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Bathroom trends: The bathroom as a living area and feel-good room

Bathroom trends: The bathroom as a living area and feel-good room

Natural materials, subtle colors, and organic forms create an inviting bathroom in which to while away some time.

  • The cozily appointed bathroom offers a place of refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life
  • Natural, high-quality materials such as ceramics and wood define the interior with their pleasant feel
  • No-fuss design meets round forms
  • Outstanding bathroom design for rooms of any size
  • Sustainability: durable, water-saving, and recyclable products
  • Design and technical features ensure enhanced hygiene in the bathroom

The bathroom is no longer merely a place for a daily care and health routine. It has become a place of refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life where you can feel at ease, unwind, and be at one with yourself. In the same way as the kitchen has converged with the living room, the bathroom is now becoming one with the bedroom. Room boundaries become fluid with the washing area and bathtub located in the center of the bedroom, for instance, with only the toilet being physically separated. Floating spaces work because sanitary objects are now designed and installed like furniture – as decorative standalone features made from natural materials such as ceramics, wood, and natural stone with a look and feel that creates a sense of sanctuary.

The bathroom as a living area

Not only are contemporary bathrooms being designed in an increasingly homely style in terms of their sanitary objects and bathroom furniture, but furnishings, lamps, textiles, and accessories are increasingly finding their way into this corner of the home. Forms and materials combine with calming beige and brown tones to create a cozy ambiance – enhanced with plants that accentuate the space and ensure a pleasant room climate. Inspiration from nature in interior design are hallmarks of Scandinavian design and Japanese aesthetics in particular. The Zencha bathroom collection from Duravit brings these two concepts into harmony. Designer Sebastian Herkner crafted the sanitary objects and bathroom furniture from natural materials such as ceramics, wood, and textured glass. While the modular storage furniture with its delicate edges and shadow gaps exudes a more austere look, the freestanding bathtub gives the impression of a large trough that culminates in a graceful edge with a gentle outward curve. Duravit’s White Tulip bathroom collection features organic forms combined with furniture in natural solid wood surfaces and high-gloss or satin-matt lacquers to create harmony and softness in the interior. Designed by Philippe Starck, the forms of the sanitary objects, faucets, and furniture are reminiscent of the silhouette of a tulip in bloom.

Natural lifestyle

Inspiration from nature is a trend that is here to stay in interior design. As a material, wood has surfaces that are appealing to the touch as well as aesthetic and tactile qualities that make it suited to a natural furnishing style like almost no other material. Wood is also an established feature of the bathroom. In D-Neo, Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly has created a complete bathroom range that offers no-fuss vanity units and semi-tall cabinets in a range of oak and walnut furniture finishes.

Small and tasteful

Similarly, increasing numbers of manufacturers now offer not only sanitary objects, but also furniture in reduced dimensions so that even bathrooms with compact measurements can easily be transformed into living spaces. After all, bathrooms in large cities are often only a few square meters in size. Mirrored cabinets, storage furniture, and washbasins with storage space also play their part in maintaining order in the bathroom. When everything has a place, then visual calm is also ensured. Free surfaces can then accommodate eye-catching decorative pieces such as jewellery boxes, vases, and bowls.

Preserving resources


Thinking and acting in a sustainable manner has always been important at Duravit – not least when it comes to timelessly designed products made from high-quality and durable materials. Duravit also offers a range of bathroom solutions that consume less water than conventional ones or are made from sustainable materials. Sustano is a good example: the first ever recyclable shower tray to be marketed is a coup from the German manufacturer. Made from the sustainable mineral material DuroCast Nature, it not only has a high surface hardness and density, but also the shower trays can either be returned to the manufacturer or a local recycling center after the end of their useful life. The minimalist Tulum faucet range by Philippe Starck saves energy and water because it is equipped with a FreshStart function. In the central position, this only produces cold water to start with. The flow rate limited by the MinusFlow function additionally helps save this precious resource. In parallel to its existing sustainable product range, Duravit has embedded the goal to be climate-neutral by 2045 in its company targets.

