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Konstantin Grcic’s work is defined by ongoing investigation and experimentation. Rooted in functionality and utility, his designs favour simple, geometric forms refined through rigorous thinking. Form is always shaped by purpose in his work. Grcic is the designer of the complete bathroom collection VAL and LAUFEN space Berlin.
Born in Munich in 1965, Konstantin Grcic was trained as a cabinet maker at The John Makepeace School for Craftsmen in Wood before studying Design at the Royal College of Art in London.
In 1991, he founded Berlin-based Konstantin Grcic Design (KG Design), a studio that is active in a diverse selection of fields ranging from industrial design, design editions, exhibition design and collaborations in architecture and fashion.
KG Design has realised projects for leading companies in the world of design including Authentics, BD Ediciones, ClassiCon, Flos, Flötotto, Louis Vuitton Beauté, Magis, Maharam, Mattiazzi, Muji, Nespresso, Plank, Serafino Zani, Thomas-Rosenthal, Vitra and, of course, LAUFEN.
Recognising the boundary-pushing nature of his work, MoMA in New York, Centre Pompidou in Paris, Die Neue Sammlung in Munich and the Triennale di Milano in Milan have included pieces by Grcic in their permanent collections. Moreover, Grcic’s creations have been featured in multiple temporary exhibitions around the world.
Grcic does not confine his practice to being the object of exhibitions; he is equally engaged in their making, working as a curator and exhibition designer. A notable example is his exhibition design for the German Pavilion at the 13th Architecture Biennale in Venice.
Grcic’s work has been recognised by international design awards, including the Compasso d’Oro and the German Design Award in Gold.
LAUFEN invited Grcic to create a collection that would explore the new design possibilities unlocked by Saphirkeramik, an innovation that has set new standards for contemporary bathroom design. The result is VAL, a complete bathroom collection characterised by strong architectural lines, exceptionally fine walls and a high definition to detail.
Contours make a subtle statement with their ultra-fine edges and detail-rich textures add depth and intrigue to the design, achieved by an exploration of the possibilities of Saphirkeramik.
With options catering to cloakrooms and more generous spaces, the collection is designed for everyday bathroom use, including thoughtful integrated accessories.
Circles paired with off-centre lines and rectangles create a simple elegance with a touch of the unexpected in a geometric design characteristic of Grcic’s oeuvre.
Light and colour interplay in this freestanding bathtub with integrated LED panel, transforming bathing into a multi-sensory experience.
Situated on bustling Kantstrasse, LAUFEN space Berlin is a further physical manifestation of the ongoing collaboration between LAUFEN and Grcic. The L-shaped floor plan comprises three adaptable zones that seek to foster dialogue, rather than representation.
Visible from the street, the events and temporary installation space encourages interaction from passers-by, as does the large LED screen located in the adjoining area intended for product presentations. At the back, there is a large industrial shelf filled with LAUFEN products, serving as an archive and physical catalogue that architects and designers can touch and test in real life.
Discover LAUFEN space Berlin →
At the core of the partnership between LAUFEN and Grcic lies a shared commitment to ongoing investigation and boundary pushing. The groundbreaking material Saphirkeramik developed through years of research and technical innovation provided the impetus for VAL, a collection that manifests Grcic’s signature simplicity and function in form. A unique case of innovation inspiring innovation.
