The TiconaMat is large, slim and reminiscent of a three-way loudspeaker system from Bang & Olufsen. But no music emanates from its elegant housing. Instead, if you hear anything at all it is the quiet swish of water. This is because the TiconaMat is a washing machine, developed by the designer, Olaf Barski, and Ticona, the plastics specialist. The prototype can quickly and easily wash up to three laundry loads at the same time on different wash cycles. It therefore fulfills the dream of many people to spend less time on housework.

The TiconaMat is aimed primarily at singles households where time is at a premium. "It is the industry's job today to take account of sociocultural and technological changes," explained Barski. "Ticona here is fulfilling a forward-thinking function in the market." At the K 2004 trade fair, the plastics manufacturer will exhibit a model of the washing machine, which offers numerous advantages. For example, even small laundry loads of different-quality textiles will pose no problem in future. With three separate drums mounted one above the other, the TiconaMat will wash up to three different laundry loads at the same time.

Each drum holds 3.5 kg. So in 1½ hours more than 10 kg could be washed with minimum effort. The TiconaMat also offers increased user-friendliness before and after washing. The removable, high-tech plastic drums make it easy to load, carry and store the laundry.

Pleasing to the eye

The TiconaMat combines functionality and stylish design in a unique way that breaks new ground for domestic appliance manufacturers and the plastics industry. The concept washing machine is not only a practical blessing in the home but an attractive design object in its own right. The interior workings of the washing machine are also innovative. Bars on the outside wall of the drum transport water upwards as the drum turns. As a result the laundry stays in the water longer and is washed in an especially gentle way. At the same time, the washing machine benefits the environment and your purse, since water consumption is pleasingly low. All in all, the TiconaMat is a forward-looking solution and not just for singles households.