Merging timeless beauty with contemporary design, The New Classic by Laufen reimagines neoclassical elegance through the precision of SaphirKeramik.

The New Classic is a bathroom collection by Laufen, designed under the creative leadership of superstar designer Marcel Wanders. Engaged to reinterpret classical styles using the material SaphirKeramik, every item included in the ensemble brings together the designer’s flair and creativity with Laufen’s mastery of raw materials. The New Classic range encompasses washstands, washbasin bowls, toilets, a bidet and bathtub and accessories, as well as furniture, and has already won the iF Design Award 2019 for its sensual combination of aesthetics and function.

Laufen commissioned the Dutch designer Marcel Wanders to create The New Classic motivated by the outstanding reputation he has established worldwide with his extravagant style and innovative use of materials and technology. For the Swiss bathroom maker, Wanders had all the credentials required to fashion a new contemporary design language utilising its SaphirKeramik material. The result blends soft, graceful curves that echo the unfurling sepals of a flower with bold, angular forms. This interplay of forms creates a dynamic tension that gives The New Classic a presence unlike anything seen before in sanitary ware.

According to Wanders, “For the first time, the ultra-modern SaphirKeramik has been moulded into a classic and iconic form. This lightweight yet resilient material gave us the unique opportunity to celebrate the beauty of fine porcelain with our elegant, soft lines.”

While drawing inspiration from classical forms, Wanders was also eager to embrace a modern sense of style and the contemporary desire for functionality. His take on Neoclassicism – expressed in The New Classic – maintains a consistent focus on indulgence, intimacy, humanity and everyday utility, while calling to mind the poetry and romance of bygone times.  

A complete collection from basin to bath

To allow bathrooms to be fitted out completely with The New Classic, Laufen has assembled a very broad and versatile collection. For the washstand, countertop washbasins with an integral shelf and widths of 600, 800 and 1200mm, a 500mm-wide hand washbasin and a 550mm-wide washbasin bowl cater to a variety of scenarios. 

The Laufen washbasin bowl stands as a small masterpiece. Crafted from SaphirKeramik, and famed for walls that are just three millimetres thick, it still incorporates an integral overflow and outlet, allowing water to be safely retained within its delicate form.

The washstands echo the design language of the collection’s centrepiece bathtub, with generous proportions of 1900 x 900 x 580mm that command attention. Its ergonomic, back-supporting shape and the skin-soothing qualities of Sentec make it an inviting choice for an indulgent soak.

The characteristic aesthetic of the range is likewise reflected in the wall-hung bidet and easy-care, rimless toilet bowls. The toilet options encompass wall-hung and floorstanding toilets. 

Bathroom furniture with a classical theme

Laufen has placed an equally distinctive set of bathroom furniture alongside the ceramic ware of The New Classic collection. 

An especially elegant option is the walnut vanity stand, which is compatible with the countertop washbasins. It also serves as a towel rail, which is a welcome feature in any hotel or private bathroom. 

Elaborate attention to detail

To match the collection, Laufen has affectionately fashioned a range of accessories from SaphirKeramik. Among the items are a wall-mounted shelf, soap dish, toothbrush holder and toilet brush holder.

Images supplied.

Visit a Laufen showroom or website for the full range of products.