Thalia: A Blooming Washbasin by Edoardo Petri

Bringing Nature into the Bathroom with a Unique Blend of Art and Function

The Thalia washbasin, designed by Edoardo Petri, is a testament to the designer's ability to draw inspiration from nature and translate it into functional design. The washbasin resembles a bud ready to bloom, a design inspired by the lotus flower. The choice of larch and teak, two types of wood traditionally used in shipbuilding, was deliberate. These woods are perfect for contact with water, making them an ideal choice for a washbasin.

Thalia is not just a washbasin; it's a piece of art. Its unique properties lie in its asymmetry and harmony, the encounter of different shapes, and the use of wood. The washbasin was crafted from a skilful union of larch and teak, providing a special touch of elegance and a cheerful intertwining of grains with always different hues, producing unique washbasins. The beauty of this object is characterized by its asymmetry and harmony by the encounter of different shapes and woody essence.

The design process involved a combination of hand-sketching, 2D design, and 3D modelling. A CNC machine with numerical control was used to mill a solid block of teak and larch. The two pieces were then cut, glued together, and hand-sanded to create the final product. The washbasin is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly, as only timber taken from forests with a reforestation programme was used.

Despite the challenges faced during the design process, including the cost of realization and time, Thalia has been well-received. It has participated in numerous fairs in Italy and abroad, and in 2018, it was awarded Silver in A' Bathroom Furniture and Sanitary Ware Design Award. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation.

Thalia is more than just a washbasin; it's a testament to the beauty of nature and the power of design. It's a piece that commands attention and becomes the protagonist in any space it occupies. As Edoardo Petri puts it, "My objects want to control the space once inserted and become the protagonists."

Thalia is a testament to the beauty of nature and the power of design. It's a piece that commands attention and becomes the protagonist in any space it occupies. As Edoardo Petri puts it, "My objects want to control the space once inserted and become the protagonists."