FORMATION 02, A TOILET FROM KOHLER X SR_A SERIES DESIGNED BY SAMUEL ROSS THAT WAS INSPIRED BY BRUTALIST ARCHITECTURE
TEXT: MONGKON PONGANUTREE
PHOTO COURTESY OF KOHLER CO.
(For Thai, press here)
Kohler has now fully unveiled its next installment, Formation 02 at the recent Milan Fair. This release follows the debut of Formation 01 a new faucet series launched late last year. Formation 02 was accompanied by an art installation titled Terminal 02. These developments were part of a collaboration with SR_A, a British studio led by Samuel Ross. The Kohler X SR_A collaboration has been hailed as a groundbreaking venture aimed at revolutionizing the sanitary ware experience. It showcases Samuel Ross’s avant-garde artistic vision while also paying tribute to Kohler’s 150-year legacy of innovation and craftsmanship.
Kohler x SR_A FuoriSalone Terminal 02 Installation
Dubbed Formation 02, this limited-edition smart toilet showcases a bold, sculptural design inspired by the principles of brutalist architecture. Echoing the heritage of the brand, its vivid orange exterior pays homage to the iconic Tiger Lily shade from Kohler’s 1967-bathroom collection. While the exterior is fashioned from a sturdy composite resin, the interior retains a ceramic composition. Catering to contemporary needs, the unit is equipped with an array of intelligent features including touchscreen controls and a seat warming system. Formation 02 is priced at approximately $25,000, converting to around 1,000,000 Thai Baht per unit.
Undoubtedly, that’s the kind of price mark that has everyone’s eyebrows raised. Along with its distinctive aesthetic, Formation 02 has ignited discussions and critiques on social media regarding the toilet’s form, materials, color, comfort, technology, and notably, its steep price tag. Such vigorous dialogue not only reflects the considerable interest in this project but also emphasizes that this venture extends beyond merely marketing a new toilet model. It’s about redefining Kohler’s identity, positioning the brand as an enduring innovator with a forward-looking vision, rather than just a manufacturer of sanitary ware. Even after 150 years, Kohler persists in embracing and exploring fresh ideas, with a particular focus on the visionary designers it collaborates with.
Samuel Ross
Who is Samuel Ross? Currently making waves in the design industry, Ross is a promising English designer receiving significant support and recognition. At the age of 32, he has already amassed considerable experience working alongside the late, celebrated African American architect and designer Virgil Abloh. Ross has undertaken major projects for numerous prominent brands before establishing his own studio, SR_A, and launching his fashion label, A-COLD-WALL. His studio’s ethos, described as “social architecture for the body,” draws heavily on Brutalist and Deconstructivist influences. Ross is currently working on numerous important projects and is poised to soon ascend to global designer status, highlighted by his recent appointment as the artistic director for the 2025 London Design Biennale.
With Kohler’s venerable stature as a preeminent brand and Samuel Ross’s emerging, vibrant design sensibility, the Kohler X SR_A collaboration transpires as a particularly compelling union. The initiative has garnered mixed reviews: positive comments commend the seamless integration of Ross’s avant-garde aesthetic with Kohler’s renowned craftsmanship and functional expertise, while negative responses critique the deviation from conventional designs and question practical usability. At the end of the day, the reception of this collaboration varies, understandably hinging on individual preferences and expectations. Nonetheless, from a branding and marketing standpoint, this collaboration seems to be a win-win for everyone involved.