Polo De'Marco Magazine Issue No.23 | Page 87

Written by: Richard Elliot Maison Valentina has emerged as a popular name in the last two years in the world of luxury bathroom furnishings and fixtures. They are offering a stunning catalog of bathtubs, upholstery, lighting fixtures, and washbasins. The designer brand has featured in news and projects worldwide, collaborating with some of the most prestigious architects and design firms. The latest addition to their Lapiaz series, along with a freestanding sink and an amazing vessel basin element, is the breathtakingly elegant Lapiaz Bathtub. Inspired by a contemporary blend of natural, ergonomic design that mimics limestone rock formations, the bathtub combines a premium fibreglass exterior with a cast iron tub. The most captivating design factor of the bathtub is the golden teardrop design that dissects across the exterior face of the bathtub in a strikingly graceful yet prominent manner. The Structure The freestanding bathtub is designed with the vision of creating a fusion between natural elements and contemporary design. The exterior of the bathtub is crafted with a premium highgloss fibreglass in a matte white colour that is made to resemble a block of polished limestone. The bathtub creates a bold statement by combining highcontrast colours and materials that complement each other in a very tasteful manner. Viewing from afar, the structure imparts the image of a precision cut block of stone that is inlaid with golden ore and high-contrast black vessel. The design seems to create a sensation of humanity’s mastery over the elements and offers the concept of the amalgamation of engineering and nature. The exterior specifically pays homage to the creativity of humankind and the inherent beauty of nature. The Creative Element The seemingly plain exterior of the bathtub is pierced by a striking, shining stainless steel tear across the side that covers around one third of the face. This alluring design element again mimics natural rock formations by creating the illusion of a streak of golden ore shining out from under the folds of stone. In terms of conceptual design, this creative element is incorporated as a tribute to the resilience of nature as well as the creative inventiveness of humanity that shines like a golden tear upon the face of a blank canvas. Made by painting the stainless-steel exterior of the structure with high-gloss varnish, the tear adds a distinctively prominent element to the design, which complements the elegance of the unique bathtub. Interior Construction & Design The interior basin of the bathtub is made with cast iron following the classical styles of the bathtub. The cast-iron tub, along with being highly resistant to corrosion and wear, is a striking contrast to the bathtub’s light exterior. The July 2020 Polo De’Marco