Vitrium
Timeless vanity range including new DuroCast UltraResist round countertop basin
– New high-performance material for the basin: DuroCast Ultraresist, manufactured using a mineral casting process
– Furniture with limited depth, particularly suitable for compact bathrooms
– Discreetly illuminated, semi-transparent glass fronts create a comfortable atmosphere
– Design highlights: base cabinets with protruding basin or base cabinets with integrated c-bonded sink
– Modern, timeless design language
Christian Werner is a designer known for designing bathrooms and plumbing fixtures. Together with Duravit, he has been working for years on innovative solutions for the bathroom. After six furniture projects, he has now designed sinks combined with base cabinets for the first time. This is where optically and haptically interesting materials come together: while DuroCast UltraResist sinks are manufactured using a mineral casting process,
the base cabinets are supplied with a noble metal frame and optionally with fronts of illuminated glass, wood or different decors. This creates a natural-looking whole that radiates comfort. “The starting point for this design idea was to consistently explore habits. My goal at Vitrium was to redefine bathroom design and the routines that go with it. In addition to the kitchen and living room, the bathroom is also a comfortable haven for me,” Christian Werner explains the idea behind his bathroom series. With subtle colors and fine surfaces, Vitrium creates a feel-good atmosphere. Furniture, textiles such as curtains and carpets, as well as decorative accessories are used for this purpose.
Modern & timeless: the design
Duravit’s Vitrium program is a minimalist design in which different geometries meet: a linear base cabinet is combined with a round countertop basin or a rectangular c-bonded basin. The most striking design feature is the low furniture depth with the overhanging countertop sink, making the design suitable for compact bathrooms as well. “The basic design idea of the fronts and the transparency of the furniture has been implemented exactly as I imagined. Timelessly modern and uncomplicated – that’s what my Vitrium design looked like,” says Christian Werner.
The bathroom cabinet made of PEFC*-certified wood is complemented by mirrors in rectangular and round shapes that follow the same design language, as well as a mirror cabinet, which is also available as a built-in version – all with integrated LED lighting. “Vitrium represents the sensual rituals in the bathroom and defines the sophisticated framework of luxurious, modern bathroom culture,” the designer describes his idea. “The objects in the series are meant to make the bathroom a favorite space.”
Creating comfort: the furniture
The geometric bathroom cabinet looks minimalist and elegant thanks to its fine metal frame in white and anthracite colors. Available in two different versions. With backlit, translucent fronts of Parsol glass, making the furniture appear light and almost floating like a decorative display case. They bring warmth to the interior. “They provide a stage for special everyday objects, cosmetics or accessories that become something special,” Christian Werner explains his idea of the cozy bathroom. In addition, there are fronts of wood and a plain decor with a total of eight different colors that illustrate the collection’s high degree of individualization. A horizontal handle integrated into the metal frame rounds out the minimalist furniture with pull-out element. An additional interior drawer provides divided storage space for small items. Matching half-height and tall cabinets, equipped with hinged doors and glass shelves, complete the furniture program.
Favorite material: the sink
With Vitrium, Duravit presents for the first time washbasins manufactured according to the mineral casting process. The DuroCast UltraResist, developed and produced in-house at the Duravit plant in Bischwiller, not only looks extraordinarily elegant with its matte surface and allows for precise design. Thanks to an additional lacquer coating, it also has properties that are particularly beneficial in the bathroom: DuroCast UltraResist is easy to clean with its non-porous surface and is relatively impervious to scratches and dirt. “Especially the pleasant, velvety surface creates an extraordinary feeling,” Christian Werner describes the perception when touching material.
There are two different sinks to choose from: a round add-on basin and a rectangular, seamlessly integrated c-bonded version with a very fine outer rim. “The round top washbasins on the linear furniture form a quiet but exciting symbiosis,” says Christian Werner. Tension is created mainly because the round basin protrudes slightly over the edge of the furniture. The rectangular Vitrium sink, on the other hand, available in five different sizes, fits seamlessly into the furniture. The faucet series Tulum by Philippe Starck in chrome or black mat is a sympathetic addition to the sanitary objects and rounds off the sophisticated design concept.
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