Our own design ethos here at Unidrain is rooted in the ‘form follows function’ mindset. The results are obviously minimalist in appearance, but the function is even more important to us. In fact, our mantra is ’49% design, 51% technology’ – and this guides all our processes from start to finish. Responses from architects around the world reaffirms us that this approach resonates with many.
Whenever the design team at Unidrain sets out to develop a new product, certain questions come before anything else: Can we contribute something new to this? Can we solve a problem, or add a feature, or somehow enhance the user’s experience compared to what is already on the market? Only if we feel that we can make a real difference will we go on to develop a given thing. This held true of the linear drains we pioneered 21 years ago – and it still holds true today.
Looking at bathroom accessories, the objects themselves might seem quite banal at first – a shower shelf, a soap dispenser, a wiper – but once you get down to it, all these things usually have some hitch, some small everyday problem: stuff keeps sliding off the shelf, the soap doesn’t actually go in your hand, and the wiper just lies around in the shower, cluttering up the place.
A magnet to keep the wiper in place underneath a shelf.
The inner container has a ring of specially developed tape which makes fitting bin bags much simpler.
Only if we feel that we can make a real difference will we go on to develop a given thing. This held true of the linear drains we pioneered 21 years ago – and it still holds true today.
Those kinds of problems can be resolved through engineering and by rethinking things – hence the choice of ‘Reframe’ as the name of our series of bathroom accessories. Because that is what we try to do: reframing the familiar to create something new and better. Which is why we say ‘51% technology’ – the technical aspects need to be ironed out first. In the aforementioned examples, the solutions included a non-slip surface, a magnet to keep the wiper in place underneath a shelf, and a carefully angled, easily operated dispenser to ensure the soap goes in the user’s hand – not on their shirt.
Once the initial engineering aspects are in place, we go on to consider the aesthetics of the new piece – the ‘49% design’ part. Unidrain obviously has a certain signature style: simple, clean lines that echo the long history of Danish design. Here we ask ourselves: How can we make this a Unidrain product? How can we simplify the lines? How can we highlight the use of quality metals? And how can we make the latest addition to our product line feel like a natural continuation – as if it had been part of the range from the start?
The latter effort is greatly aided by the inherent timelessness of minimalist designs: clean lines stay stylish. Throughout the process, we always bear in mind that simpler is often better. Such credos have been deeply ingrained in the Danish design industry for more than a century now, and we are proud to follow in those footsteps.
How can we simplify the lines? How can we highlight the use of quality metals? And how can we make the latest addition to our product line feel like a natural continuation – as if it had been part of the range from the start?
Using the right materials is key to achieving a sense of quality when handling a given product. Here you see Unidrain HighLine panel in brushed black and copper.
The user experience is, of course, about the look of the given product, but also very much about its feel. That is why much of our engineering aims directly at optimising how our products act when handled. The pedal bin is a great example: it eliminates the oft-seen tendency for lids to bang the wall when operated. And it stays firmly on the floor when the pedal is pushed.
These may seem like obvious things to ask from a bin, but all to often reality disappoints. Which is part of why our pedal bin has won no less than three design awards – read more here. Using the right materials is key to achieving a sense of quality when handling a given product; for our part, we favour metals and very durable plastic to create objects of lasting pleasure.
The pedal bin stays firmly on the floor when the pedal is pushed, and the lid is specifically crafted to prevent it from hitting the wall when opened.
These products are of obvious quality, yet do not overpower the total scheme.
Speaking specifically of the Reframe collection, responses from our customers tell us that interior designers are, unsurprisingly, initially attracted to the simple, understated design. These products are of obvious quality, yet do not overpower the total scheme. There is no hint of ostentation here, just low-key luxury which can be integrated seamlessly in virtually any design scheme that is not averse to a touch of modernity.
Designers also very much appreciate the option to colour co-ordinate their bathroom schemes, keeping all metals in the same colour for a cohesive look. Having said all this, tactility also comes into play. Accessories are one of the points where people actually interact with the interior – and if they feel flimsy, the overall experience can be subtly marred. The Reframe accessories feel obviously well-made, subtly supporting the overall effect of the room.
Moving on to architects and the construction aspects of creating bathrooms, they report a similar attraction to the Unidrain design – but they also particularly point out the safety aspect. Our range of drains have been carefully engineered to make it very easy to create a fully waterproof installation, preventing potential damage. A key concern in ensuring customer satisfaction and avoiding liability.
The Reframe accessories feel obviously well-made, subtly supporting the overall effect of the room.
The Unidrain mantra, ‘49% design, 51% technology’, expresses our core belief that function precedes form. Any given product must solve a pre-existing problem – and solve it well. Following this, we go on to make it as elegantly simple as we can.
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