The bathroom of tomorrow, today Part 3

Considering both the past and future of bathroom design, a slate of new releases explore notions of shape, heritage and the user experience. The bathroom of tomorrow, today

At the forefront of the bathroom sector, ISH provides a platform from which designers showcase the trends, ideas and styles set to guide the year ahead. Across 2,400 stands within Messe Frankfurt’s expansive halls, the latest technological, aesthetic and cultural shifts in bathroom design can be observed. An increased focus on global sustainability, for example, saw the 2017 show introduce a wealth of new efficiency and waste reduction solutions, whilst the changing demands of the hospitality market contributed to the production of new materials and functions, as well as the proliferation of both cutting-edge and resurgent design styles. Featuring leading global suppliers alongside emerging names and rising talent, the fair offers an essential insight into the minds of designers across all levels of the industry, and an indicator of what to expect from bathrooms in new projects worldwide.

This year, a slate of new fixture, amenity, water system and accessory releases highlighted the revitalisation and reintroduction of historical design elements to the market. Combining graphic lines and a simple spout with natural curves, THG’s Dean collection recalls a striking industrial spirit, whilst Graff’s Finezza faucet channels retrochic through its elegant profile and an uninterrupted cast that runs from tap to base. Likewise, the Meccanica and Cesello members of Gessi’s 316 collection reference the industrial aesthetic with their vivid texture options, and Lefroy Brooks’ Ten Ten tap reinterprets machine-age forms through a contemporary lens. The colours on show reinforced this historical influence, with an abundance of bronze, brass, copper and gold prominent throughout. A step away from traditionally popular pure white and porcelain shades, these finishes allow for moodier environments and expressively dark interior schemes. However, for all the heritage influences that shone through, the evolution of brand-unique materials and manufacturing solutions emerged as an alternative, more forward-thinking trend.

Laufen’s SaphirKeramik, first launched in 2013, has now developed into a material employed by designers including Patricia Urquiola for the distinctive Sonar washbasin, whilst Villeroy & Boch’s Patrick Frey-designed Finion collection utilises the brand’s own TitanCeram, a versatile fusion of feldspar, quartz, clay and titanium dioxide. Elsewhere, Kaldewei’s Steel Enamel took centre stage at a stand dedicated to ‘iconic solutions’ with the launch of the Minea washbasin, a minimalist and seamless fixture made possible by the single-layer material. With these surfaces allowing for experiments in shape and profile, several new silhouettes emerged. The thin washbasin rim – a defining feature of both Duravit’s Cecilie Manz-designed Luv range and Vitra’s Outline collection – proved a popular design choice, whilst Victoria & Albert’s Eldon bath, the product of a collaboration with Conran + Partners, combined the London-based firm’s knowledge of contemporary interior demands with the shift towards slimmer, more compact pieces.

DORNBRACHT

Vaia

Vaia has been designed to create an expressive effect using soft, balanced silhouettes in a contemporary style. The concept is based on international architecture and design, exploring the transitional style trend for an elegant and progressive result. www.dornbracht.com

LEFROY BROOKS

Taunton Ten Ten

The Ten Ten range of industrial taps, showers and accessories is now available in a Taunton finish. The beaten brass look complements the functional aesthetic, and is left un-lacquered allowing it to age . Handheld elements will eventually be brought back to natural brass, while untouched areas will darken with time. www.lefroybrooks.com

ALISEO

Cubik Limited

Clean defined lines, new materials and lighting methodologies define Aliseo’s latest launch. Cubik Limited features a bold physique, complemented by handcrafted frosted acrylic panels that integrate effortlessly into the sculptured brass housing. Meanwhile, the mirrors SMD LED technology allows for greater flexibility as well as optimum aesthetic performance. www.aliseo.de

GROHE

SmartControl

Grohe has launched its SmartControl push button technology complete with concealed unit. The first of its kind to offer on-off and volume control at the push of a button, the newly expanded range allows users to select a spray pattern with ease, while turning the button creates varying flow strengths. www.grohe.co.uk

VOLA

Modular towel warmer

Vola’s latest built-in modular towel warmer features a hidden integrated unit to hold all technical components. Designed by Aarhus Arkitekterne A/S, it is a flexible system of bars that can be combined to fit any design. The concept is available in high polished chrome, brushed chrome and brushed stainless steel. www.vola.com

PERRIN & ROWE

Single Lever Basin Mixer

The latest addition to Perrin & Rowe’s Traditional collection is the Single Lever Basin Mixer. With a restrained design, the mixer features a wide, brass Roman curved spout cast by hand for a premium finish. Available in three standard and four special finishes, the mixer can also be decorated with a black or white porcelain insert. www.perrinandrowe.co.uk

Sources: Sleeper, 9-10, 2017