Image courtesy of MEX MEX AND DOTS DESIGN STUDIO CREATE THE WATER HEATER INSPIRED BY BATHROOM TILES PATTERN INTEGRATING INTO THE BROADER SCOPE OF INTERIOR DESIGN
TEXT: CHIWIN LAOKETKIT
PHOTO CREDIT AS NOTED
(For Thai, press here)
MEX, a brand notable for its high-performance household and kitchen appliances, has unveiled the CRAVE Series water heater, which challenges conventional design narratives. This latest creation is the fruit of a partnership with DOTS Design Studio, a Thai collective known for its innovative approach to design. The CRAVE Series stands out for its incorporation of bathroom tile motifs with dynamic three-dimensional curvatures, effortlessly integrating into the broader scope of interior design. This design prowess has not gone unnoticed, earning accolades such as the iF Design Award 2024 and the Design Excellence Award 2024 (DEmark).
Krit Phutpim | Photo: Worapas Dusadeewijai
The creative journey began with Krit Phutpim of DOTS Design Studio, who envisioned the water heater as something beyond a mere rectangular appliance affixed to a wall. He embarked on a quest to embed meaningful interior architectural elements, drawing inspiration from an omnipresent yet often overlooked material: bathroom tiles. Despite their varied textures and hues, these tiles epitomize durability in interior design—a quality Krit leveraged to redefine both the aesthetic and functional merits of water heaters.
Photo courtesy of MEX
Image courtesy of MEX
“Tiles are typically used to adorned parts of the bathroom, but imagine a water heater that also plays a decorative role, speaking a design language that resonates with the space,” Krit explained, underlining the potential for product designs that seamlessly integrate with interior aesthetics. He posited that utilizing high-quality, durable materials in water heaters not only meets functional demands but also ensures that design integrity can be preserved for 5 to 10 years. This approach, Krit suggested, could foster sustainability that aligns with contemporary global standards.
Wanchai Suansilpong, Director of Business Development at Pen K Intertrading Co., Ltd. | Photo: Worapas Dusadeewijai
Wanchai Suansilpong, Director of Business Development at Pen K Intertrading Co., Ltd., the producer of MEX water heaters, shared with art4d magazine the genesis of the MEX CRAVE Series project. This initiative represents an advancement in product development, restructuring new technological frameworks and digital systems. Subjected to rigorous testing in line with TÜV SÜD’s safety protocols—a certification authority of global repute—the product’s verification by such a notable external entity not only boosts brand prestige but also raises safety benchmarks, augmenting its trustworthiness.
Photo courtesy of MEX
“MEX has cultivated a diverse portfolio of water heaters, recognizing that the market predominantly values rapid heating capabilities. Historically, these models have grappled with challenges in maintaining consistent temperatures. In response, MEX has innovated a new software solution that optimizes water circulation within the heating system, achieving a 10% improvement in heating efficiency. Additionally, the operation of our devices has been augmented by a digital system extensively tested against international safety and usability standards. This system has undergone over a year of exhaustive testing by actual users. Such thorough evaluations underpin our confidence in the MEX CRAVE Series water heaters, ensuring an efficient and reliable warm shower experience for our customers.
Image courtesy of MEX
“Incorporating designers like DOTS Design Studio into our development process has also addressed a variety of practical issues. For instance, we have moved away from conventional display of illuminating symbols; instead, our heaters now emit a subtle light from the side when activated, clearly signaling their operation. The sleek, modern design of our heaters, characterized by a tile-like glossy surface and the use of high-grade materials, not only mirrors the aesthetic essence of contemporary bathrooms but also contributes to the longevity of the appliances. This design approach reduces the need for frequent replacements, thereby fostering environmental sustainability and offering a more sustainable, long-term solution for our consumers.”
Photo: Worapas Dusadeewijai