Inspired by Minimalism – The Axia Collection by Phoenix Tapware
Utterly minimalist, Axia, the new collection from Phoenix Tapware, distils each piece down to the most essential qualities of form, line and materiality, achieving an unparalleled level of simplicity and precision in design and execution.
Two years in the making, Axia represents a premium tapware collection whose pieces are statement design objects in their own right. At first glance, the mixers and outlets are striking – a series of cylinders, lines and planes assembled in a manner that pushes each product beyond the realm of the expected and into new territory.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the collection is the ultra-thin outlet, which is more akin to a single sheet of steel than to a traditional spout. The designers were driven by a desire to craft a product that exemplifies contemporary minimalism by stripping each element back to its most essential form, achieving a level of simplicity needing no adornment. Phoenix Tapware Senior Designer, Ban Liu, says that this exceptionally thin outlet was one of the most complex design features of the collection to execute. He explains that “our challenge was how to achieve a 6.5mm high, super lean outlet through a one-piece casting. This results in a strong signature of machined in detail with a precision control aesthetic.”
Two years in the making, Axia represents a premium tapware collection whose pieces are statement design objects in their own right.
Where the outlet defined is by its thin, flat profile, the Wall Tap Assemblies and the Wall / Shower Mixer are both similarly minimalist. As circular discs, the absence of a lever creates a product that is pared back to its most requisite geometry. Yet this refined, elegant formulation belies the highly sophisticated level of functionality that lies behind the simplicity of the design. The Axia Wall Mixers incorporate the innovation of progressive cartridges and the handle design is unique, consisting of a rotating outer dial with a fixed central indicator face. The curve of the handle profile, meanwhile, is ergonomic, reflecting in its shape both the natural curve of the hand and the motion of rotation by which it is operated.
Of the six products in the Axia collection, the Wall Basin / Bath Mixer Set is the highlight and the design that best exemplifies the overall intent and innovation of the collection. Unlike a typical mixer set, the mixer dial is set diagonally, rather than horizontally, from the outlet to create a strong line that is both streamlined and eye-catching. Inspired by the elegance with which a single sheet of metal folds and bends, the Axia Wall Basin / Bath Mixer Set expresses a unity of materiality, function and aesthetic. Available in chrome, matte black and brushed nickel, the collection’s three finish options are designed to complement the contemporary minimalist bathroom.
“Our challenge was how to achieve a 6.5mm high, super lean outlet through a one-piece casting. This results in a strong signature of machined in detail with a precision control aesthetic.”
With the new Axia collection, Phoenix Tapware continues to demonstrate why the brand has earned its reputation for innovation and excellence within Australia’s plumbing industry. Axia’s combination of minimalist design and highly sophisticated functionality represents a powerful confluence of qualities – one that has already seen the collection heralded with multiple design awards.
