Presented at Salone del Mobile 2014 in Milan is this unusual and beautiful new collection of water faucets for the bath or kitchen. A collaboration between Axor and designer Philippe Starck for Hansgrohe, the Axor Starck V collection serves the technical function of a faucet and combines it with the visual experience of watching water form a swirling vortex and "free-fall" into the washbasin. The organic, transparency aesthetically fuses the hardware with its surroundings. The openly designed spout contributes to the natural water experience: before the eyes of the user, the upward, swirling motion of water through the body of the faucet and its elegant pouring into the sink vessel. The Axor Starck V collection includes options in white, chrome or brass. The single lever operated faucets come in tall (high riser), short (regular), Two hole (the lever is separate from the faucet) and with your choice of left or right levers. “The vortex phenomenon has occupied my father Klaus Grohe for several years”, explains Philippe Grohe, Head of Axor. “His intuition that water could visibly be brought to the foreground through the vortex, was the starting point in the development of Axor Starck V. In our long-time friend Philippe Starck, we not only found the perfect design partner to create a shape around the vortex, but also a valuable sparring partner in the developmental process. Ultimately, the realization of the project was not made possible by creativity and determination alone, but by technical know-how and over 100 years of experience in handling water.” The result according to Philippe Starck “is a mixer that represents the absolute minimum: totally transparent, almost invisible, and enclosing a miracle that is the vortex.” True to the Hansgrohe principle of producing highly aesthetic, functional and sustainable bathroom products, Axor Starck V shines with a multitude of innovations that together are certain to define a whole new category of washbasin mixers. For example, the mixer is produced out of the organic material crystal glass, which is sustainable and durable. With a flow rate of 4 l/min, Axor Starck saves water without compromising the user experience. The open, rotatable, and detachable spout offers additional comfort: flexible installation of the mixer body in combination with the washbasin and easy cleaning in the dishwasher. Images of the Axor Starck V in Milan: Company press release from Hansgrohe: Axor and Philippe Starck create a stir at the wash basin The Axor Starck V world exclusive is going to quite literally cause a stir: the basin mixer is transparent, and whenever you turn it on, your attention is inevitably drawn to the fascinating water vortex within it. During the Milan Furniture Fair, Axor will be presenting the mixer to the global public for the very first time, at its Milan Showroom from 7 April. Axor Starck V also tells the story of the family business: the Hansgrohe family's passion for water is reflected in its design concept, which is as artistic as it is functional. “My father Klaus Grohe has long been preoccupied with exploring the vortex phenomenon” --Philippe Grohe “His idea of using the vortex to enable people to experience water was fundamental in the creation of this mixer”, added the Head of the Axor brand. Friendly top designer Philippe Starck, who has already developed four successful bathroom collections in collaboration with Axor, proved to be the ideal partner in creating a product that is both artistic and functional. “Axor Starck V is the result of successfully combining technical know-how with the ultimate in water and product design expertise and decades of experience in bathroom design”, said Philippe Grohe, grandson of company founder Hans Grohe. How can we truly experience the power and beauty of water close-up, in our own bathroom? According to Philippe Starck, Axor Starck V is “a mixer that has been reduced to the absolute minimum: completely transparent, practically invisible, and the source of a natural wonder – the vortex.” The transparent spout, made of organically-shaped crystal glass, makes the water visible and blends in with its surroundings. The beauty and vitality of the vortex combines the functional and emotional aspects of water, making it the central focus. Hansgrohe