Architect Sergei Tchoban creates his first designs for Duravit.
September 20th, 2011
For the ISH leading international trade fair in 2011, Duravit focused on opulence, a very special new approach. The bathroom manufacturer did not adopt the frequent interpretation of opulent as being ostentatious and excessive, rather it looked for a more modern approach that is also compatible with the need for durable bathrooms. In collaboration with the German-Russian architect, Sergei Tchoban, the resulting complete bathroom range reinterprets opulence as the golden ratio between purism and so-called free forms and in the internalisation of both modern architectural trends. This modern form of opulence is no longer “lavish” or “excessive” but “generous” and “pleasurable”. Luxury is important but it is no longer expressed by means of clichéd gold taps, rather by a new, freer use of forms, surfaces and space. Or, as Sergei Tchoban once said, “Contemporary opulence is about allowing that little bit more yet keeping one’s feet firmly on the ground!”
Historical associations
The designer’s new series consists of ceramic, furniture and a complete range of bathtubs and, not without reason, is named “Esplanade” after the grand streets in France. The series features generous dimensions and soft forms.
The “feet” of the vanity unit are eye-catching. The designer harks back to the 18th and 19th centuries when bathroom furnishings and even toilets were still regarded as furniture. The characteristic pedestal is also featured in other elements from the range and is particularly striking on the floor-mounted toilet, which is reminiscent of an antique chair. The historical association is further endorsed by the use of the same material for the body of the toilet and bidet as for the furniture, all of which are panelled accordingly. The bathtub is designed to resemble a chaise longue and so adds the finishing touch to the range.
Dark leather loops and high-quality white
However, these are not the only features that are reminiscent of the splendour of times gone by. The bathroom furniture has distinctive handles: dark brown loops made of genuine, hand-sewn leather in high-quality chrome surrounds. The high quality of the product is apparent at first glance: the items of furniture look like splendid ornaments. This elegance is particularly evident with the tall cabinet. The door has echoes of a classical case and thus becomes the symbol of the target group at which this modern interpretation of opulence is aimed. These are cosmopolitan people who like to decorate their homes with things they have bought on their travels. However, these people also need individuality, which is why there are two very different colours to choose from: “Oak”, a striking dark wood panelling, and “Silk”, a particularly high-quality white varnish that harmonises with the ceramics to perfection.
Thanks to its welcoming character, the range expresses Tchoban’s idea that the bathroom has become a recreation room and an important element in the layout of the house as a whole that demands space in its own right. He has often experienced this in his work as architect. “Today, if I make the bathroom too small, my client doesn’t want to know…” says the designer, speaking from experience. So the bathroom is on its way to becoming a high-quality living area that rivals the generous dimensions of the living room in every respect.
Duravit
duravit.com/au
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
The worlds of architecture and fashion collided at the Myer Spring Summer11 Collection.
“Be very passionate and curious; create your own formula” – Patricia Urquiola, Judge for Haworth’s Celebrating Great Design Contest.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
We spoke to Plus Architecture’s Chrisney Formosa about a string of recent Brisbane projects and what they might tell us about the city’s design evolution.
Symbolising a commitment to cultural preservation and timeless design, Powerhouse Castle Hill invites visitors into the stories behind the artefacts in a diverse range of educational and cultural activities.
Overcoming pandemic hurdles to redefine guest experiences amidst Sydney’s bustling entertainment precinct, The Darling has undergone a two-year restoration that melds Art Deco interiors with the necessities of hotel living.