LAUFEN at Design Shanghai 2025: Shaping the Future of the Bathroom

From 4 to 7 June, we took part in Design Shanghai 2025 with a bold and immersive exhibition that reflected our vision of the bathroom as a space for innovation, beauty and well-being. We presented our latest collections and concepts — from colour research and sustainable materials to advanced wellness technologies — highlighting our continued commitment to design excellence and ecological responsibility.

One of the key highlights was Colour Archaeology, an interdisciplinary research project led by Roberto Sironi Studio in collaboration with our team. Drawing on over 10,000 ancient artefacts, the project reinterprets historical colour palettes to create twelve refined hues. These were applied to a selection of our Saphirkeramik pieces, offering a contemporary take on the colours of antiquity and underscoring the expressive potential of ceramic surfaces.

We also unveiled VOLTA for the first time in China — a sculptural and sustainable washbasin developed in collaboration with designer Yves Behar. Inspired by the world’s first electric tunnel kiln for sanitary ceramics, built at our Gmunden factory in Austria, VOLTA combines poetic form with technical precision. Its vortex-shaped bowl guides water in a circular flow, celebrating the beauty and power of this essential element.
 

 

VOLTA was selected for the Design Shanghai Picks, an award recognising an understanding of the contemporary cultural environment.

Also featured was ILBAGNOALESSI, the iconic collection by Stefano Giovannoni, now reimagined using our revolutionary Saphirkeramik material. This ultra-thin yet robust ceramic allows for lighter, more delicate shapes, while remaining true to the collection’s original design language. We’ve complemented the existing pieces with new finishes, furnishings and technologies — evolving the collection for a new generation.
 

As part of our vision of holistic bathroom design, we also presented The New Classic collection by Marcel Wanders. With its distinctive blend of soft geometry and architectural presence, the collection continues to embody a refined yet approachable sense of luxury. At Design Shanghai, we showcased new finishes and accessories that enhance the collection’s versatility and reaffirm its relevance in contemporary interiors. Crafted in Saphirkeramik, The New Classic brings together tradition and innovation in a design that feels both iconic and enduring.
 

MySpa, our digital shower system, transforms the bathroom into a multi-sensory space. Integrating water, light and sound, it enables fully customisable wellness scenarios — from energising routines to moments of calm.

Throughout the exhibition, we explored the interplay between raw materials, design and functionality. From the expressive potential of Saphirkeramik to the precision of our brass fittings, every element reflected our approach to holistic bathroom design — where sustainability, innovation and emotion go hand in hand.