Dezeen promotion: Danish brand Vola is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its minimalist spouts, which were originally made in collaboration with renowned architect and designer Arne Jacobsen.

The architect designed the first 111 tap for the National Bank of Denmark after being approached by Vola's founder Verner Overgaard in 1968.

Overgaard discussed with Arne Jacobsen an idea for a modern, pared-back style of wall-mounted tap.

"He [Overgaard] imagined a design where all the mechanical parts of the mixer are hidden leaving only the handles and spout exposed, for the time a completely new concept," said Vola.

Jacobsen, who was known for overseeing every element of a project including its furnishings and fixtures, collaborated with Vola to design and realise the modern tap.

"Arne Jacobsen’s goal was totality. As an architect, he wanted to have a holistic overview of a project and nothing was to be left to chance. Thus he was enthused to design all the details of his buildings," said Vola.

Still available for purchase today, 50 years on the 111 spout comes in a host of colours and metallic finishes including bright yellow, gold-hued brass and matt black.

The tap is also modular, meaning it can be installed in a variety of configurations to suit the user's design.

"This flexibility leads to great longevity, with products that were used in schemes in the 1960s still being specified today," said the brand.

"This commitment to simple, beautiful and modular design is the foundation of Vola's success to date and will also pave the way for an innovative future, as people increasingly seek out quality and personalisation," continued Vola.

Vola is produced in Horsens, Denmark, where each of its taps are built to order before being tested by hand.

To find out more about Arne Jacobsen’s collaboration with VOLA, visit their website or Hall 22 stand D28 at Salone del Mobile furniture fair in Milan.