Equilibrio: A Sculptural Sink by Thiago Mondini

Exploring Contrasts with Stone: Delicate Inclination Meets Robust Volume

The inspiration behind Equilibrio was to explore contrasts. Stone, often perceived as dense and heavy, was manipulated in this design to appear both weighty and delicate. The sink could have been carved from a single stone block, but due to financial considerations, it was assembled from numerous small stone fragments. The actual basin is created by a diagonal section and a slight tilt of the upper portion of the piece, resulting in a design that is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Equilibrio's unique properties lie in its contrast between the countertop's delicate inclination and its robust volume. The asymmetrical supports, a hollow tube covering the plumbing on one side and a skinny leg on the other, further enhance this perception of contrasts. This sink is not just a functional piece of bathroom furniture, but also an artistic sculpture, demonstrating the designer's ability to merge form and function seamlessly.

The realization of Equilibrio was a technical challenge. The design required the assembly of several stone fragments to create the curves without the need for a solid block of rock. The design is straightforward, based on a diagonal cut of the countertop, with the remaining portion being slightly tilted at the right angle to prevent water from spilling when it collides with the surface.

Equilibrio measures 1500 mm x 600 mm x 250 mm, and its design tags include bathroom, sink, lavatory, basin, sculpture, artistic, stone, and quartzite. The project started in June 2022 and finished in August 2022, and it will be on display at Mostra Artefacto Balneario Camboriu, Brazil, until June 2023.

Equilibrio is a testament to the designer's commitment to simplicity and ingenuity. The biggest challenge was to maintain simplicity while ensuring the sink's functionality, especially since it would be on display for a year and should have no operational issues. The result is a sculptural sink that not only defies gravity but also challenges our perception of contrasts and balance in design.

Equilibrio was awarded Silver in A' Bathroom Furniture and Sanitary Ware Design Award in 2023. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.