At Milan Design Week 2025, LAUFEN space Milano presented “A New Dimension of Water” — an immersive exhibition inspired by the fluidity of water and LAUFEN’s groundbreaking electric tunnel kiln.
Operational since late 2023 in Gmunden, Austria, the world’s first electric tunnel kiln marked a breakthrough in ceramic manufacturing. It reflects decades of technical expertise and a deep commitment to sustainability, enabling LAUFEN to become the first brand in the world to produce ceramic sanitaryware entirely CO₂-free.
Celebrating this sustainable innovation: VOLTA — a sculptural washbasin concept by designer Yves Béhar. The design explored the transformation of raw material into refined form through responsible, high-tech processes. First presented at ISH and then featured in Milan, VOLTA continued to evolve as part of an ongoing dialogue between sustainability, performance, and beauty.
The experiential journey began in the courtyard, where a scaled replica of the e-kiln showcased raw washbasins, offering a glimpse into the pioneering production process — an evolution that culminated in the refined, finished pieces displayed on the second floor. Curated by Beda Achermann, with exhibition design by Matteo Fiorini – Studio Lys, the installation invited visitors into a poetic exploration of nature, design, and sustainability.
“A New Dimension of Water” ran from 7 to 13 April 2025 at LAUFEN space Milano, Via Manzoni 23, 20121 Milan, Italy.
A new era in sustainable design
LAUFEN continues to redefine the future of bathroom culture with groundbreaking innovation. From the first wall-mounted WC to the invention of Saphirkeramik, our legacy of firsts now includes the world’s first electric tunnel kiln for ceramic sanitaryware. Operating CO₂ free since 2023 in Gmunden, Austria, the E-kiln marks a revolution in sustainable manufacturing and is celebrated with a visionary concept by Yves Béhar: VOLTA.
A poetic revolution
Inspired by LAUFEN’s emission-free E-kiln, designer Yves Béhar reimagines the washbasin as a celebration of water and sustainability. Designed to reduce water consumption while evoking the beauty of a vortex, VOLTA connects cutting-edge technology with poetic design. As Béhar says, “New technologies require new shapes”. VOLTA sets the stage for the bathroom of tomorrow.
Certified for a better future
Sustainability is a core principle at LAUFEN, underlined by globally recognised certifications. LAUFEN is the first brand in the world to achieve Cradle to Cradle Certified® Circularity at the Bronze level for over 3,000 ceramic products manufactured at its Gmunden facility, awarded by the esteemed Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. At group level, Roca has been awarded the EcoVadis Platinum Medal 2025, placing it among the top 1% of over 150,000 companies assessed worldwide for sustainability performance.
A pioneering material
Since its debut in 2013, LAUFEN’s Saphirkeramik has revolutionised bathroom design with its strength, slimness, and precision. Pushed to new creative heights by leading designers - from Konstantin Grcic to Patricia Urquiola, Marcel Wanders to Stefano Giovannoni - this pioneering material enables forms once thought impossible. Now, with Yves Béhar’s VOLTA, a new chapter begins - where innovation meets the poetry of water.
Milano Design Week 2025 NEWS
The bathroom of tomorrow will not be created by individual products, but by networked systems. As one of the leading international bathroom manufacturers, we are rising to this challenge – with expertise, innovation and vision.
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