Countertop washbasin VOLTA

wall-hungfloor-standingceramic

Product overview
Designer Yves Behar has created VOLTA, a washbasin in Saphirkeramik that reinterprets how water behaves in the bathroom. The design questions the conventional basin geometry to produce a controlled circular water movement and a shallow ramp pool for washing.

Designer
Yves Behar — "Water really is a magical element for me. I want to show the magic of water with my design."

Inspired by water
VOLTA reproduces the poetic dynamics of water found in nature. The bowl's vortex geometry simulates varying flow speeds and guides the water in a circular motion before it drains, creating a distinctive visual and tactile experience.

Reinvented bowl
The vortex-shaped bowl and ramp architecture set the water in motion and direct flow in a controlled way. This approach radically rethinks the traditional washbasin bowl to generate the intended circulation and shallow washing pool.

Reduced water use
VOLTA's ramp design enables a shallow pool to form when the waste is closed, reducing water consumption for washing and shaving. The circular flow also helps to rinse the ceramic surface, reducing cleaning frequency.

Sustainability & production
VOLTA reflects LAUFEN's commitment to lower CO2 emissions in manufacturing. It is fired in the world's first electric tunnel kiln (e-kiln) at the Gmunden factory, supporting CO2-free production. Over 3,000 ceramic products made in Gmunden, including VOLTA, are Cradle to Cradle Certified® (Bronze level, recognised in 2025).

Brochure
The VOLTA brochure provides further information on the design, Yves Behar and the sustainable technologies used in production.

Available variants / representative product items

• Small washbasin, undersurface ground, spiral water flow, incl. flat trap open/close — Article-No.: H8178710001061 — Size: 405 x 455 x 125 — Finishes: White (main), White LCC, Black matt, White matt — Status on site: Coming Soon (collection tag).
• Small washbasin, spiral water flow, incl. flat trap open/close and ceramic waste cover — Article-No.: H8158710001061 — Size: 405 x 455 x 125 — Finishes: White, White LCC, Black matt, White matt.
• Washbasin bowl, round, spiral water flow, incl. flat trap open/close and ceramic waste cover — Article-No.: H8128700001091 — Size: 405 x 380 x 125 — Finishes: White, White LCC, Black matt, White matt.
• Floorstanding washbasin, round, spiral water flow, incl. flat trap always open and ceramic waste cover — Article-No.: H8118700001121 — Size: 380 x 400 x 900 — Finishes: White, White LCC, Black matt, White matt.

Finishes / surface options

• White
• White LCC (LAUFEN Clean Coat)
• Black matt
• White matt

Technical specifications

• Commercial name: VOLTA
• Designer: Yves Behar
• Material: Saphirkeramik (high-performance ceramic)
• Form / function: Vortex bowl geometry creating circular water motion; ramp design forming a shallow pool when waste closed
• Water-saving features: Reduced consumption via ramp pool; circular flow aids self-cleaning of ceramic surface
• Production: Fired in an electric tunnel kiln (e-kiln) enabling CO2-free production at the Gmunden factory
• Certification: Cradle to Cradle Certified® Bronze level (applies to Gmunden-manufactured ceramic products, including VOLTA)
• Representative product dimensions (examples): 405 x 455 x 125 mm; 405 x 380 x 125 mm; 380 x 400 x 900 mm
• Representative article numbers / SKUs: H8178710001061, H8178714001061, H8178717161061, H8178717571061; H8158710001061; H8128700001091; H8118700001121
• Typical product types shown: wall-hung washbasins, washbasin bowls, freestanding (floorstanding) washbasins
• Maintenance: Ceramic self-cleaning aided by circular water flow; reduced cleaning frequency