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.
New materials also mean new textures, with Bette’s Ornament bath and BetteLux Oval Freestanding bath boasting experiments in surface character. The latter’s fabric exterior turned inquisitive heads and highlighted the steps away from convention that bathroom designers are taking, as manufacturing processes quickly evolve. This departure from classic bathroom forms and shapes could be seen as a direct consequence of this material revolution, with designers creating new conventions through the development of more adaptable ceramics. However it is not just the materials that have evolved, but also the industry’s scientific, technological dimension.
Toto’s Flotation tub – a research-driven release that draws influence from flotation therapy – exhibited the leaps and bounds that the science behind bathroom design has taken, whilst Grohe’s Aquasymphony rebranded the shower space as a wellness zone, complete with adjustable coloured lighting, spray settings and integrated Grohe Spa mobile application. Likewise, Dornbracht’s Michael Neumayr-designed Aquamoon, part of the wider Lifespa concept, incorporates water-control technology to create a range of different mood-specific flow modes, matching these with suitable levels and shades of ambient lighting. Seeking to stimulate guest senses through texture, aesthetic and shape, as well as expanding on the psychological side of the bathroom experience, this new slate of products juxtaposes popular, traditional ideas with forward-thinking sensibilities, wrapping the technology of the future in aesthetics of the past.
KOHLER
Real Rain
Following extensive research, Kohler has launched a shower panel that delivers natural rainfall. A sleek, oversized 19” x 19” panel holds 775 nozzles, from which drops fall in varying sizes and ordered randomness. Further, the Deluge setting lets a flood of water rush down, reminiscent of a sudden burst of heavy rain. www.kohler.com
WATERWORKS
Flyte
Waterworks has launched a number of new styles underneath the Waterworks Studio brand, including Flyte. Clear lines and simple geometric shapes define the collection, enhancing the fluid proportions. Like minimalist works of art, the light, modern elements act as a perfect accent to freestanding bathtubs. www.waterworks.com
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
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