On the occasion of the 2013 edition of Bologna Water Design, Lea Ceramiche presents “Elephountain”, a Cibicworkshop design, in collaboration with Luceplan.
Against the striking backdrop of the Ex Ospedale dei Bastardini of Bologna, the installation interprets the theme of water in a joyful and poetic manner.
The sculpture, represented by a large fountain cleverly illuminated by Luceplan, consists of a large tank and a central wall on which ten elephant heads are fixed, through which water flows out. Made of ceramic, the plastic shapes of the animals recall the ancient tradition where the water source was expressed through the depiction of wild animals. Water and ceramic, two closely connected elements: the mixture of clay, sand and natural substances gives rise to the porcelain stoneware thanks to the precise mixing with water.
The central structure that receives the ceramic shapes is entirely covered with Slimtech, the latest in ceramic materials. The large slabs, only 3.5mm thick and characterized by oversized formats up to a maximum of 3 m x 1 m, in the milk shade version, cover the tank providing a cement effect.
Slimtech in the Lealab version is visible on both sides of the vertical block: a lightweight design is imprinted using the innovative Lea digital printing technique on laminated porcelain, with the delicate patterns lending movement to the surface to create a three-dimensional effect.
Slimtech in the Lealab version is the new Lea Ceramiche project, a mix of technologies that makes it possible to print any kind of image. The laminated porcelain slab becomes the support on which any photo can be imprinted, the bright colours as well as the colour shades remain unchanged, with truly amazing end results. Lealab offers the possibility of all kinds of customization, even in minimum quantities, in residential constructions as well as in architecture, a real “made-to-measure service”.
The e06 spotlights by Luceplan accent the fountain and panels with a few touches of warm light, to underscore and enhance the qualities of the materials in an almost theatrical atmosphere.
The Elephountain installation shows the multiple applications of ultra-thin slab. Easily adaptable for covering any surface as a traditional floor and wall tiles, as well as for a non-conventional use of ceramic material, Slimtech can be used for fountains and swimming pools like in the installation for the Bologna Water Design, creating decorative effects with strong visual impact.
