Yves Béhar creates a compatible wash basin for Laufen, following a fluid design philosophy
Laufen's Sustainable Innovation: The Launch of Yves Behar's 'Volta' and a Revolutionary Tunnel Kiln
Laufen, a Swiss sanitaryware company with over 130 years of expertise, has made a significant stride towards a sustainable future. During Milan Design Week 2025, they launched 'Volta', a sink designed by renowned designer Yves Behar, and unveiled a groundbreaking CO2-free electric tunnel kiln for ceramic sanitaryware production.
Yves Behar, known for his collaboration with Samsung on the Frame TV, has now ventured into bathroom design with 'Volta'. This sink, a harmonious blend of form and function, stands out with its innovative design. Behar designed 'Volta' to express Laufen's commitment to sustainability.
The 'Volta' basin is crafted using Laufen's SaphirKeramik, an ultra-thin, high-performance ceramic material. It features a complex interior and exterior profile that doesn't increase the overall size of the basin. The functional interior creates an aesthetic of movement, while the simplicity of the outer form contrasts beautifully with this dynamic design.
'Volta' allows water to pool at the bottom, making it ideal for activities like shaving or washing face without filling the entire sink. The swirling water in the basin not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also cleans the sink perfectly.
The introduction of the CO2-free electric tunnel kiln represents a key sustainability innovation in Laufen's manufacturing process. This kiln, powered by solar and green electricity, departs from traditional gas-powered kilns that consume large amounts of fossil fuel energy and emit significant CO2. The new electric kiln allows for drastically reduced carbon emissions in firing ceramics, marking the first kiln of its kind specifically designed for sanitaryware.
This technology supports Laufen's commitment to sustainability and circular design, contributing to their Cradle to Cradle Certified Circularity at the Bronze level. The company also emphasizes transparency in the production process, as highlighted in their "A New Dimension of Water" presentation at Milan Design Week.
Laufen's innovative technology allows for the production of ceramic sanitaryware while significantly reducing its environmental footprint. The tunnel kiln, used to produce ceramic sanitaryware, is a world first in terms of sustainability. This kiln's production process is more efficient as kilns continuously fire products as they move through the tunnel.
Yves Behar's 'Volta' basin marks his first foray into bathroom design, and it's clear that this collaboration is just the beginning of Laufen's commitment to combining elegance with sustainability. For more design stories from around the world, subscribe to Laufen's daily newsletter on their website.
[1] Source: Laufen press release, "Laufen Unveils CO2-Free Electric Tunnel Kiln and Yves Behar's 'Volta' Sink at Milan Design Week 2025."
[2] Source: Laufen press release, "Laufen Announces Sustainable Bathroom Innovations and Collections at Milan Design Week 2025."
- Yves Behar, the designer behind Samsung's Frame TV, has expanded his portfolio to include bathroom design with the 'Volta' sink, a blend of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden elements that showcases Laufen's dedication to fashion-forward, eco-friendly home solutions.
- Laufen's groundbreaking CO2-free electric tunnel kiln, a technological advancement in the home-and-garden sector, is set to reshape the manufacturing industry by significantly minimizing carbon emissions and adopting a more sustainable approach to home-and-garden product production.
