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.

WARM HARBOUR

With their exquisite eye for detail and fabrics sourced from the finest weavers, Heirlooms, found their ideal design collaboration partner with India Hicks.

Humanitarian, designer, author, entrepreneur, and mother of five.   India brought her design skills, along with a hint of her life in the Bahamas, to Heirlooms, the holder of two Royal Warrants.  Visiting their head office in West Sussex India worked closely with the in-house design team.   The result is an elegant bed linen collection ‘Warm Harbour’ which encapsulating the natural beauty of island life in the Bahamas.

There are three colourways; Morning Mist, Tidal Blue and Shell White in the collection.   Warm Harbour is made using high quality premium cotton sateen.  The amazing fabric was hand selected by India Hicks for its superior properties.  This is due to the air jet woven technique which produces sumptuous softness and high performance fabrics.

Included in the collection are decorative cushions made from a luxurious blend of cotton and linen.  This featuring a toile print of India’s Bahamian life.  There are hidden surprises.  Such as her much-loved dog Banger and parrot Jenga.  All are hidden amongst the spider lilies and sunsets. Finished with a ticking stripe on the reverse for a change of look when desired. “Live an Extraordinary Life” encapsulates both India’s incredible life journey and Heirlooms sense of their adventurous customers.

In 2015 Emily Butterill established Glow Lighting, she wanted to design and manufacture traditional lighting with a contemporary twist. 

Emily had grown up surrounded by lights and lighting.  Her late father ran a successful British lighting manufacturing business. Her husband has his own commercial lighting company.   With over 20 years in the industry her knowledge of lumens, watts, light levels and the effect and impact they can make is extensive. 

Emily has harnessed traditional glass blowing and metal spinning techniques but brings with it a contemporary styling that suits present day interiors. The entire collection is designed by Emily, her grasp of colour and design enables her to bring out the intrinsic beauty of the materials, which are brought to life in 13 shades of exceptional quality glass. This unique lighting can be hung in singles or clusters

Making all the lights by hand means every element is fully customisable. Emily can offer a choice in size and colour of glass, metal finish plus cable length and colour. This enables Glow Lighting to manufacture traditional lighting that is truly individual.   

Glow – brings light to your dreams