Saphirkeramik® – the material that changed the face of luxury bathrooms
How LAUFEN's innovation redefined luxury in bathroom design
In 2013, LAUFEN revolutionised the world of exclusive bathroom furnishings by launching an innovative material – Saphirkeramik®. This unique ceramic allows for the creation of luxurious washbasins with extremely thin walls and precise, narrow edges. The result of many years of intensive research, Saphirkeramik® has become the foundation of many LAUFEN collections, created in collaboration with leading global designers. Collections that redefine the concept of a luxury bathroom.
Thanks to Saphirkeramik®, LAUFEN has set a new standard in exclusive bathroom design. This groundbreaking material retains all the hygienic properties of traditional bathroom ceramics, while offering a much more sophisticated form – it is thinner, lighter and yet extremely resistant and durable. This is made possible by the use of corundum, a mineral that is a component of colourless sapphire. It is this mineral that gives Saphirkeramik® its exceptional hardness and durability, also known from the luxury sapphire glass used in watchmaking.
Thanks to Saphirkeramik®, LAUFEN was the first to enable the creation of exclusive countertop washbasins and designer washbasins with walls only a few millimetres thick – while maintaining their strength and resistance to damage. Traditional ceramics allow for an edge radius of 7–8 mm, while Saphirkeramik® enables the formation of precise edges with a radius of only 1–2 mm. It is a new design language – elegant, light and perfectly defined.
However, Saphirkeramik® is not just about aesthetics. It also offers a number of functional and ecological advantages. Thanks to lower material consumption, washbasins made of Saphirkeramik® offer more usable space while maintaining a compact form. This ceramic is completely safe for contact with drinking water and, at the same time, fully recyclable – just like classic sanitary ceramics. Reduced raw material consumption, simplified construction and lower energy consumption in the production process make Saphirkeramik® a conscious choice in the context of sustainable development.
Thanks to its uniqueness, Saphirkeramik® technology has become a favourite among architects and designers of premium bathrooms, as it allows them to realise visions that were previously impossible to achieve with traditional materials. This is the future of luxury bathrooms: designer, exclusive and environmentally responsible.
Freedom of design
The innovative Saphirkeramik® ceramic material introduced by LAUFEN in 2013 offers unprecedented possibilities and freedom in designing ceramic products with unusual shapes.
Ultra-thin walls
Saphirkeramik® allows for the creation of ultra-thin walls (4–5 mm) and curves with a radius of 2–3 mm, thereby reducing the weight of the product compared to traditional sanitary ceramics.
Environmentally friendly
Thanks to a shorter firing process and lower weight, the production of this type of washbasin is more environmentally friendly. Less material used means lower CO2 emissions, both in our factories and during transport.
Exceptional durability
Washbasins made of Saphirkeramik® have more delicate shapes and are also harder than those made of traditional ceramics. This is due to the addition of corundum, a mineral that is also found in sapphire. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 9 (only diamond is harder – 10).
ILBAGNOALESSI
For twenty years, ILBAGNOALESSI has been synonymous with an innovative approach to luxury bathroom design. Thanks to the revolutionary Saphirkeramik material, designer Stefano Giovannoni has created exclusive washbasins with soft, flowing lines that give the impression of being almost weightless. This is the essence of exclusive bathrooms, where design meets technological perfection.
SONAR
The SONAR collection is the third generation of innovative Saphirkeramik ceramics, in which LAUFEN presents luxurious washbasins and exclusive bathtubs. Designed by world-renowned designer Patricia Urquiola, the collection exudes subtle elegance and sophisticated style. The three-dimensional texture and unique forms give this collection a unique, designer character – the perfect choice for exclusive premium bathrooms.
KARTELL • LAUFEN
The Kartell • LAUFEN collection transports you to a world where luxury, light and colour come together in perfect harmony. This designer collection is exceptionally light and offers exclusive washbasins made from innovative Saphirkeramik material. The thin-walled forms provide unparalleled freedom of composition – ideal for luxurious bathrooms where every detail matters.
THE NEW CLASSIC
Under the artistic direction of Marcel Wanders, THE NEW CLASSIC collection was created – a full range of exclusive bathroom fittings that combine timeless elegance with modern design. The LAUFEN countertop washbasin is a small masterpiece that proves that innovative Saphirkeramik® ceramics can be used to create exceptionally thin (only 3 mm) yet extremely durable walls. The perfect choice for premium bathrooms.
INO
The INO collection by French designer Toan Nguyen offers a fresh take on classic washbasin designs. Luxurious washbasins, elegant lines and an almost invisible structural mass create a design full of lightness and sophistication. INO also offers unique solutions, such as an exclusive double washbasin – a combination of masterful craftsmanship and modern technology.
VAL
The unique potential of Saphirkeramik ceramics is revealed in the VAL collection, designed by Konstantin Grcic. The exclusive washbasins in this series are characterised by minimalist geometry, thin edges and a sophisticated texture. This is a proposition for lovers of architectural design and luxurious bathroom furnishings who appreciate timeless beauty and the highest quality of workmanship.