Home All-Stars: Bathing Beauties
January 1, 2006
Agape Spoon Tub Ann Sacks & Bisazza Glass Mosaic Tile
Designed by italian architect Giampaolo Benedini for
Agape in 1998, this modern revival of a classic freestanding tub (minus such spa
trappings as a whirlpool or air jets) has rapidly become a familiar fixture in
minimalist bathing environs. Measuring a generous 711Ú2-by-383Ú4-by-173Ú8
inches, Spoon–named for its fluid elliptical shape–is more than designer eye
candy. Its comforting ergonomic design cradles the body in perfectly distributed
water. The satiny white Exmar quartz/resin composite that Spoon has been crafted
from maintains the water temperature, guaranteeing a consistently steamy
soak.
Agape, +39.0376.250311, www.agapedesign.it ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
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These two companies have
catapulted glass mosaic tile into the modern design vernacular. Bisazza,
credited with industrializing this classic Venetian art since 1956, now imbues
it with a fresh perspective and numerous refinements. Ann Sacks, a true
pioneer in the tile industry, embraced similar handcrafted wares with the 1996
introduction of Dolce, the work of a Portland artisan. In a recent
collaboration, Ann Sacks encouraged Bisazza to revisit one of its early efforts:
The resulting Loom by Bisazza for Ann Sacks shimmers with a complex texture that
marries the strengths of both companies. (Click images to enlarge)
Ann Sacks, 800.278.8453, www.annsacks.com
Bisazza, 305.597.4099,
www.bisazza.com
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Dornbracht Tara Faucet
Since its debut in the early 1990s, Tara–a name
that is derived from the tare, or net weight, of an empty container–has risen to
cult status within the realm of contemporary plumbing wares. A favorite among
architects and interior designers, this elegant line of faucets created by
Sieger Design patriarch Dieter Sieger is prized for its lack of pretense and its
understated luxury, qualities exemplified by the chrome goosenecked tap–with its
jewel-like finish, well-balanced cross-handles and beautifully proportioned
spout. Not surprisingly, director Andreas Dornbracht considers Tara to be a
high-water mark for the company, and in a recent tribute to its success,
declared that there will never be another like it. (Click image to enlarge)
Dornbracht, 800.774.1181, www.dornbracht.com; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Pharo Helis Shower Panel
This sculptural fixture is the latest in the
ever-evolving Pharo line of upscale preassembled shower panels–a concept first
developed by Hansgrohe in 1994 that has since been adopted as an industry
standard. The glasslike panel is made of a space-age resin mix that is
lightweight, shatterproof and acid-resistant. It is available in three organic
hues: translucent white, a velvety green or beige. For maximum water play, you
will find an adjustable showerhead with a quartet of spray modes, including
one simulating a waterfall; soft halogen lighting; five variable body sprays; a
powerful hand shower; and a state-of-the-art thermostatic valve and
diverter. (Click image to enlarge)
Hansgrohe, 800.488.8119, www.hansgrohe-usa.com
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Kohler sok Overflowing BathWinner of the prestigious Gold Industrial Design Excellence Award from the Industrial Designers Society of America in 2002, this revolutionary double-walled bath spearheaded a movement toward kinder, gentler spa-inspired products for the home. With a renewed focus on relaxation rather than stimulation, sok allows bathers to submerge neck-deep in a pool of heated, gently massaging water that flows softly over the rim of the inner tub into a recirculating channel. To enhance the experience, a sequence of eight predetermined LED hues rotates every few seconds, or at the touch of a button, a single color can be selected instead. (Click image to enlarge)
Kohler, 800.456.4537, www.kohler.com
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Duravit Starck 1 WashbasinLaunched in 1994 as part of the company’s first collaboration with French designer Philippe Starck, this neotraditional washstand-cum-water bowl was allegedly the first of its ilk and heralded a trend that continues to thrive in deluxe homes and establishments worldwide. Indeed, this highly stylized lav was installed at the design-savvy Delano Hotel in Miami Beach and can still be test-driven there (along with a room). A basic in well-appointed baths for more than 10 years, the pristine white glazed china basin is available in a selection of sizes and round shapes, with or without the wooden wash table or chrome console. (Click image to enlarge)
Duravit, 888.387.2848, www.duravit.com
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Toto Neorest ToiletThe neorest is peerless in its sleek, tankless styling and user-friendly features, exemplifying engineering feats of the highest order. De rigueur for avant-garde baths, this fixture boasts several firsts, including a rim-scouring Cyclone flush engine that self-cleans as it silently empties the bowl. Even “smarter,” its lid opens automatically when approached, then lowers as it automatically flushes. For the men of the house, a touch of the Neorest’s super-slim wireless remote will graciously raise the seat and instantly engage the water-saving flush mode. And, of course, the company’s bidetlike Washlet system is built in. (Click image to enlarge)
Toto, 770.282.8686, www.totousa.com
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