestrated with these modules as they can be stacked or lined up in a row – creativity is set virtually no bounds. The modules are designed either as cubes or cuboids, and look light and elegant. Thanks to a standard 275 mm grid pattern, they can also be combined with the medium and tall cabinets in the furniture range. Open at the front, the modules come in white, stone grey, claret violet and pigeon blue. The rear walls are additionally available in pure orange, ruby red, common pear light, cherry Vermont dark or in a mirror version.
