Gessi Incastri: Design and Material in the Collaboration with Kengo Kuma

There is a clear difference between a “beautiful” tap and an object capable of changing the way we perceive space. The Incastri collection by Gessi, developed in collaboration with Kengo Kuma, was created with precisely this ambition: transforming the bathroom environment into a small exercise in everyday architecture.

A project shared with Kengo Kuma

Incastri takes shape from the meeting between Gessi’s research into water design and the vision of Kengo Kuma, a Japanese architect known for a language defined by essentiality, materiality, and harmony between solids and voids. In the official presentation of the collection, Gessi highlights the collaboration with Kuma and the connection with certain codes of Japanese culture.

The result is not designed to “impose” itself: the idea is that each element engages in dialogue with walls, surfaces, and light, becoming part of the bathroom’s architectural scenography.

The concept of interlocking: when technique becomes language

The very name of the collection is a declaration of intent. Incastri is built around a system of tubular elements fitted together, creating a visual balance based on light proportions and precise connections.

This design language recalls Chidori, a tradition of wooden joinery without nails or screws, reinterpreted as a contemporary design principle.

From gesture to meaning: a reference to the Chōzu ritual

Incastri does not simply reference construction techniques: it also brings into the bathroom a cultural reference linked to water. The collection is inspired by Chōzu, the purification ritual that involves washing one’s hands with water before entering Japanese shrines, as a gesture of respect.

This reference reinforces a key idea: water is not just function, but becomes experience—a brief, repeated, yet meaningful moment.

Surfaces to see (and to “feel”): vertical texture and chiaroscuro

A distinctive feature of the collection is its work on surfaces. Gessi describes a vertical texture applied to the body and handles, designed to enhance depth and tactility, highlighting the contrast between smooth and engraved parts and creating a play of light and shadow.

It is a detail that changes the perception of the object: not only “form”, but also grip, reflection, and materiality.

Yakisugi-inspired washbasins: materiality, three-dimensionality, “still” water

Alongside the tapware, Incastri extends its aesthetic language to washbasins with a finish inspired by Yakisugi, a traditional technique linked to the charring of wood that increases its resistance and alters its texture. In the official narrative, Gessi speaks of Yakisugi-inspired surfaces created using an innovative resin-based material, reproducing the effect of charred wood and delivering a tactile contrast between rough and smooth areas.

The same presentation by Gessi links these washbasins to “volumes of still water”, emphasizing the idea of calm and regeneration.

A collection that creates continuity within the bathroom project

One of the most interesting aspects of Incastri is that it does not stop at a single product. The collection includes solutions covering the washbasin area and the bath and shower area, as well as components and accessories that allow for a coordinated look.

Gessi also highlights the presence of a selection of handles (for doors, cabinets, and showers) designed to provide visual continuity throughout the entire space.

In addition, some configurations are offered in variants that include a visually “suspended” effect, made possible by engineering choices and the reduction of the volume of functional components.

Finishes: how to choose the right atmosphere

A practical tip, when working with engraved surfaces and textures, is to choose the finish also based on:

• the amount of natural light (chiaroscuro effects can vary significantly)
• surrounding materials (stone, wood, resins, cement, ceramics)
• the project’s objective: bold contrast or tonal continuity

If you are creating a warm and contemporary project, it may also be worth considering the latest additions to the palette: among Gessi’s finishes is Coffee Bronze Brushed.

Do you need help choosing?

If you would like expert, personalized advice, we are here to help.

Contact us for a quote: we will guide you in selecting the configuration that best suits your bathroom and provide you with all the technical information you need.

Conclusion: why Incastri is a “project-oriented” collection

Incastri expresses a vision of the bathroom that goes beyond the sum of sanitaryware and tapware: it is a coherent system, with explicit references to Chidori, Chōzu, and Yakisugi, and a strong focus on essential geometries and sensory surfaces.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Gessi Incastri

What is Gessi Incastri?

It is a bathroom collection by Gessi, developed in collaboration with architect Kengo Kuma, inspired by the concept of “interlocking” and the Chidori technique.

Who is Kengo Kuma?

He is a world-renowned Japanese architect, known for a design language focused on materiality, light, and modularity.

What does the Chidori technique mean?

It is a traditional Japanese modular interlocking system that joins elements without the use of nails or screws.

What are Yakisugi-inspired washbasins?

They are washbasins that reinterpret the aesthetics and texture inspired by the Yakisugi technique (linked to wood charring), using innovative technical materials.

What is the Coffee Bronze Brushed finish?

It is a finish presented among the latest additions to the Gessi palette, featuring a warm and sophisticated tone.

Are wall-mounted solutions available?

Yes, the collection includes wall-mounted configurations designed for a minimal result and a more “suspended” visual effect.