Starck contrast: The new taps that save water

The Axor Starck Organic taps take their shape from tree branches, and give back to nature by using only half the amount of water used by most taps – 3.5 litres per minute compared with an average of 7 litres per minute.

But users cannot tell they are using less water because the taps contain 90 separate water outlets, each releasing a tiny stream that together make a strong water flow. The intuitive mechanism to turn on the tap is at the bottom, which means less water is wasted because your hand reaches the water faster.

The packaging and branding for the taps combine emoticon-style images of a head and a heart in an equation symbolising intellect and empathy coming together to save the planet. The idea is made explicit with the tagline Follow your Head and your Heart.

For more on projects concerned with sustainability, read our 1.618 Sustainable Luxury conference report.