Philippe Starck’s elegant, ergonomic tap design for Axor

Saving water while improving performance – thanks to a specially created new spray, instant temperature adjustment and innovative controls – the Axor Starck Organic bathroom collection also provides style on tap

White sink with silver tap
The Axor Starck Organic mixers feature on/off controls at the spout and a temperature regulator at the top, which can remain in a preferred setting
(Image credit: TBC)

Blending streamlined style with serious water conservation, Philippe Starck’s new Axor Organic collection for Hansgrohe brings fluid simplicity to the bathroom suite with a gentle, elegant shape inspired by the natural world.

But the real beauty, as with most things, comes from within. Starck collaborated with Hansgrohe’s technicians on a revolutionary spray technology that consists of 90 individual jets. The delicate waterfall covers a larger surface area than a conventional flow, making it both efficient and light to the touch – it gives the feeling of more water while using less. In fact, the Axor Starck Organic collection sets a new standard, consuming only 3.5 litres of water per minute, compared to the average 6 litres (a special ‘boost’ setting can increase the flow to 5 litres per minute if necessary).

What’s more, a temperature-preset function at the top of the unit means you can choose to keep to an energy-saving cool setting, while still adjusting for hotter water when required.

Starck’s intuitive design taps into our lust for all things ergonomic. He’s put the flow control at the mouth of the spout, so your hands are ready and waiting for the water to emerge – not the other way around. Turning the tap off at the spout also means you’re likely to get fewer water drops on the chrome.

It’s refreshing to see a designer tackle water conservation. And even finer when he elevates form in the process.

White bath next to a grey chair and glass window with view of greenery

(Image credit: TBC)

Open plan bathroom with free standing bath and glass windows with view of greenery

Inspired by nature, the designs are intended to blend into any bathroom style

(Image credit: TBC)

White sink with grey tap running water

An innovative new spray comprises 90 individual jets of water, consuming only 3.5 litres of water per minute without compromising on performance

(Image credit: TBC)

Circle white sink with silver tap

The collection’s elegant curves have an understated appeal

(Image credit: TBC)

Black and white photo of Philippe Stark holding a tap

Philippe Starck explains the concept behind the new tap design  3658557238001

(Image credit: TBC)

Five different tap designs

With the on/off control at the spout, hands are right where the water emerges, making for less waste

(Image credit: TBC)

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.