Roca, Alape, Laufen: 3 Inspiring Bathroom Launches Unveiled at HIX 2024
This year’s HIX event saw the debut of three launches from leading bathroom brands, showcasing innovation, artistry, and cultural depth in design. From Roca’s revolutionary Avant WC to Alape’s artistic basin designs and LAUFEN’s Colour Archaeology, each unveiling brought unique perspectives to the world of hospitality interiors. These launches highlight the evolving role of bathroom design in creating functional, aesthetically engaging, and culturally resonant spaces.
1. Roca unveil ground-breaking innovation at HIX 2024
This cutting-edge WC stole the spotlight on Roca’s stand, offering a revolutionary solution for the hospitality sector with its sleek design and exceptional functionality. The Avant WC transforms bathroom aesthetics by seamlessly integrating the cistern within the WC pan, eliminating visible components to create a clean, unified look. This ground-breaking innovation not only enhances visual appeal but also saves space, simplifies installation and eliminates the need for concealed cisterns within walls. Furthermore, maintenance is made easier with this design.
Roca’s new Avant WC
Roca’s patented flushing system utilises the Venturi effect in the concealed part of the WC to produce a strong water jet, while Roca’s vortex technology optimises water flow and flush performance, reducing splashing. Designed with the user experience in mind, the Avant WC features discreet and intuitive flush controls, offering two water-saving options: 4.5L and 3L. All flushing systems are fully integrated and seal-free, enhancing safety and preventing leaks. An exclusive Roca glazing further promotes hygiene by allowing residue to slide off easily, preventing the build-up of dirt and germs.
Roca’s new Avant WC
The HIX 2024 drew inspiration from Roca’s ‘Mediterranean Perspectives’ installation seen at Salone del Mobile 2024 and pays tribute to Barcelona’s iconic architecture and the essence of Mediterranean living. Mirroring its Salone predecessor, the Roca stand at HIX features two arched entrances that invite visitors into a central circular capsule. This unique space, with its reflective floor and ambient light and sound installation, houses the innovative Avant WC in both floor-standing and wall-hung versions.
2. LAUFEN at HIX 2024: Colour Archaeology by Roberto Sironi
Designers, developers and hoteliers today face the challenge of creating spaces that not only maximise the potential of the buildings they occupy but also foster deep connections with the communities they serve. At HIX 2024, LAUFEN showcased its crucial role in this evolving design landscape, providing designers with a unique opportunity to incorporate historically significant colours into hotel bathrooms. The result: spaces that are not only authentic and deeply rooted in cultural heritage but also timeless.
LAUFEN will present Colour Archaeology by Roberto Sironi
At the LAUFEN booth, visitors had the chance to explore Colour Archaeology, brought to life through meticulously curated room settings. This presentation features a new colour palette, the outcome of an academic research project led by Roberto Sironi on behalf of LAUFEN. Drawing inspiration from over 10,000 artifacts housed in museums around the world, Sironi has carefully categorised these treasures into vibrant colour clusters that reflect their cultural origins. Working alongside the LAUFEN innovations team, they have crafted a refined palette of harmonious tones.
These colours allow designers to anchor spaces in rich historical context, offering sustainable, timeless design solutions that rise above fleeting trends.
Roberto Sironi’s research produced a palette of colours, including Babylonian Sand (left) and Egyptian Cerulean (right), both of which shades will be on display at HIX 2024. Photo credit: Pierre Kellenberger
The stand itself draws on the ancient ceramic traditions of two specific regions: the blue-green hues of ancient Egyptian ceramics are embodied in Egyptian Cerulean, while the warm tones of Babylonian Sand are inspired by the Tigris and Euphrates Basin. Visitors to HIX were able to experience LAUFEN’s The New Classic in Babylonian Sand and Sonar in Egyptian Cerulean.
About Colour Archaeology
Renowned for his research-based, process-driven approach, Roberto Sironi immerses himself in the world of ancient ceramics with painstaking attention to detail. His exploration spans eight civilizations from 3000 BC to 1500 AD, uncovering an extraordinary spectrum of colours. From the azure blues of Egypt and Mesopotamia to the celadon greens of the Chinese Empire, and the earthy reds of the Roman Empire, Sironi’s work reveals colours either created through chemical processes or derived from natural materials. Colour Archaeology was first introduced at Milan Design Week at LAUFEN Space Milano and is now on exhibit at LAUFEN Space Berlin.
Alape new basin designs at HIX 2024
Alape, recently acquired by the Roca Group, debuted its latest, cutting-edge bathroom collections at HIX. Alape unveiled its latest designs, including the innovative Tendo, the eye-catching Tricolor, the elegant Nib, and the modern-industrial Steel19. These collections reflect Alape’s philosophy of combining practicality with refined aesthetics in contemporary bathroom design.
Featured products on stand included the following:
Tendo in Matt Black
The tilted Tendo design
Tendo redefines conventional bathroom design with its elegant, dynamic tilt inspired by the natural gesture of cupping hands to hold water. Water cascades gracefully down the inclined surface, emulating a tranquil waterfall, bringing an element of calm and serenity to the bathroom. This visually captivating basin, on show in Matt Black, is both practical and artistic – ideal as a striking centrepiece in contemporary bathrooms.
Tricolor in Tuscany and Olive
The Tricolor basin in Tuscany
Alape’s Tricolor basin introduces a bold new approach to contrast, featuring different colours on the interior, exterior and edges. The smooth enamel inside and rough, glazed steel outside provide a unique tactile experience, while the interplay of textures and shades makes it the perfect addition to a sophisticated modern bathroom. On display, the Tricolor colourway, adds depth and visual intrigue to any space.
Nib in White
Nib basin in White
Minimalism and elegance converge in the Nib basin. Taking inspiration from the nib of a fountain pen, Nib’s design features a bowl seamlessly connected to its washstand, with a tapered underside creating the illusion of a floating form. Its sleek lines and geometric precision embody sophistication, while its light, airy presence enhances modern bathrooms with understated elegance. Nib was on display at HIX in White .
Steel19
Steel19, modelled on a classic bucket sink
Steel19 exemplifies Alape’s mastery of combining modernity with craftsmanship. It brings together the practicality of the classic bucket sink with modern design, featuring an enamelled splashback and industrial steel frame. The contrasting materials and industrial accents create a bold, functional and visually compelling washstand, perfect for today’s contemporary bathroom spaces.
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