Japanese inspired design and innovative use of technology won top honours in the Reece Bathroom Innovation Award, announced at Saturday in Design in Melbourne at the weekend.
Gavin Harris, a senior associate at futurespace, was awarded the Professional Prize of $20,000, with his Japanese inspired freestanding bath unit, Shiro. The judging panel applauded Harris’ clever incorporation of a basin and bath as one, use of a singular plumbing system, its freestanding qualities and suitability for stylish, modern homes and hotels.
ShanShan Wang, who is studying Industrial Design at the University of New South Wales, took the Student Prize, with Koeda, an innovative mixer tap inspired by the organic themes of nature and hand motions. The judges admired Wang’s innovative use of light to indicate water temperature, awarding Wang a $10,000 cash prize, along with $5,000 for her university.
Reece Bathroom marketing manager, Belinda Geels, said: “The Reece BIA continues to uncover, recognise and celebrate both established and up-and-coming Australian designers. It’s fantastic to be able to offer such gifted and innovative talent a platform to further their design ambitions.”
The BIA 2012 judging panel included noted global industrial designer and Roca collaborator, Antonio Bullo, Vogue Living editor, David Clark, interior designer and TV personality, Shaynna Blaze, and two-times winner Justin Wagemakers of Blue Sky Design Group.
