Dornbracht embraces modern technology and avante-garde design techniques to redefine fittings

Germany-based Dornbracht is a global manufacturer of high-quality fittings and accessories for bathrooms and kitchens. The company regularly receives international design awards for its product designs. 

In an exclusive interview with Middle East Interiors, Phillip Payne, general manager Dornbracht Middle East, spoke about the company’s innovative products and designs.

What differentiates Dornbracht from its competitors?
Dornbracht embodies the values and boutique craftsmanship of a traditional family company while embracing modern technology and avante-garde design techniques to redefine bathroom and kitchen fittings.

Throughout our 60-year history we have developed some of the most archetypal and recognised fittings for the bathroom and kitchen, shaping and influencing design trends in the process. Our Tara fitting, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, is now one of the most replicated taps worldwide.

Distinctive design: Horizontal Shower and Supernova (top)

Dornbracht’s commitment to achieving superb standards of form, function and fabrication is the basis of every product design. Beneath each fitting’s finish of gold, platinum or chrome, is solid brass. Such high-grade materials and sound craftsmanship are the very substance and expression of the products’ durability and function. Our products are an expression of a distinctive bathroom and kitchen culture, with a focus on clear, pure flowing water.

What innovative products is the company introducing to the Middle East this year?
We will introduce more applications of our Ambiance Tuning Technique (ATT), a technology that completely redefines the shower experience. Developed as part of our ‘Transforming Water’ concept, it combines all the things that are important to us in designing a water experience: aesthetic architecture, minimalist design, convenient operation and innovative control technology.

Earlier this year we introduced the second adaptation of ATT at Swissbau. Our Horizontal Shower concept introduces a new dimension to the shower experience and offers the kind of total relaxation that is only possible to someone reclining. Tension in the head and muscles melt away, everyday stress is rinsed away with the water; and body and mind are noticeably revitalised.

What are the current trends in bathroom design?
New materials in the bathroom are providing designers with many options to bring warmth into a previously minimalist environment. The use of vibrantly coloured glass tiles, glass mosaics, braided glass mosaics and stained glass for example, are becoming popular choices for introducing accented tones. For shower walls, we are seeing more custom designs being used – specially-created mosaics or logos are very popular. For ceramics, we are seeing the return of colour, such as bold metallics in black, gold and platinum. Classic monochrome is back too, with black and white sanitary ware and brassware available. The bathroom is being transformed into a softer space, offering more comfort and a far less clinical ambiance.

Popular: MEM deck-mounted bath doing well in the Middle East

What products do well here?
Dornbracht’s premium products resonate with a discerning Middle East clientele who value style and quality. They want something not widely available in the market.

We enjoy higher than average sales percentage wise for our speciality premium finishes such as Platinum, Platinum Matt and Champagne.  Our architectonic solutions that are available in the Balance Modules, especially RainskyE – an electronic control panel installed in the shower that selects rain curtain, head and body sprays, mist spray, coloured light and fragrance – also enjoy very good sales. Specific product lines which do very well in the region are MEM, Lulu and Supernova. Each fitting boasts strong, geometric lines and make a real statement in the bathroom.

The Dornbracht customer appreciates the design of our products as much as the experience it affords them. In that way our bathroom fixtures become objects of desire.

Please tell us about sustainability initiatives taken by the company and what has been the response so far?
Our business claim, “Dornbracht – the Spirit of Water,” stands for the responsible handling of water as a natural resource. As an international manufacturer of high-quality designer fittings and accessories for bathrooms and kitchens, Dornbracht reduced the average water consumption of all fittings sold by 25 per cent by the end of 2009. We aim to reach a 30 per cent water saving target by 2015. Energy and water consumption will be minimised independently of consumer behaviour without affecting the premium quality of the product and water experience.

How is the company doing in this region? What are your plans for the region?
The Middle East is a key market for Dornbracht and our premium products lines are very well received. Dornbracht’s fittings bring elegance and style to bathrooms and kitchens in villas, luxury apartments, hotels and palaces across the region.  Our products can be customised to fit the requirements of any bathroom or kitchen space and come in a range of plating options, including 24K gold, champagne, platinum, chrome, black and white, among others. Gold plating is a popular option in the Middle East for creating stylish and opulent bathrooms and kitchen spaces.