Hygiene in the bathroom

Since the pandemic increased attention has been paid to hygiene, especially in the bathroom. Thorough cleanliness is ensured not only by easy-to-clean surfaces such as ceramics or DuroCast Nature, but also through design and technical features. For example, the toilets of the White Tulip range from Philippe Starck are equipped with the innovative HygieneFlush technology which cleans the entire inside of the toilet. The HygieneGlaze ceramic glaze also ensures that approx. 90 percent of bacteria (e.g. e. coli bacteria) have been eliminated after just six minutes, rising to approx. 99.9 percent after 24 hours. Another Philippe Starck creation is the Soleil by Starck bathroom series, whose toilet surprises with a slightly protruding, delicate lid. This special design feature means that the lid is easy to grip without touching the seat or ceramic.

Captions:

01_Wohnraum Zencha

Homely bathroom design with the Duravit Zencha bathroom range in Anthracite Matt. (Image source: Duravit AG)

02 Wohnraum_Zencha

Homely bathroom design with the Duravit Zencha bathroom range in White. (Image source: Duravit AG)

03_Wohnraum WhiteTulip

Homely bathroom design with the Duravit White Tulip bathroom range. (Image source: Duravit AG)

04_Naürlichkeit_D-Neo

Inspiration from nature in interior design – bathroom with a feel-good ambience. The Duravit D-Neo bathroom range offers a complete bathroom series with no-fuss vanity units in a range of Oak and Walnut finishes. (Image source: Duravit AG)

05_Naürlichkeit_D-Neo

Inspiration from nature in interior design – create a feel-good D-Neo bathroom with Duravit. (Image source: Duravit AG))

06_Naürlichkeit_D-Neo

Inspiration from nature in interior design – create a feel-good D-Neo bathroom with Duravit. (Image source: Duravit AG)

07_Kleine Bäder_DuraSquare

Compact but stylish – washing area with washbasin and metal console from the Duravit DuraSquare range. (Image source: Duravit AG)

08_Nachhaltigkeit_Sustano

Duravit presents Sustano, the first recyclable shower tray made from the innovative material DuroCast Nature. (Image source: Duravit AG)

09_Nachhaltigkeit_Sustano

Sustano represents the first application of the new futuristic material DuroCast Nature in the bathroom. (Image source: Duravit AG)

10_Nachhaltigkeit_Tulum

Energy- and water-saving faucet range Tulum by Philippe Starck with FreshStart function and MinusFlow reduced flow rate for lower consumption of water and energy in the bathroom. (Image source: Duravit AG)

10_Nachhaltigkeit_FreshStart

The energy-saving FreshStart function on the single-lever mixers ensures that hot water is only added when the lever is deliberately moved to the left – a carefully considered option available  for example on the unmistakable Tulum by Starck faucet range. (Image source: Duravit AG)

12_Hygiene_HygieneFlush

HygieneFlush – the innovative flushing technology that cleans the entire inner surface of the toilet with an innovative flushing technique. (Image source: Duravit AG)

12_Hygiene_Soleil WC

The toilet from the Soleil by Starck bathroom range surprises with a slightly protruding delicate lid that is easy to grip without touching the seat or the ceramic. (Image source: Duravit AG

About Duravit AG

Founded in 1817 in Hornberg in the Black Forest, Duravit AG is today a leading international manufacturer of designer bathrooms and is active in more than 130 countries worldwide. The complete bathroom supplier’s product portfolio comprises top quality sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, bathtubs and shower trays, wellness systems, shower-toilets, faucets, and accessories as well as installation systems. Alongside its in-house design expertise, Duravit also works closely on product development with an international network of designers such as Cecilie Manz, Philippe Starck, Christian Werner, Sebastian Herkner, and Bertrand Lejoly as well as talented newcomers. Duravit’s ambition is to make its stakeholders’ lives a little better each day through a combination of forward-looking designs, uncompromising product excellence, a keen sense of human requirements, and responsible corporate management. A key measure in achieving these aims is the overriding mission to become a climate-neutral business by 2045 with no exceptions.

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IN THIS CELEBRATORY YEAR MARKING THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF PIERRE JAQUET-DROZ’S BIRTH, THE MAISON UNVEILS AN EXCEPTIONAL UNIQUE PIECE RESERVED FOR THE “ONLY WATCH” CHARITY AUCTION.

