Product watch: BetteSuno – a Bette and Barber Osgerby collaboration

British design studio Barber Osgerby, in collaboration with Bette, has developed the exclusive BetteSuno bathroom collection, combining elegant minimalism with sophisticated bathroom design…

two white round BetteSuno basins side by side with black taps in front of large mirror

The new collection from Bette includes washbasins and a bath that combine visual lightness with the strength and durability of glazed titanium steel. With BetteSuno, minimalist bathrooms can be designed in architecturally sophisticated projects, including in private homes, hotels and restaurants.

At the centre of the collection are two circular, one-piece washbasins made of glazed titanium steel: a bowl washbasin and a floor-standing washbasin. As modern interpretations of the wash bowl, they share the same 340millimetre diameter inner, in which the basin tapers conically towards the waste outlet. The design is extremely reduced and plays with the basic shapes of circle and cone. Nothing is superfluous, nothing distracts from experiencing the room architecture and the function of the bathroom products.

detail of minimalist round countertop BetteSuno basin with black tap in a row on a cream bathroom countertop

Image credit: Bette

“The collection has a beautiful, handcrafted character and its sculptural qualities are emphasised by the circular and conical design,” said Edward Barber, Co-Founder, Barber Osgerby.

A highlight in the BetteSuno bathroom collection is the floor-standing, 865 millimetre high ‘Pedestal’ washbasin with its graceful and sculptural appearance. A round washbasin bowl cantilevers above a narrow, conically shaped pedestal, which almost looks as if it is floating in front of the wall. The pedestal is also made of glazed titanium steel and cleverly conceals the pipework and fixings and, thanks to its small ‘footprint’, takes up minimal space. The pedestal has space for a tap, which means a conventional basin tap can be used if required, as an alternative to a floor-standing or wall-mounted tap.

The BetteSuno bowl washbasin is also ideal for minimalist bathrooms, for example in washrooms in bars or restaurants. With its round shape, it sets its own aesthetic accent without pushing itself into the foreground. One basin can be placed on a vanity unit, or a number can be installed in a row on a washbasin top. Thanks to its precisely crafted underside, it sits on the surface almost seamlessly, whether it be wood, natural stone or another flat surface. Hardly any other bathroom material is capable of being produced with such flat surfaces, straight lines and precise angles as glazed titanium steel.

“The form invites engagement, and its exactness is achieved through expert engineering and the use of enamelled steel, which is a far superior material for sanitary ware.” explained Jay Osgerby, Co-Founder Barber Osgerby.

pared down design of BetteSuno freestanding white bath in the middle of a white bathroom in front of floor to ceiling window

Image credit: Bette

The pared-down design approach also characterises the freestanding oval bath that Barber Osgerby has designed for BetteSuno. The completely symmetrical design of the 1800 x 800 millimetre bath appears clear and harmonious and with its vertically running exterior and wide, outwardly projecting rim, references classic bath design.

The protruding rim is flat, so that it can be used as a comfortable head and arm rest when bathing, as well as a shelf for toiletries. When standing up or sitting down, it serves as a grab rail, if required. Ergonomically designed back slopes at each end, a generous interior and centrally positioned waste outlet ensure a high level of comfort when bathing alone or together.

With a great deal of attention to detail and understanding of material and function, Barber Osgerby and Bette have succeeded in bringing a minimalist design language into the bathroom with BetteSuno, which fits perfectly into sophisticated bathroom architecture. Complementing the range, Barber Osgerby has also designed fittings for AXOR in the same design language.

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Main image credit: Bette