ANTONIOLUPI PRESENTS CARSICO WASHBASIN IN MARBLE
Designed for antoniolupi, the CARSICO washbasin in reimagines the traditional freestanding marble fixture by exposing the raw, internal processes of stone-hollowing. Starting from a solid block of botticino marble, designer Paolo Ulian reveals a honeycomb structure, treating the negative space as a primary aesthetic. The result is a sculptural form that achieves a unique lightness while maintaining the solid presence of stone, allowing light and shadow to play through the exposed drill holes. From workshop tradition to the vanguard of contemporary design, antoniolupi’s release by Paolo Ulian transforms the bathroom fixture into a narrative of subtraction and weightlessness through artisanal precision and a conceptual sensitivity.
Explore the CARSICO washbasin and the latest antoniolupi releases at Salone del Mobile from April 21-26, Hall 22, Stand A05-A07.
CARSICO washbasin by Paolo Ulian for antoniolupi | all images courtesy of antoniolupi
REINVENTING THE PROCESS OF STONE-HOLLOWING
The collaboration brings together antoniolupi’s technical foresight and Paolo Ulian’s unconventional, poetic ability to create soulful, intentional forms out of reclaimed materials. Renowned for his enduring exploration of new creative territories, Ulian’s design language is born from prolonged contemplation and tactile experimentation with materials. This refined approach finds resonance with the brand’s long distinguished reputation of resourcefulness, craftsmanship through innovative solutions and a masterful versatility in raw materials. By exploring what is invisible or overlooked, the CARSICO washbasin reflects Paolo Ulian’s core philosophy, which centers on constant care, attention and scrutiny at every stage of the creative process.
ULIAN CARVES HONEYCOMB STRUCTURE THROUGH CORE-DRILLED VOIDS
While marble is traditionally associated with weight and rigidity, the design of the CARSICO washbasin reinterprets the stone as a precious art object that feels simultaneously light and solid. The creation involves a multi-stage crafting process that mirrors the traditional methods used by workshops to lighten heavy objects. The holes are exposed by carving away the surrounding stone, first with a CNC router and then through manual intervention by the craftsman. They reveal their structural and decorative potential, transforming into a complex stone architecture characterized by irregular solids and voids, and a play of light and shadow that enhances their essence.
The drilled holes are the defining feature of this unique piece, created by removing material from around the body to produce a masterpiece of elegance and refinement. Every imperfection, mark and grout line from the manufacturing process has been intentionally preserved, telling the extraordinary story of this washbasin that is as much an object of contemplation as it is of use.
CARSICO is defined by artisanal precision and conceptual sensitivity
marble drilling process sketch
CARSICO sketch
the result is a sculptural form that achieves a unique lightness while maintaining the solid presence of stone
project info:
name: CARSICO
brand: antoniolupi | @antoniolupidesign
designer: Paolo Ulian | @paoloulian
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