Nowhere else do people feel a greater sense of balance than in nature: shapes and colors come together in a harmonious fusion, and there is nothing to distract us from what truly matters. Together with the German-based design duo KASCHKASCH, Villeroy & Boch has encapsulated this feeling in the new Antao bathroom collection. Because this is precisely what the bathroom should be: a place where we can find ourselves.
Florian Kallus and Sebastian Schneider, also known as KASCHKASCH, found the theme for a design meeting this requirement early one morning in a forest. The air was fresh, the light was soft, and everything glistened in dewdrops.
“We were fascinated by the dewdrops on the ferns and moss,” recalls Kallus, “organic, yet organized; asymmetric but balanced.”
Shapes that seem at peace with themselves.
Guided by an Inherent Logic
The two designers then began to photograph dewdrops and sketch out ideas on paper as the basis for the Antao surface-mounted washbasin. A continuous balancing act was required to find the perfect shape. First on paper, then as a 3D model. At some point, it emerged: a shape that is organic and asymmetric while simultaneously perfectly harmonious. As if guided by an inherent logic.
“Everything else then followed on from the shape of the washbasins, from ceramic to furniture, bath, and taps,” explained the design duo.
The result is a deliberately muted collection with earthy colors, natural materials such as solid wood and natural stone, and velvety matt surfaces. Thanks to the consistent implementation of the dewdrop theme across all product groups, Antao creates harmonious and comfortable bathrooms in which everything is perfectly coordinated, right down to the matching taps.
“We wanted to make the bathroom a peaceful space,” said Schneider, “after all, the day will be hectic enough.”
Materials from Nature
It is not just the shapes that contribute to this effect. Materials play a vital role too, in particular ceramic. Working with this material was a completely new experience for KASCHKASCH. The two designers observed the production process closely in Villeroy & Boch’s ceramic factory and learned a great deal about ceramics.
“We felt that you shouldn’t press something composed of natural raw materials, as is the case for ceramic, into rigid shapes and right angles,” recalls Kallus.
This also further strengthened the two designers’ conviction of being on the right track with the dewdrop theme.
As well as the characteristic design, the organic asymmetry also has functional benefits, for example, with spacious surfaces and an inherently perfect location for the taps. And, of course, colors and furniture surfaces follow this same theme: with the new ceramic color of Morning Green, Antao is introducing a completely new shade in the bathroom.
“Morning Green is an earthy, desaturated shade that the eyes can rest on,” says Schneider.
And it is nothing like the notorious moss green from the seventies. Antao presents coordinating furniture in solid wood or a painted finish, in minimalist shapes but with sophisticated details such as rounded edges and textured surfaces that create eye-catching effects. The range also includes a natural stone panel.
The result is a collection with aesthetics reminiscent of Far Eastern zen minimalism that integrates ideally in pared-down urban styles or relaxed Scandinavian interiors. Consistently implemented design, and uncompromisingly high-quality materials.
KASCHKASCH and Villeroy & Boch
A perfect blend: Sebastian Schneider and Florian Kallus both trained as carpenters as well as completing studies in product design. Their work combines sound craft skills with an innovative mindset. “KASCHKASCH” is a combination of the last names of the two founders and was created in 2011. Since then, the firm has worked for many international customers in the furniture, lighting, and home accessories sectors.
For Villeroy & Boch, this cooperation continues a long tradition of partnerships with famous designers. The collaboration with Luigi Colani in the seventies that transformed the bathroom into a wellness space is a particularly noteworthy example even today. As well as KASCHKASCH, the company currently works with designers including Christian Haas and the German-Danish designer Gesa Hansen.
