Presented in Bologna at the latest edition of Cersaie, the Axor Starck Organic collection emphasises low water consumption and a sculptural, organic and minimalist design developed by Philippe Starck working over three years with Axor, the design brand of German manufacturer Hansgrohe. "Philippe Starck was the right person to work with on this project. Thanks to his input, 20 years ago we literally revolutionised the world of the bathroom introducing new ways of thinking about this space," explains the head of the company Philippe Grohe.

In fact the first mixer tap Axor Starck (with its characteristic lever) is still very much an icon. Talking to Starck, the new collection of taps — consisting of 40 items — has been "stripped of the superfluous". A diffuser with 90 small silicone nozzles produces a generous but soft stream of water that resembles that of a shower and consumes 3,5 litres a minute (or 5 litres) as opposed to the standard 7 of single-lever taps. "I began work by approaching the same object from a different perspective, reduced to a minimum," explains Starck.

The separation of the controls for the flow of water and temperature have been among the decisions that have contributed to reducing consumption: the temperature regulator — used more rarely — is situated in the head of the tap while the opening valve and control of the volume of water is placed directly on the spout. This way of conducting the water inside the structure prevents it from being contaminated by particles of lead or nickel. Starck adds, "More than a collection, we have worked on a new revolution between technology and philosophy."