Grohe Ondus faucet

red dot: best of the best
red dot award: product design 2007

Sensual minimalism
In the ancient teachings of Indian Ayurveda – one of the most influential sources of the current wellness movement – the sensuality and purity of water plays a central role. Water here is much more than simply an element for drinking or daily cleansing, it contains a spiritual message. The design of the Ondus faucet too aims to embody the pure essence of water and thus creates a self-sufficient and coherent language of form. Its design was borne out of and guided by the maxim of “sensual minimalism,” which was intended as a fusion of simplicity and emotion. The appearance of this faucet is thus marked by opposites: it is inspired by nature, yet it is not intended to look organic. Rather it subtly provokes interaction and thus stimulates the senses. This impression is further underlined by monochromatic finish colours as well as another design element: the fluid, curved form of the spout guides the water in a “natural” way, respecting its fluidity and elegance, and directs it towards the user in such a way that it allows the water to follow natural gravity and cascade from an optimal position. The Ondus collection comprises many different models, ranging from three-hole basin mixers to five-hole tub fillers. It is complemented by an array of accessories that consistently and logically continue the form language of the faucet. The design of the Ondus faucet defines the boundaries of a purely geometric minimalism in a self-confident and daring manner, and in doing so stands as a clear and bold, formal aesthetic statement – a design that knows how to seduce and please the senses.