Surfacing: Alape

A look at Alape's extended portfolio reveals that the washbasin doesn't always need to be white. The Goslar-based company has increasingly shifted its focus from form to surface, as demonstrated by its presentation of latest designs at this year's Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy, and also at the Biennale Interieur in Kortrijk, Belgium. Available in finely coordinated colours, these new finishes open up a range of possibilities and inspire highly individual bathroom designs.

Distinguished by their many years of experience in steel processing and expertise in finishes and enamelling, Alape is, however, also driven by a strong innovative spirit. Last year’s launch of the Bicolor and Metallic Dark Iron surfaces was just one testimony to their desire to evolve. Alape has committed to putting their highly honed skills toward further development of novel finishes under the motto: "Shaping Surfaces".

Two new series – Aqua and Terra – are the latest results of their research. As their names indicate, they are inspired by analogies from nature, both in terms of colour and the texture of their surfaces. For "Aqua" Alape was inspired by "the depth of the ocean and the colour of the water". The dish basins of the series are characterised by a strong shade of blue, indigo or green, which creates a glassy appearance and special depth effects by means of colour gradients and a high-gloss level.

"Terra", on the other hand, has a more subdued appearance. Four matte, powdery shades – Gravel, Nordic, Oyster and Silk – evoke the mineral surfaces of rocks and stone. In addition to colour, Alape paid special attention to the feel and materiality of Aqua and Terra. With this well-balanced interplay, the new series offers exceptional designs while underscoring the signature geometric, and clean-lined aesthetic of the Alape washbasin.

Both Aqua and Terra will be available from Spring of 2019 onwards.

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