WINNER

Carácter antibacterial tiles, by Marazzi

A particularly timely product, Marazzi’s new Puro antibacterial technology for ceramic surfaces eliminates up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. ‘Carácter’ is the first of three collections by the Italian tile manufacturer created using the innovative technology, a permanent treatment that provides continuous antibacterial protection throughout the life of the product surface, without the need for external activation agents such as UV radiation. Ideal for use in residential as well as commercial and public spaces, the stone-effect ‘Carácter’ tiles are suitable for indoor and outdoor floors and walls. In appealing natural tones, with a minimal or more pebbled appearance, the tiles are made from 40 per cent recycled materials, and come in a range of sizes. They also feature anti-slip technology called StepWise. Sophisticated design meets truly useful innovation in a product that will enhance any home.

marazzitile.co.uk; @marazziceramiche

SHORTLIST

As we are spending more time than ever at home, we seek comfort in the shape of pure sound (that also looks good to the eye), technological innovation to keep us safe and a bit of beauty to accompany our everyday habits – be them hand-washing or pouring the perfect cocktail

Beogram 4000c turntable, by Bang & Olufsen

Pioneering Danish electronics brand Bang & Olufsen has revived its iconic 1970s Beogram 4000c turntable. The first of a new initiative to reimagine classic products, the turntable is a testament to Bang & Olufsen’s capabilities in sound, design and craftsmanship as well as its commitment to product longevity. Having sourced 95 original turntables, the Bang & Olufsen engineers worked their magic in the same facility where the models were first created nearly five decades ago. They disassembled and cleaned the vintage designs, then upgraded some of the components, adding a touch-sensitive control panel and RIAA phono pre-amplifiers so that the turntables could be connected to modern speakers. The appearance too has been refreshed while maintaining the essence of the original model: the aluminium element has been polished in a warmer champagne tone, and the turntable now sports a hand-crafted wooden frame and a new cover.

JS50 and JS30 speakers, by Georg Jensen and Philips

For their second creative collaboration, classic Danish brand Georg Jensen and Dutch electronics powerhouse Philips have released a new collection of beautifully crafted audio products. The range includes a pair of pebble-shaped portable Bluetooth speakers, featuring Georg Jensen’s signature highly polished ‘slate blue’ steel and a luxurious, acoustically transparent blue-grey Kvadrat fabric, as well as wireless Bluetooth headphones and a wireless power bank in dark leather. ‘Collaborating with Philips on this new collection has been an exciting challenge for us - it has guided us to design for technology in new ways, but it also has taught us how many of our iconic expressions can rise to the occasion of new frontiers,’ says Georg Jensen chief creative officer Nicholas Manville.

‘Midnight’ cocktail cabinet, by Armani/Dada

Produced in collaboration by fashion supremo Giorgio Armani and leading Italian furniture brand Molteni&C, the ‘Midnight’ cocktail cabinet goes well beyond the simple drinks trolley: the good-sized bar comes with a sink, practical sliding trays and plenty of storage – including space for an integrated wine cellar. The perfectly functional offering is partially hidden behind a pair of fully retractable Japanese-inspired gilded doors, with vertical walnut rod inserts and champagne satin aluminium details. The unit also features a Rosa Portogallo marble countertop that includes accessories for cocktail making, such as ice-holder and cutting board. An optional LED lighting structure creates a frame for the marble back, which features a wooden shelf with built-in LED lights and golden metal wine glass holders.

‘Aura’ and ‘Astro’ bathroom sinks, by Marco Piva, for Antonio Lupi

Resembling slowly melting ice-cubes, Marco Piva’s free-standing bathroom sinks are made of a smooth eco-sustainable resin, Cristalmood, that is manually poured into moulds. Once the resin has solidified, they are sanded and polished to remove imperfections and add brightness. The Milanese designer has equipped both sinks with LED lighting, available in 13 Cristalmood colours, making them rich in light and reflections. The drain and siphon are hidden from view, giving the designs a sculptural presence. ‘Resistant like stone, transparent like crystal, this resin has allowed Antonio Lupi to develop shapes that would have been unthinkable with any other material,’ explains the company’s art director, Andrea Lupi.

antoniolupi.it; @antoniolupidesign§