LAUFEN, a leading Swiss manufacturer of designer bathroom collections, opens its first mono-brand boutique in Moscow at 60/2 Leninsky Prospekt. The author of the project is the famous Spanish designer Francesc Rifé.
Precision, quality, design and rationality are the core values of the LAUFEN brand, which are reflected in the new space. The project, embodying a functional approach and integrity, was originally conceived in such a way that movement within the space was convenient and intuitive. The extensive and spacious central area - the main coordinate system of the showroom - ensures its versatility. As Francesc Rife himself notes, in the design process he managed to "get rid of unnecessary things in favor of what is really important."
The use of metal elements in the design of facades and deep window openings, which act as showcases for product demonstrations, emphasize the connection between the interior and the exterior.
All workplaces are integrated directly into the showroom space and are suspended tabletops made of solid blocks that seem to protrude from the walls. This practical solution makes the space even more coherent and holistic.
The idea of the project evokes associations with the transformation of a massive stone block, which becomes alive and plastic after processing. The high degree of structural strength contrasts with maximum spatial fluidity, as in everyday life, where rationality always leaves room for emotion. The interior looks monolithic, but at the same time multifaceted and sensual. This was achieved with the help of terrazzo-effect coatings, which serve as a leitmotif in the decoration of floors and walls.
For zoning, partitions with metal frames were used, which divide the interior space into walk-through display blocks. The color scheme and materials in the partitions can be changed at your discretion. Individual panels are perforated and covered with stainless steel.
Francesc Rife explains: “The LAUFEN salon was not originally conceived as a place for a usual display of products, we were longing for much more: something real, renewed and timeless. We focused on the coherence and consistency of elements as the central property of the project, but its emotionality still played an important role."
The designer will personally attend the official opening of the boutique, which will take place on 12 September. Famous Russian architects and designers have been invited to the event, including the embassy of Switzerland and representatives of the Association of European Businesses in Russia.
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Francesc Rifé
Interior and industrial designer Francesc Rife was born in 1969 in the small town of San Sadurni d'Anoia in Catalonia. In 1994 he founded his own studio in Barcelona. A follower of minimalism and family traditions of handicraft production, in his projects he pays special attention to materials, organization of space and geometric proportions.
Currently, Francesk Rife runs a team of professionals from various fields of design. His range of professional interests is wide and includes interior and industrial design, architecture, concept development, installations, graphics and directing.
Rife has received numerous awards throughout his career, including Contract World, Red Dot, ICFF Editors, HiP in Chicago, FAD, as well as several awards from the Spanish Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers (ASCER).
His work has been published in the world's leading media, including special editions and books. In addition, several books have been published, which contain his most iconic projects. Also currently, in addition to his main work in the studio, Francesk Rife conducts workshops and conferences around the world.
About the LAUFEN brand
LAUFEN is one of the world's leading manufacturers of designer bathroom collections that include sanitary ceramics (sinks, toilets, bidets, urinals), bathtubs, furniture, taps and accessories - a complete range of products for the bathroom space. At the heart of each piece is a perfect symbiosis of design, quality and functionality that reveals the personality of a traditional Swiss brand.
Having started its history in 1892 as a pottery production in the city of the same name in Switzerland (Canton Basel), today LAUFEN manufactures products in five factories in Europe and is part of the Roca Group holding, which is represented in 135 countries.
The brand pays close attention to design. Almost all LAUFEN complex collections are created by renowned masters: Marcel Wanders, Konstantin Grczyk, Patricia Urquiola, Stefano Giovanonni, Andreas Dimitriadis, Peter Wirtz and others.
