20 Years of Timeless Design and Water-Conscious Innovation: Minosa’s Iconic Corian Washbasins

At Studio Minosa, innovation and responsibility have always been at the core of our design philosophy. Two decades ago, when Australia was facing a severe water crisis, we set out to create more than just beautiful washbasins—we wanted to rethink how design could influence water consumption. The result was our range of ScoopED, Scoop, Puddle, and Ovo washbasins—crafted from Corian to be both visually stunning and environmentally conscious. Today, these designs are still selling, proving that forward-thinking design stands the test of time.

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ScoopED & Scoop: Seamless Simplicity with a Purpose

The ScoopED and Scoop washbasins were designed not just for their aesthetic appeal, but also with a focus on water efficiency. At the time of their creation, most tapware for washbasins in Australia operated at a flow rate of 20 litres per minute. To encourage consumers to rethink their water usage, we designed these basins to be shallower than those on the market, subtly influencing behaviour by making users more conscious of water consumption.

We also worked closely with manufacturers to reduce the flow of water over these basins to just 6 litres per minute, a significant innovation at the time. This approach not only minimised splashing but also contributed to water savings—a pressing issue in the midst of Australia's water crisis.

Fast forward 20 years, and the Australian government has since introduced the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme, which mandates that tapware for hand basins must operate between 4 and 6 litres per minute. We’re proud to have been ahead of our time, championing these water-saving practices long before they became the industry standard.

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Puddle: Playful, Minimal, and Perfect for Powder Rooms

The Puddle washbasin was specifically designed for powder rooms, where water retention is not required. Inspired by the natural form of a puddle after the rain, this basin allows for a small amount of water for essential use, without the need for deep water retention. Its free-form shape and playful design create an easy, minimalistic look, making it perfect for smaller spaces where functionality and style must coexist seamlessly. Like the rest of the range, Puddle was also created with water efficiency in mind, encouraging users to be mindful of their water consumption.

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Ovo: Curvaceous, Elegant, and Ideal for Everyday Bathing

The Ovo washbasin—named after the Italian word for 'egg'—was created as a deeper and more curvaceous offering in our range. With its fluid, curved form and sharp edge detail, Ovo exhibits a beautiful contradiction, combining softness with precision. This refined bowl, paired with a flip waste design, is engineered to capture and retain water, making Ovo an ideal choice for everyday bathing. Its elegant, sculptural presence not only adds sophistication to any bathroom but also meets the practical demands of modern living.

The deeper design allows for more versatility, while the balance of curves and edges makes Ovo a true statement piece that resonates with our commitment to form and function. It stands as a testament to the idea that beautiful, thoughtful design is timeless, even as it continues to fulfil essential day-to-day needs.

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Key Features of the Range:

- Water-saving fixture: Designed to operate efficiently at low water flow rates, reducing consumption without sacrificing performance.

- Easy to clean: Non-porous surfaces make cleaning a breeze, reducing the need for harsh chemicals.

- Durable material made by DuPont®: Corian is renowned for its strength and longevity, ensuring these basins will last for years to come.

- Stain & mildew resistant: The non-porous nature of Corian ensures it remains free from unsightly stains and mildew, maintaining its fresh appearance.

- Renewable: The material can be easily repaired and refinished, extending its lifespan and sustainability.

- Wall or bench mount: Versatile installation options make these basins suitable for a range of bathroom designs.

- Proudly Australian designed and manufactured: These basins are the product of Australian ingenuity and craftsmanship, reflecting our local expertise and commitment to quality.

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Two Decades of Enduring Appeal

What’s remarkable about these washbasins is not just their ongoing popularity, but how they reflect our commitment to both form and function. The ScoopED, Scoop, Puddle, and Ovo models stand as testaments to timeless design and forward-thinking environmental responsibility.

When we designed these basins 20 years ago, we understood that design has the power to influence behaviour. By creating shallower basins and reducing water flow, we encouraged more conscious water usage. Today, we see these efforts reflected in government regulations like WELS, which set the standard for water efficiency across Australia. We’re proud to have played a part in driving this change long before it became a regulatory requirement.

What rings true now, two decades later, is that good, thoughtful design lasts the test of time. Many of the clients who purchased these basins 10, 15, and even 20 years ago are now returning to us as they build their new dream homes, choosing to reinvest in the very same products. These basins not only look great but are also incredibly functional, making them a pleasure to live with day to day.

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Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, Studio Minosa remains dedicated to creating beautiful, functional designs that make a positive impact. The journey that began with our Corian washbasins continues, as we explore new ways to balance aesthetics, sustainability, and innovation.

Our commitment to water conservation and thoughtful design is as strong today as it was 20 years ago, and we look forward to continuing to create solutions that stand the test of time—both in terms of style and environmental responsibility.

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