The bathroom of tomorrow, today

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.

BETTE 

BetteLoft Ornament 

Combining the versatility and strength of Bette’s signature titanium steel surface with experimental design, this collection’s geometric exterior accentuates the straight lines of the inner well. The interaction between light and shadow lends a degree of luminosity and vibrancy to the free-standing bath and wall-mounted washbasin, available with a single row or four rows of embossing. www.bette.de

HANSGROHE 

Metropol 

Created in collaboration with Phoenix Design, the new Metropol range from Hansgrohe represents the brand’s most comprehensive collection to date. Striking design is the defining feature, with precise, geometric contours, spheres and rectangles blending with expansive surfaces to cast delicate reflections of light. The cubic shape of the base conveys a modernist aesthetic, while the handle and spout harmoniously complement each other thanks to their parallel alignment. www.hansgrohe.com

KALDEWEI 

Meisterstück Classic Duo Oval 

Bringing back a classic, Kaldewei has launched the Meisterstück Classic Duo Oval. The freestanding tub is an object of timeless beauty, encased in seamless panelling of Kaldewei Steel Enamel. Combined with the narrow bath lip, the harmonious interplay of supple oval contour with a conical exterior produces a distinctive and soothing aesthetic. www.kaldewei.co.uk

THG PARIS 

Dean 

A collection of bathroom fittings and accessories with graphic and masculine lines, Dean is the latest collection from THG Paris. The simplicity of the spout contrasts with the aesthetics of the braces, while its contours reference an industrialism that is softened by the roundness of the handle. Dean is available for basins, showers and baths with finishes including chrome, soft gold, nickel and rose gold. www.thg-paris.com

WILLIAM HOLLAND 

Verdigris Copper Bath 

Combining contemporary styling, romantic classicism and biophilic design, the Verdigris Copper Bath is a handcrafted, sculptural creation deeply rooted within nature. Made from 78% recycled resources, the design is not only luxurious and aesthetically pleasing, but also experientially nourishing and sustainable. www.williamholland.com

LAUFEN 

Cleanet Riva 

The latest shower toilet from Laufen, Cleanet Riva features streamlined ceramic that conceals the high-end engineering within. Designed by Peter Wirz, the piece combines Noventa’s latest technology and Laufen’s decades of experience in a completely closed ceramic body. The shower functions operate intuitively, providing complete user control, while integral components are regularly self-cleaned with thermal cleaning and automated descaling after use. Cleanet Riva also features white LEDs on the underside for use at night. www.laufen.co.uk

VILLEROY & BOCH 

Antheus 

Made using Villeroy and Boch’s Quaryl, the latest freestanding bath promises to be a design highlight in any luxury hotel bathroom. The Antheus premium collection is available in two sizes, with fine edges and resting on a stainless steel frame. www.villeroy-boch.co.uk

VICTORIA AND ALBERT 

Vetralla 

Vetralla features a simple, sleek design and an elegantly thin rim complementary of modern or contemporary bathrooms. Made using Quarrycast, the design is available in seven distinctive external finishes including matte white, anthracite, gloss black and stone grey. Deep and double-ended, Vetrella is available in two sizes. www.vandabaths.com

TOTO 

Hotel Les Neiges 

All 42 guestrooms and suites within Hotel Les Neiges feature Toto’s washlet. The premiere shower toilet represents sophistication in Japanese bathing culture, and offers a number of convenient options for luxury hotel design. The rimless toilet bowls ensure quick and easy cleaning, while the powerful Tornado flush prevents water spraying outside the bowl. Finally, the warm air dryer and deodoriser ensures optimum comfort. www.toto.com

TECE 

TeceLux Mini 

Tece has launched a smaller version of its TeceLux design. Featuring a real glass push plate with electronic flush operation, the system offers the regular finger contact operation as well as non-contact flush. The toilet’s sensor recognises when a person approaches, and then activates the buttons which become illuminated through the seamless glass plate. The flush is activated either by a soft touch or automatically. TeceLux Mini can be fitted flush to the wall, fitting discretely into the architecture of the bathroom. The design is available in black or white. www.tece.de

Sources: Sleeper, 9-10, 2017

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