Dezeen promotion: bathroom brand Roca has developed an innovative, flexible surface material called Surfex, which it has launched with its Modo collection.
Surfex, is a malleable solid surface material formulated from a combination of minerals and resins. Roca has used the material to create a range of basins in shapes and forms that were "unthinkable" until now.
This has enabled the brand to "push the boundaries of traditional design".
To create the basins the Surfex solution is poured into a production mould to create precise curves, straight lines, and angles.
The innovative manufacturing technique means complex shapes and designs can be easily formed without the need for joints or seams.
Any product made from Surfex can be reprocessed or easily repaired once its no longer needed or if it's damaged, making it a "sustainable yet stylish" choice.
The material's versatility also means that bespoke pieces can easily be commissioned to create a piece to suit a variety of interior decors.
Alongside the collection made from Surfex, Roca has launched an array of new finishes to its vitreous china and brassware collections.
The bathroom product manufacturer has updated its Beyond range to include vitreous china finishes in four new colours, including Coffee, Pearl, Beige and Onyx.
These new shades complement the existing options of white and matte white.
"For the past few years, the one area that hasn't seen colour take over is in the bathroom," said Roca. "We may change the walls or update the flooring but we have all got used to having white sanitary-ware with very little other choice."
"However, this is now changing," the brand added. "Colour is becoming increasingly popular within the bathroom, with many turning away from the traditional white sanitary-ware in favour of something bold."
In addition to the latest vitreous china finishes, Roca has developed seven new physical vapor deposition (PVD) coatings for selected brassware ranges, launched under the name Everlux.
These include Titanium Black, Rose Gold and Gold, and will be available on selected Roca ranges such as Insignia, Naia, Carmen and Escuadra.
Benefits of PVD coatings include its durability, making it reliable and resistant to corrosion. The process also generates less residue than other finishes and uses the materials more efficiently.
Roca has also developed new smart features and technologies for the bathroom, including its In-Wash Inspira WC that has in-built technology for high-quality personal hygiene to provide complete cleaning, care and comfort.
"Its soft curves and minimalist design allow In-Wash to adapt perfectly to the interior design of any space, for the ultimate well-being experience," said the company.
The In-Wash Inspira WC boasts an integrated shower nozzle that can be automatically activated to deliver a targeted yet gentle wash for optimum hygiene.
This intelligent nozzle self-cleans before and after each use, filtering all flowing water and enhancing the ease of manual cleaning and disinfection.
It also includes an intuitive remote control to help the user easily understand how the In-Wash functions after just one use.
Roca is also developing furniture that incorporates technology, such as its re-designed Stratum-N wall-hung furniture unit, which provides bluetooth-connected speakers.
Users can connect their phone to the unit to play their favourite music whilst bathing, as sound projects out of hidden speakers around the bathroom.
Founded in 1917 as a company that made cast iron radiators for domestic heating, Roca is now a global brand with presence in more than 170 markets, supplied by its 78 production plants.
More information on the Surfex material, the Beyond and Everlux collections, or the In-Wash Inspira and Stratum-N technology can be found on the brand's website.