Waterfalls, crashing waves, and the sound of rain while you’re sleeping; water evokes a sense of calmness and relaxation. Hence the suggestion of long bubble baths after stressful days. Given the capabilities of water and society’s appreciation of it, water should be an element of prominence in our homes. Octopus Design, in collaboration with Bruno Sacco of Hansa, former head of Mercedes-Benz design, has taken it upon itself to make this happen.

HansaLatrava. Designed by Octopus Design in collaboration with Hansa.

“It rushes, billows, effervesces, whispers, rages, pearls, dances. Hansa has always prepared the stage for water’s great performance…producing an experience for all of your senses. HansaLatrava…takes this philosophy to the extreme.” according to Octopus Design. “It is a formal sculpture which has never been seen before. It is for those who don’t see a boundary as an end, but always as the start of something new.” We are used to water emerging from our faucets and falling vertically downwards, creating a column-like effect. Conversely, water cascades from HansaLatrava, emerging in a smooth sheet to create a waterfall effect. As it approaches the sink, the water tapers to a well-targeted location. The shape of the water flow is designed as a continuation of the elegantly modern fixture with its clean lines and sharp angles. The designers have eliminated knobs and pulls which would distract from its sculpture-like form. Instead, HansaLatrava features an on/off button and LED water temperature indicators. Though these are increasingly common in our high tech world, this seems to be a first in faucet design.

HansaLatrava is more than a faucet, it is a water sculpture. Whether you’re looking for a fixture for your own personal bathroom or to outfit a chic boutique or lounge, this goes above and beyond.  Considering the thinness of the emerging sheet of water, I would venture to say it uses roughly the same amount as your typical faucet. For another great design from Hansa and more specifically Bruno Sacco, check out HansaCanyon.  HansaLatrava was present at ISH 2009 with the likes of Axor Urquiola and Burrati + Battiston’s W+W.

via Contemporist