Product watch: MEDA by Laufen

The collaboration between designer Peter Wirz and Laufen was established over 20 years ago and this has allowed the designer to fully understand the identity of the Swiss brand and the production processes, which have enabled him to create highly successful innovative projects over the years, such as the complete PRO programme or the Cleanet Riva and Cleanet Navia shower toilets. Finding a new language for the bathroom with a collection that could replicate the success achieved so far was a challenge, which Wirz embraced with enthusiasm.

Image credit: Laufen

The lively dialogue between Peter Wirz and the group of professionals working in the multidisciplinary studio Vetica gave birth to MEDA, whose claim is ‘Made for Life’. The designer started from this idea, to design a complete system of ceramics, faucets and furniture with essential shapes and characterised by maximum modularity to adapt to any bathroom environment and style.

“A design that is as timeless as possible, paired with innovative technology and materials is essential’ explained Wirz. “For customers, this means looking to the future with a good feeling”.

Image credit: Laufen

Laufen’s commitment to a more sustainable and inclusive future is intertwined with the development of innovative materials and careful production processes but must also take into account the definition of intelligent solutions that last over time and integrate the highest standards of quality, design, function, innovation and precision.

‘”The calm, soft and gentle design language of the new product line is the basis for the extended Laufen brand experience. People are looking for peace and security in a hectic world. The new design concept takes up this desire”, continued Wirz, describing the new MEDA collection, a complete line that meets the Laufen vision of total bathroom with an elegant and extremely functional design.

Image credit: Laufen

The extremely linear and reduced design of the MEDA washbasin is based on a mathematical logic applied to all the various shapes and sizes. The washbasin has a squared and rigorous external profile in contrast to the large internal basin with its delicate shape and rounded corners. The collection includes several variants characterised by a certain asymmetry, functional to the need to have a large surface without compromising the lightness of the design as a whole. The dimensions of the washbasins range from the small guest washbasin with a faucet ledge on the right (450×235 mm) up to the large 1200 mm wide washbasin and include a double bowl washbasin of 1300 mm. They are all available in white ceramic, in a glossy or matt finish, as well as in the colours matt graphite and matt black.

Wirz and Laufen continued the collaboration through to developing a range of complementary bathroom furniture to keep the space tidy and organised at all times, while also providing the perfect stage for the MEDA design. The vanity units feature a clear, linear design with thin side walls that follow the geometry of the washbasins. On the front, they are broken up by a curved transition to integrated handle strips, which creates an interesting interplay of light and shadow. The robust aluminium handles provide a good grip and are colour-coordinated with the furniture.

Image credit: Laufen

The drawers with soft-close and full-extension provide ample storage space and keep the bathroom tidy. An organisation system inside provides an additional overview when storing cosmetics and small bathroom essentials. The collection also includes a vertical wall cabinet of 1,650 mm in height, thus completing a coherent set of elements that can be combined with each other to create different compositional variations.

It is possible to choose within a range of 43 lacquer variants, including three metallic special colours, as well as a wild oak wooden finish. The inside of the furniture is in a very elegant anthracite grey.

The bathtub with its slim silhouette is made in Marbond, a composite material with a pleasant and velvety touch. It is available in the free-standing version, with wall mounting and also in the variant with right or left corner mounting. The freestanding bathtub is a real highlight as it can also be made in a two-tone version: matt grey outside and bright white inside to harmonise with the new ceramic colours matt graphite and matt black as well as with the furniture colour of the same name.

The toilet and bidet are also characterised by a very linear and geometric shape and are available in floor-standing or wall-hung versions. The MEDA toilet, in both wall-hung and floorstanding variants, is rimless and is the first model to be launched with the bathroom brands’ new Silent Flush technology. This innovative vortex flushing system conveys the water through the interior basin powerfully and so extremely quietly that it meets even the most demanding noise protection standards – making them among the quietest WCs on the market. It also reduces water consumption and improves bathroom hygiene. The ceramic bodies of the WCs feature corner radii that correspond to the interior form of the basins. Tapering elegantly downwards, they create a gentle and discreet impression in the interior design.

The toilets and bidets are available in the same colours as the washbasins in order to create a uniform look in the bathroom. All gloss white ceramic items can also be treated with the dirt-repellent, easy-to-clean LCC surface treatment for maximum hygiene.

Image credit: Laufen

MEDA also includes an extremely complete range of faucets which covers mixers of different heights for washbasins and bidets, wall mounted options as well as mixers with thermostat for the shower and the bathtub. Wirz has added to the surface-mounted shower and bath mixer a separate storage shelf to provide extra space for keeping shampoos and shower gels within easy reach.

The different expressions of the faucet, whether it is a mixer for shower, washbasin or bathtub, must feature a common language and MEDA faucets stand out for their slender and elegant cylindrical body with a discreet and functional lever. The spout distinguishes itself for its elongated and flattened shape and slightly curved end. MEDA faucets are available in a chrome finish and in an elegant matt PVD titanium black version.

Laufen is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.

Main image credit: Laufen