A beautiful expression of material innovation and design, the Ino bathroom collection by Laufen—designed by acclaimed French designer Toan Nguyen—reinterprets the traditional washbasin through an architectural lens. Harnessing the unique capabilities of Laufen’s SaphirKeramik, the collection is defined by its slender yet remarkably robust forms, offering an interplay of delicate lines and structural integrity. The refined range includes wall-mounted washbasins, washbasin bowls, as well as semi-recessed basins and a bathtub available in two versions, all of which evoke a sense of ethereal lightness without compromising on durability.
Nguyen’s approach to Ino draws on the archetypal form of the washbasin, reimagined through the advanced material properties of SaphirKeramik. His vision was to create a series of sculpturally compelling objects that remain highly functional and attuned to the user’s everyday habits.
Originally developed during Laufen’s SaphirKeramik project at Salone del Mobile 2014 in Milan, the collection reflects a sophisticated balance between aesthetic refinement and practical utility. SaphirKeramik’s ability to produce ultra-thin yet resilient ceramic elements redefines the boundaries of bathroom design, offering new opportunities for expression while retaining the hygiene and durability inherent to traditional ceramics.
One of the defining features of the Ino collection is its innovative washbasin design, which integrates a recessed shelf into the form itself. This clean, minimalist element—with its gently curved back wall—provides an intuitive space for the user to place bathroom essentials, balancing visual elegance with practical convenience. Available in left or right-side configurations, the shelf enhances the basin’s function without compromising its streamlined, minimalist silhouette.
The centrepiece of the Ino collection is the freestanding bathtub, an embodiment of sculptural fluidity. Measuring 1800 x 800 x 520 mm, the bathtub’s ultra-slim rim and graceful contours mirror the washbasin’s design language, while an integrated headrest enhances comfort and relaxation. A more compact version without the headrest, sized at 1700 x 750 x 520 mm, is also available for more intimate spaces. Both models are crafted from Sentec, a high-performance solid surface material, allowing for a seamless, monolithic form that feels lightweight yet robust.
The Ino collection exemplifies a harmonious dialogue between form, function, and material innovation. By leveraging the revolutionary properties of SaphirKeramik, Laufen and Nguyen have redefined bathroom architecture, creating spaces that resonate with both sculptural beauty and everyday practicality. This is a collection for those who appreciate the subtle art of precision and the elegance of thoughtful design.