Glaze of glory: Alape

More than 120 years of experience are behind Alape’s expertise in the use of glazed steel, both in terms of production and functional design. The material, a hallmark of the brand, is characterised by its exceptional robustness, strength and high durability. In addition to its physical advantages, glazed steel offers a multitude of design possibilities which Alape continues to explore in its products.

Founded in Saxony in 1896, Alape was originally a manufacturer of enamelled household products, a focus that later played a role in the development of the brand’s signature dish-shaped washbasin. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s and 30s when Alape finally began to specialise in washbasins and sinks, which, while evolving over the years, have been setting innovative trends ever since. And all these achievements owe their success to the fine craftsmanship carried out at the company's Goslar factory.

One could say that the real revolution in washbasin design came at the end of the 1990s with Alape’s 3-millimetre steel dish washbasin, whose production is still being perfected. Nowadays thanks to special forming technology and edge processing, minimal radii and edge angles of 89 degrees can be achieved, with absolute precision ensured by laser technology. An unmistakable feature of every Alape basin is the glaze. Fused through a complex process with the steel blank, it forms a permanent unit and bestows the washbasins their unique form.

The dish basin, now a design classic, has become a point of inspiration for other products, such as the Unisono, Scopio and Sondo series. These new interpretations marry expressiveness and reduced form, along with the high-precision production of 3-millimetre steel. With their enduring ability to combine tradition and innovation, Alape offers a wealth of solutions for individual bathroom design.

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