Elka Design designs and manufactures marine taps and fittings in San Maurizio d’Opaglio, in the province of Novara, on the western shore of Lake Orta. It is one of the historic centres of the Italian taps and fittings industry, where foundries, turning workshops and polishing workshops have coexisted for generations within a few kilometres of one another.
The company was founded in 2003 by Katia Paracchini. Before setting up Elka, she worked for a traditional taps and fittings manufacturer and spent some time in Africa. The products are designed by Luca Dosso, who oversees every project from the initial design right through to the technical solutions.
The catalogue includes taps, showers, dispensers and bathroom accessories for yachts, sailing boats and motorboats, with a dedicated range for motorhomes and caravans. The main collections are Grayton, Elle, Olas and AISI316. Among the technical products is POP-UP, a retractable shower that is installed flush with the deck and remains protected when not in use.
The materials are selected for the marine environment, where salt, humidity and temperature fluctuations put every component to the test. AISI 316 stainless steel, brass and Anticorodal aluminium – which is lightweight and corrosion-resistant – are used. Carbon fibre is also used, as is gold for the most luxurious finishes.
Much of the work is carried out to order. Elka develops its products in collaboration with shipyards, naval architects and interior designers, tailoring the shapes, finishes and systems to the specific vessel. In some cases, the tap is electronic: the water is mixed by two motors controlled by a control unit, and the control is positioned wherever it is needed on board.
Elka Design exhibits at Metstrade in Amsterdam, the leading international trade fair for marine components, and takes part in the sector’s major trade fairs. Its products are supplied to shipyards worldwide through a network of distributors.
