Yuka: A Shower Tray Inspired by Nature

Design by Krzysztof Nowak Merges Wood and Stone

Krzysztof Nowak's inspiration for Yuka came from the beauty and richness of nature. The shower tray merges the features of wood and stone, creating a unique and appealing design. The seemingly cold dolomite rock is softened by the matte structure of wood, creating a natural surface that is both visually appealing and functional. The designer created a mat from hand-brushed larch wood to achieve this natural surface.

Yuka stands out from other cast marble shower trays due to its unique structure and outflow construction. The major innovation in Yuka is its dolomite cover with a gap outlet, a novelty among cast marble products. The innovative application of wood structure creates an anti-slip surface that is key to user safety. The material absorbs warmth and ensures comfort of use. The matte finish and two-colored surface add to its innovative features.

Yuka is made of cast marble, resulting in its unique appearance. During the manufacturing process, dolomite powder is mixed with polymer resin, giving the final product its flexibility and strength. The material is a composite that merges all the favorable technological features of its ingredients. The outer layer of the product is made of gelcoat, hardened resin with pigment and particles of quartz.

The Yuka shower tray measures 1200mm in width, 800mm in depth, and 35mm in height. The cast marble technology allows Yuka to be produced in various colors, making it well suited for different bathroom designs. The design process for Yuka started in June 2014 in Poznan and finished in December 2014. It was exhibited at Arenadesign in February 2015.

The objectives of the research for Yuka were to create an integrated outflow, an anti-slip surface, and a nature-inspired surface. Various design thinking methods were used during the design process, including mind mapping, brainstorming, scenarios, storyboarding, personas, mockups, and prototypes. All objectives were achieved, leading to innovation in cast marble technology.

The Yuka shower tray was awarded the Golden A' Bathroom Furniture and Sanitary Ware Design Award in 2015. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.