As an integral part of the iF Concept Design Award 2014, young designers from around the world submitted their designs with the hope of winning the Hansgrohe Award 2014: Efficient Water Design which recognises sustainable design concepts around the topic of water.
Five concepts were honoured at the Awards which were held in Hamburg and we’ve brought you the top three designs today. Prize money totalling 5,000 Euros is shared among the winners who, this year, came from China, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Germany.
Winner 1 – prize money 1,500 Euros
Entry: Houdini | Multi-functional bathroom unit
Design: Christoffer Ohlander
University: Konstfack University College of Arts, Crafts and Design, Stockholm/Sweden
Houdini is a three-in-one solution that is ideal for small bathrooms. The concept includes a sink, a shower and a bathtub all rolled into one. The low material consumption and simple design make Houdini a very efficient concept all round.
The judges said: “An incredibly compact sanitary object that combines three functions: sink, shower and bathtub. An absolutely low-tech concept that expresses modesty in a very positive way.”
Winner 2 – prize money 1,500 Euros
Entry: Puro | Sink
Design: Fabrice Hoefgen
University: Hochschule Darmstadt, University of Applied Sciences, Department of Design, Darmstadt/Germany
Puro is a sink whose wave-like, flat design reminds us of the natural movement of water. The water flow is controlled by a stainless-steel stone placed in the center. The economical water flow is activated when the stone is lifted. At the same time, it serves as soap that neutralizes unpleasant smells and germs. The decorative perforation in the sink allows the water to drain away slowly.
The judges said: “An intriguing, reduced combination that expresses what it is meant to express: low water consumption. When it comes from the bottom of the sink, the water looks like it is coming from a spring – just like in nature.”
Winner 3 – prize money 1,000 Euros
Entry: Elastigenic | Bathroom concept
Design: Petr Strejcek
University: Czech Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, Prague/Czech Republic
The Elastigenic bathroom consists primarily of an elastic material that can be used to form such objects as a sink, a bathtub, towel racks and handle bars, etc. In the same way, it can be completely returned to its original smooth surface to make cleaning quick and easy. A telescope mechanism under the surface makes it possible to easily form and “unform” the components.
The judges said: “An overall bathroom concept that is fascinating. The different objects that are formed from out of the floor make a bathroom landscape that reminds us of nature. The space that the individual objects take up can be changed completely at any time.”
For more information visit www.hansgrohe.com.au
