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Icon Washbasin by Bathco |
Home > Winners > Design #53149 >Interview |
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FS: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
BD: Earth, in the two senses of the word, was the inspiration for the creation of ICON. First, the Earth as a spatial element motivated the research, development and application to allow this product to be experienced from the emotions and the aspect of spectacularity, essential factors for constantly improving the quality of life that the design of bathroom products can provide. Second, earth as a natural resource upon which different meteorological factors act and which is subject to human, plant and animal intervention. The cone shape of the base of the piece arises like the roots of a tree and extends up to its highest point, where it turns into ashes (the washbasin is made of a new material based on ash) following the intervention of fire. Ashes that return to the earth to help combat pests and nourish the soil or subsoil. Following this process, the cycle starts over, supplying all the minerals necessary for the birth of new living beings in our midst.
FS: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
BD: With ICON, this equilibrium was achieved through the development of two pieces that represent an homage to nature. First, the wood of the furniture element was extracted in a totally sustainable way; second, the sink is made from recycled materials, Coal fly ash coal and clay. What started out being an environmentally-friendly product turned into a true sustainability challenge. In other words, ICON is realised in materials that offer real benefits to the environment. In particular, the sink made with a new generation material: it is created from waste materials, it is an industrial waste that reduces the consumption of raw materials such as clay and limestone. In addition, for the production of this new material a synthesis of synthetic polymers is carried out at a temperature below 100 ° C. This means a significant reduction in energy consumption and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. Consequently, this product is of great interest not only for the bathroom world, but for its application in sectors such as industry and construction.
FS: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
BD: Bathco has been designing, manufacturing and distributing a wide range of bathroom products for more than 40 years, a period of time in which we have crossed borders thanks to our intuition and know how. Nowadays, looking back at the past, we are proud of being present in the five continents. The secret may have been the fact of incorporate the latest technology in our work but without forgetting our roots. Today more than ever, we have an eye to the future; a future full of opportunities in which we want to continue presenting Icon washbasin.
FS: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
BD: The project commenced in August 2016 in Bathco. It was carried out by the Bathco design team in collaboration with the Green Engineering & Research team at the University of Cantabria.
FS: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
BD: An important part of Bathco business strategy is the permanent dedication to invest in design, quality and innovation. Based on these three pillars we develop constantly new products in order to resolve customer needs and to adjust us to the tendency changes of the market. Therefore, our designers create most of the products that the company sells.
FS: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
BD: We will produce the design and we will sell by ourselves.
FS: What made you design this particular type of work?
BD: Our company makes a big investment in the research of new materials as well as in design and development of bath articles. In that case, we were thinking about sustainability concepts to offer new possibilities to the users.
FS: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
BD: The collaboration with Department of Chemistry and Process Engineering and Resources, University of Cantabria helped us to create a new product with new characteristics.
FS: Who is the target customer for his design?
BD: Our target is all those people that look for a unique piece, are committed to the environment and are motivated by the design.
FS: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
BD: The product is divided into two pieces that complement each other to perfection: a wooden furniture element supported by a metal structure, and a washbasin realised in a sustainable material.
FS: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
BD: The name is inspired by the cone and icon concepts. Iconic as that language that represents reality through images. It is a visual reality represented by colours, forms, textures. Cone. The second concept is a nod to the form of the washbasin and the furniture element; cone is the first word that comes to mind for us when we look at the two pieces.
FS: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
BD: Autocad and 3ds max.
FS: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
BD: The furniture element is made of the wood of the acacia tree. This wood has been chosen for its high resistance to temperature changes, humidity and water, making it an ideal material for use in the bathroom. Additionally, the cutting and extraction is carried out following sustainability parameters and with respect for the environment (FSC Certificate). A chemical treatment is applied to the extracted wood in order to guarantee its resistance to high pressures and temperatures. Afterwards, the wood is dried in a kiln for between 30–60 days. This controls the moisture of the wood. The final piece is realised using sheets of wood (called lamination block) which are then cut down to the cone shape, giving form to the furniture element which will be anchored to the metal structure. Lastly, the wood is given an exterior finish to guarantee the resistance and durability of the material.
FS: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
BD: Bathco Design Team worked with the Department of Chemistry and Process Engineering and Resources, University of Cantabria | Green Engineering & Research Group, an entity attached to the University of Cantabria (Spain).
FS: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
BD: The second piece is a washbasin made of a new material which is the result of the research Bathco undertook with GER, Green Engineering & Research Group, an entity attached to the University of Cantabria. It is a synthetic polymer developed from Coal fly ash and natural clay that manages to obtain properties very similar to Portland cement, material very quoted for the industry, but with a reduction in CO2 emissions and energy savings of 80%, as the synthesis of the particles of this new material is achieved at temperatures below 100 °C.
FS: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
BD: No
FS: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
BD: The challenge was to obtain a product that perfectly combined a cutting-edge design and the use of materials that were totally sustainable and environmentally-friendly.
FS: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
BD: We consider the A' Design Award & Competition as a platform to announce our brand around the world.
FS: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
BD: Under the premise of constant improvement, Bathco has focused on this design which not just meet their purpose and functionality but also meet the values which strengthen our image and contribute to maintain the commitment acquired with our customers.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
BD: No
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A' Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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