An excursion into the world of international design
Early May 2008, bathroom manufacturer Duravit acquired a majority interest in MTC. In the same month, the new partners presented themselves for the first time with a joint stand at "Salon International du Bâtiment Carthage’". The partnership is now showing the first signs of success: Duravit Tunisia has opened its own showroom in Bizerte. The new showroom displays a representative cross-section of the broad range of this manufacturer who has made a name for itself at an international level with high-grade design solutions for the bathroom. Managing Director Lassaad Kilani at the official opening in September 2009: "For over 20 years, the Duravit brand has been closely connected with a consistent innovation policy and bold design". Over 40 projects have been realized through cooperation with high-profile designers such as Philippe Starck, Sieger Design, Norman Foster, Phoenix Design or EOOS. Numerous national and international design awards are testimony to Duravit’s performance in terms of product design and designer cooperation. Kilani: "Visitors will therefore experience their visit to the showroom as an excursion through the world of international design".

The bathroom – a modern living space
All in all, the concept illustrates the latest trends from the international bathroom and design world. According to Kilani the bathroom is evolving into a modern living space "where modern people can take refuge from the complex demands of day-to-day life". For this reason, the bathroom manufacturer no longer regards itself simply as a supplier of high-quality design products, but increasingly as a supplier of unique bathroom experiences and wellness bathrooms which create a pleasant and harmonious atmosphere: "the right mix of elegant designer products, select materials, light, colour and diverse functions". Exemplary in this respect are the four completely furnished bathrooms which include a bathtub with whirl functions and light program. Kilani believes that this area offers great growth potential for the future.

Professional target group approach
When designing the new showroom, Duravit did not only focus on the requirements of the end customers, however, but also provides professional training on site for specialist dealers, wholesalers and fitters. Accordingly, a lifting bathtub, sectional models and material overviews have been integrated into the exhibition. Model overviews and specifications are also available to support architects and planners in a "complex subject such as the bathroom". With the production of sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture and the Bathtubs & Wellness division, Duravit covers the whole range of bathroom fittings with the result that planning and selection is also a lot easier as the ability to combine the individual items from a design perspective is already guaranteed. Kilani: "In this context, we also profit from the international project management of Duravit. Many international architects are already familiar with the Duravit brand. And this proves to be an advantage, particularly where foreign investors are involved."