LAUFEN sonar collection by patricia urquiola shaped like sound-waves in water

first unveiled at milan design week 2017, the LAUFEN sonar collection distinguished a suite of sanitary ware and bathroom furniture like never before. it envisioned a new, delicate, exploratory form only made possible by combination of patricia urquiola’s creative mind and the qualities of the swiss manufacturer’s ultra-thin yet highly durable saphirkeramik. the original washstands highlighted new design opportunities and in the years since, have conceived a variety of additions, from ‘floating’ to floor-standing washbasins and WCs, bidet, bathtub and more.

all images courtesy of LAUFEN

when designing the LAUFEN sonar collection, patricia urquiola was inspired by the rigor of architectural minimalism and the dynamism of sound waves specifically in water. a distinctive D-shape was formed, with a three-dimensional texture then sculpting the external surfaces. across the thin, delicate-looking rim, the interior surfaces are incredibly clean and smooth in contrast. the results are slim yet highly robust, conveying an image of balance and elegance overall.

the beautiful forms are made possible by the brand’s innovative saphirkeramik material. it rewrites the rulebook and opens new possibilities in terms of aesthetics. the ceramic can create radius rims of between only 2-3mm rather than the conventional 7mm. as a result, even double washbasins made from saphirkeramik can fit in small urban bathrooms that had previously just managed to fit a standard basin. this quality is delivered without adversely affecting either the bowl’s capacity or bathroom layout.

the exploration of saphirkeramik has led to further creations in the sonar line. these include a floor-standing washbasin that conceals all the plumbing within a small footprint as well as free-standing washbasin which, when mounted to the wall, extends the magic of collection as if they were floating.

with gently sloping bases that channel water into transverse recesses, the familiar washbasins, bowls and bathtub are now accompanied by a new 600mm-wide washbasin and additional compact 100mm-wide double bowl washbasins – either as wall-mounted or countertop variants. these can be paired with geometrically-designed vanity units that not only support but highlight the unique shape of washbasins. they are coated in an elegant range of metallic finishes – gold, copper and titanium – as well as a nero marquina finish, which is black limestone with white veins.

measuring 1600 x 815 x 535 mm, sonar also now includes a new oval free-standing bathtub made of marbond material. its slender exterior is finished with the distinctive sound wave texture, but even more uniquely, it possess an integral faucet ledge. this round dish seemingly balances yet actually simply attaches to the piece’s rim to serve as a platform for body care essentials, accessories and more. there is also a head and back rest to further enhance comfort in the tub.

along with a new bidet, sonar adds both floor-standing and wall-hung WCs to the collection. they share the distinctive D-shaped form of the other sanitary ware pieces, but they are rimless and so, much easier to clean. the designs are tapered to the front to evoke a visual lightness to the pieces.