Burgbad took an important step in this direction with rc40, a modular collection that has been available since 2005. "rc" stands for room concepts, and the rc40 range developed by Bielefeld studio nexus product design is widely regarded as bridging the gap between the bathroom world and the living space. On the face of things merely a cabinet collection with a number of extras, rc40 can in fact be used to equip and zone entire spaces and bathrooms, creating a consistent atmosphere throughout. The collection has certainly got what it takes to break down spatial boundaries: extremely flexible dimensions, wall-high panel systems and a wide range of integrable modules like washstand, bathtub, mirrors and mirror doors, not to mention surfaces that can be given a totally uninterrupted look and come in a wide choice of finishes ranging from wood all the way to coloured lacquer.
Where does the bedroom start, where does the bathroom stop? Is the multimedia wall actually operated from the bathroom or the reading corner? Does this solution still qualify as a walk-in wardrobe, or is it actually a salon with dressing table and washbasin? Who can tell the difference between wall and cabinet or shelf and shower when shelves and wall units with drawers are invisibly integrated into panel walls, cabinets, dressers and consoles, when the mirrors, tall cabinets and pre-wall elements seem to merge seamlessly with one another? Like a box full of building blocks or Lego, rc40 tempts creative planners – be they professionals or amateurs – to use the endless possibilities the furniture collection puts at their disposal to create new spaces that are exactly what they'd been dreaming of. For the luxury of spending time in aesthetically designed surroundings where, to the accompaniment of burbling water, the lucky user can just enjoy and forget everyday life for a moment.
The success of rc40 is convincing evidence that the underlying idea behind the concept was spot on. It is one of burgbad's best-known collections and is held in high esteem by architects, interior designers and bathroom planners. But the new generation of rc40 goes one crucial step further. The furniture collection enters into an alliance with the sanitary technology – not in the sense of an add-on, but in order to create a structural unit consisting of furniture, sanitary equipment and the technology that usually disappears into the walls and floor. In this case, it doesn't disappear – it's just stored away in the cabinet, and doesn't have to come out again until it's time for the next inspection. A bit like last year's clothes.
Anybody who opts for rc40 doesn't need to worry about mortar dust the next time a pipe has to be replaced or added. Easily accessible service hatches make regular maintenance child's play.
The principle behind rc40 is as simple as it is innovative: the furniture is constructed on a steel skeleton and serves as the base, rear wall, superstructure, side wall, console or table for the bathtub, shower, washbasin, wall-mounted toilet – or even just the mirror. These individually configurable units form complete modules that can be positioned anywhere in the room and hooked up to the water supply.