During the past couple of decades, the role of the bathroom has changed. From high-tech showerheads to futuristic fixtures, Hansgrohe as helped revolutionise the space in ways many people probably never thought possible. Designers and developers in Vietnam have turned to the bathroom design leader for their cutting-edge technology that is also highly customisable.
“People in Asia view the bathroom much differently now than they did ten years ago. It used to be seen strictly as a place where you got in and got out,” KC Lee, Managing Director at Hansgrohe Singapore, explains. “However, the bathroom has evolved and is now seen as a lifestyle space. It’s become a place for relaxation and rejuvenation and is arguably one of the most important rooms in a house.”
Hansgrohe, along with its high-end AXOR brand, have a wide-range of products that are not only functional, but can inspire bathroom design. AXOR works with world famous designers, such as Philippe Starck and Patricia Urquiola, who have helped bring about this bathroom revolution.
Nowhere is this progress more evident than with the AXOR Starck V mixer that combines organic and sculptural design with easy to use features. According to the company, this glass fixture illustrates the vitality of water in the form of a vortex. Whether or not that’s true is for you to determine, but there is no denying it is impressive to look at every time you turn it on. Of course, consumers want more than stylish bathroom fixtures and this is a demand that the Hansgrohe company is well aware of.
“People want bathroom technology to be intuitive. They also want it to be integrated,” Lee details. “At Hansgrohe, we strive to deliver these to the public. From the iBOX Universal, the first Raindance shower to our latest ‘Select Technology’ increasingly incorporated into a wide range of bathroom and kitchen mixers, consumers can be confident they are getting products that offer the best when it comes to design, innovation and quality.”
Hansgrohe isn’t just saying that either. It has the awards to back it up. This year, the firm is ranked sixth for design competence by the International Forum Design (iF), soaring above similarly-reputable brands like Apple and the BMW Group. In the ranking of more than 2000 companies, Hansgrohe ranks far above other bathroom fittings company and is also the leading German company. Altogether, the company has won more than 500 design awards including the iF Design Award, the Red Dot design award for product design and the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany.
“Hansgrohe is committed to being an innovation and design leader. We’re committed to producing products that are of the highest standard, and we will never soften on these concepts,” Lee points out. “We believe in walking the walk. We invest in research and development to ensure we are constantly improving. We keep the focus on design, innovation and quality.”
Hansgrohe stands out in Vietnam
Emerging markets in Southeast Asia have started to become more in tune with bathroom design trends and have naturally gravitated towards Hansgrohe and AXOR products. And unlike other brands whose styles are fairly one dimensional, the company has no issues adapting to the discerning tastes of the Vietnamese market.
“In Southeast Asia, you see a wide spectrum of design tastes,” Lee says. “For example, in Vietnam, there is a preference for classical designs and you see consumers here gravitate towards styles and colours that aren’t as high coveted in other Southeast Asian countries.”
Hansgrohe, which has a strong presence throughout Southeast Asia, strives to find ways to meet the unique needs of each country. Most of their AXOR products are customisable allowing for clients to find the right colour, finish or size they desire, thanks to the bespoke individualisation service AXOR FinishPlus and AXOR Signature.
“A lot of clients don’t always realise the level of customisation Hansgrohe provides,” Lee notes. “Styles and tastes can vary greatly, but they shouldn’t limit the choices available to a person when designing their bathroom. That’s why nearly all of our products come in multiple styles and finishes.”
“Our showrooms are a place where customers can let their imagination run free. They can see designs in real life, ask questions and get a better understanding of what they want their bathroom to look like,” Lee says.
The company’s reach throughout Southeast Asia is simply another sign of its popularity in the region. There are many reasons both developers and homeowners have come to trust the brand. Hansgrohe and AXOR products can be found in several notable projects in Vietnam, including the JW Marriot hotels in Hanoi & Phu Quoc, the Intercontinental Hotel Danang, The Nassim and Vinpearl Resort and Villas in Phu Quoc.
If you’re looking for the brand in Vietnam, Hafele carries both Hangrohe and Axor products in Vietnam and can be found in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 4. There are also a few home supply shops in Hanoi carrying both brands.
