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Two Sydney-based designers were recognised at the 2015 Bathroom Innovation Awards (BIA) for their innovative approach to tapware design.

Selected by a panel of eight judges, the winners of the 2015 Bathroom Innovation Awards included industrial designer Michael Wilds, and University of New South Wales industrial design student, Bryce Beard.

This year’s BIA bathroom design challenge called on professional and student designers to create an innovative tapware concept for the contemporary bathroom environment. The two winning entries were announced at a special ceremony during Sydney Indesign on 15 August 2015, along with a showcase of this year’s BIA Finalist entries.

The judges chose the two winning tapware designs for their innovative approach to water use and unique aesthetic that incorporated technologically advanced features while also addressing modern lifestyle habits.

Michael Wilds won in the professional category, receiving a $10,000 cash reward and the opportunity to have his tap design prototyped by Italy’s largest tapware manufacturer, Nobilli. His winning design, Incline combines sustainable water use features and a refined sculptural form to create a functional tap.

Featuring a space-saving minimalist design, the tap has a timed tap function and visual countdown element that allow the user to monitor their water use through time. The tap’s striking design attracted the judges’ attention for its sculptural simplicity and architectural form.

UNSW fourth-year industrial design student, Bryce Beard won in the student category for his tap design, Totus. Bryce received a $5,000 cash prize and a two-week internship with the design team of world-leading bathroomware manufacturer, Roca in Barcelona, Spain.

Bryce’s winning design combines the function of adjusting water temperature and flow in a single conceptual mixer design. A special LED light feature provides a visual gauge for the user, with its changing colour intensity representing different temperature levels.

Now in its tenth year, the BIA encourage and celebrate innovative bathroom design by providing a platform for entrants to share their talent and gain local and international exposure.

According to Reece Bathroom Business Manager Daniela Santilli, tapware represents innovation in function and usability as well as aesthetic and form. She adds that there is great opportunity to influence sustainable living habits through intelligent tapware design.

The 2015 BIA award winners were selected by a panel of nationally and internationally renowned judges including Amanda Stanaway, James Harper, Justin Wagemakers, Josep Congost, Shaynna Blaze, Roberto Palomba, Lorenzo Logi and Daniel Dalla Riva.