Balcoon combing elegant geometric shapes with a natural colour palette

Striking design from Patricia Urquiola.

The Balcoon bathroom range from Patricia Urquiola for Duravit.   This is a fascinating combination of modernity and timeless elegance with a strong design identity.  

The objects in the range unite simple geometric forms with clear lines, creating a pared-down, aesthetic that exudes both warmth and accessibility.  “The design plays with differences in height, projections and the overlapping of materials and textures, from which the name ‘Balcoon’ is derived,” explains Patricia Urquiola.

 Form, colour, and material to outlast short-lived trends

Above-counter basins create a sculptural focal point in the room.  By placing round and oval washbasins on a square plinth, the designer created a specific architectural feeling.  Playing with two different levels in this way is a constant across the entire collection.  Which includes the wall-mounted washbasins through the toilets and bidets up to the furniture elements and bathtubs.

Patricia Urquiola created an earthy terracotta shade for the Balcoon ceramic objects.  This brings their tactile and material qualities to the fore. “Clay Terra Matt is the central colour of the new collection. A shade that makes the ceramics look more authentic and handmade,” says the designer.

Everyday furniture solutions with an aesthetic flourish

The console with its integrated rear panel is one of the striking details within the Balcoon washing area.  It brings with it a feeling of space, whilst the console has the fronts of the storage solutions beneath.  Patricia Urquiola created this unusual, partly asymmetric arrangement of drawers and open shelves, beautifully offset  by the combination of contrasting colours.    “The furniture is given a very special upgrade with consoles in a sophisticated terrazzo look and ribbed furniture fronts,” says Patricia Urquiola.

Plus the Balcoon acrylic built-in bathtubs skillfully pick up on the interplay between two levels.  And they and feature two visually striking details: the oval, raised edge of the tub sits on a seamless acrylic panel which extends into the corners , whilst the ergonomically shaped interior invites you to indulge in a relaxing bathing experience.

Matching faucets for the washing area, bidet, shower, and bathtub complete the range.   Follow the cylindrical handle as it transitions into the faucet body in a gentle curve,  this makes it particularly pleasant to hold. There are three surface variants of Chrome, Matt Black, and Stainless Steel.  These in turn complement the harmonious colour spectrum of the range. The Balcoon faucets offer resource-saving functions in the form of Fresh Start and Minus Flow that save energy and water.

Apartment Kan 36, located in the heart of West Berlin has been transformed into a peaceful contemporary retreat.  It has been designed and refurbished by esteemed architect Gianni Verde at @_Suno-studio.  The minimalist, apartment reflects the eclectic design scene of Berlin.  The apartment is in a classic historic “altbau” and blends modern design with an enduring elegance. 

The bathroom exudes a feeling of calm and tranquillity with large windows that flood the room in natural light.  Inspired by the aesthetics of the 1960s, the bathroom is clad with soothing pink ceramic tiles by Ceramica Vogue.   This homage to Berlin’s vintage art scene blends harmoniously with sleek contemporary elements such as Kaldewei’s CONO Countertop washbasin in Alpine White.  Made from 100% recyclable, sustainable steel enamel, the glass-like surface of the CONO washbasin is hygienic and easy to clean. 

This rectangular washbasin has a generous wider rim providing additional space for fittings or bathroom accessories.   The CONO countertop washbasin is available in 12 colours across matt and gloss finishes ranging from white through to a choice of neutral beige and grey tones to black.

Sustainability is part of Kaldewei’s DNA.  For over 100 years this family run company has been using natural raw materials of steel and glass transforming them into steel enamel to craft and create long-lasting and completely recyclable bathroom products. Their commitment to the environment means they manufacture their excellent sanitary ware using Bluemint steel.  This reduces their carbon output by 70 percent.  This allows Kaldewei to design and create luxurious, sustainable bathroom solutions and coining the term Luxstainable.

The Fine Cotton Company has produced a range of meticulously crafted, high-quality, natural cotton bed linen. So you can sleep in quality bed linen similar to that of a luxury hotel every night. They have also put their expertise into producing sumptuously fluffy bath towels and accessories. These are available for you to purchase as gorgeous Christmas gifts or use create your own cosy guest rooms and fabulous bathrooms.   

Finishing Touches & Small Gifts

Christmas brings out the child in all of us and hot-water bottles with wonderful animal designs on knitted covers such as the Stag, reversible Dachshund (Sausage Dog), Fox, or Whale, make perfect gifts to cosy up with on chilly nights.  There are smaller versions available for real children too…  

AQATA have launched the DS506 a curved shower screen. This uniquely-designed quintet is a walk-in like no other. The curvaceous screen is created from a seamless span of 8mm glass, and is the perfect way to introduce the essence of a boutique hotel into a bijoux bathroom.   The continuous single flowing curve can be used with a shower tray or is equally suitable for wet rooms.

Glamorous Finishing Touches

Sleek and smooth, the curved shower screen is available in clear or grey glass. Additional touches of glamour can be added by using one of AQATA’s alternative finishes. These include chrome, gold, polished nickel, brushed nickel and matte black.  Matte black is particularly striking against the smoky luminosity of the tinted grey glass.