Cascade Washbasin Collection: A Fusion of Strength and Elegance

Maria Toro, Nicolas Ochoa and Luis Hurtado Unveil a Robust and Refined Bathroom Collection

The Cascade Collection is a family of washbasins available in three different configurations: undermounted, overmounted, and vessel. The designers drew inspiration from the strength of waterfalls, emphasizing perceived quality through thick walls and subtle lines. The result is a bold and refined appearance that sets the collection apart from conventional designs.

One of the unique features of the Cascade Collection is its flowing line, a design element that takes the user on a journey around the product, culminating in the characteristic falling movement of a cascade. This slight gesture towards the user not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the washbasins but also hints at their usability and cleanability.

The creation of the Cascade Collection involved the use of two different production techniques. The first is a high-pressure technology from Porvair PLC, involving the use of a resin mold. The second technique, known as BMC (Banco de Moldes Colgandes), involves the use of plaster molds and was specifically implemented for the vessel design.

The design process began with an ethnographic study of Latin American families, with a particular focus on Colombia. This research approach was aimed at gaining valuable insights into the aesthetic preferences and usability requirements of the target users. The designers also sought input from the commercial team and installers, whose feedback was instrumental in shaping the final design.

The Cascade Collection was not without its challenges. Achieving the right balance between robustness and elegance was a significant hurdle, as robust designs often mimic old-fashioned styles. Additionally, the thick walls of the vessel washbasin and the variable thickness of the overmounted design required the development of a new technique for placing the products in the kiln to achieve a perfect vitreous finish.

The Cascade Washbasin Collection is a testament to the designers' commitment to creating products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and durable. This commitment is reflected in the collection's Golden A' Bathroom Furniture and Sanitary Ware Design Award in 2018, a prestigious accolade that recognizes outstanding and trendsetting creations that advance art, design, and technology.