IN THIS CELEBRATORY YEAR MARKING THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF PIERRE JAQUET-DROZ’S BIRTH, THE MAISON UNVEILS AN EXCEPTIONAL UNIQUE PIECE RESERVED FOR THE “ONLY WATCH” CHARITY AUCTION.

For the ninth consecutive time, Jaquet Droz is proud to donate a unique piece of its own creation, designed exclusively for Only Watch, a charity sale to benefit the Association Monégasque contre les Myopathies (Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophy), and featuring a degree of technical ambition and aesthetic never-before achieved: A Grande Seconde Skelet-One Tourbillon adorned with a plique-à-jour enamel dial.

The original idea was to extend the initial purpose of the Grande Seconde to provide its owner with the finest and most accurate reading of the seconds—hence its largely dimensioned and off-center dial at 6 o’clock, exclusively dedicated to this effect. How could this precision be achieved? By adding a tourbillon. This escapement, itself a genuine watchmaking complication, aims to compensate for the harmful effects undergone by a timepiece that performs across multiple planes, all subjected to the force of gravity which alters its precision.

The tourbillon of the new Grande Seconde Skelet-One Tourbillon “Only Watch” was born of Jaquet Droz’s in-house expertise, but entirely reworked in the purest chronometric approach. Thanks to its realization in titanium and the elimination of the sapphire bridges, the cage has been lightened and optimized with regards to its chronometric functions. The balance spring and pallet lugs are made of silicon. Highly open to let light pass through, the tourbillon gives the illusion of being both large and lightweight all at once. Completely revised and placed at noon, it accords the piece a dedicated identity of strength and technicality.

The underlying aesthetic architecture is as technical as it is unique. The skeleton structure is brand new: while the original Skelet-One favored soft and supple curves, the Grande Seconde Skelet-One Tourbillon “Only Watch” focuses on straight lines, angles, modernity and perfect symmetry. This very contemporary skeletonization is as technical as its highly precise tourbillon movement can be, furthering the technical and aesthetic consistency of the piece. Its bridges, finished in black, confer a powerful matte appearance. The tourbillon cage follows the geometry of the skeleton movement, with a triple cross shape which, once a minute, aligns perfectly with its bridges.

For Only Watch, Jaquet Droz put to work its Ateliers d’Art as well, in order to produce a highly exclusive plique-à-jour dial, made specially for the famous charity sale. Once again, whereas the Maison’s most recent plique-à-jour creations featured curves and soft, slightly domed lines, the Skelet-One Tourbillon “Only Watch” is made up of various straight and geometric sections separated by white gold, thus forming a dial which has been entirely polished flat. The Maison achieved this unprecedented result by applying an extremely fine diamond powder polish to each area of the enamel, the only kind capable of achieving this thickness.

Every tone of enamel has been painstakingly selected for the model and fired at a very high temperature several times in a row. The choice of these colors therefore owes nothing to chance: a color chart was proposed by Only Watch associating different tones with certain characteristics. The Maison thus translated these variations of red, orange and yellow into an expression of happiness, passion, optimism and even energy—all values that support the cause championed by Only Watch.

An aesthetic and technical achievement, the first Grande Seconde Skelet-One with tourbillon, the first with plique-à-jour enamel, a new geometry of skeleton movement, a fully updated tourbillon… the Grande Seconde Skelet-One Tourbillon “Only Watch” is many things. It’s also the perfect match between an age-old complication and craftsmanship on the one hand, and an eminently modern technique and geometry on the other. A rare, precise balance, like any Jaquet Droz timepiece, which foreshadows all the ambitions of the Maison’s future Skelet-One collection.

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LUMIPOD, the small prefabricated curved cabin designed to connect with nature

LUMIPOD, the small prefabricated curved cabin designed to connect with nature

The French company LUMICENE has designed ‘LUMIPOD’, a prefabricated module designed to offer urbanites an idyllic retreat in a cabin in the middle of nature. The concept behind the project aims to allow people to reconnect with natural landscapes, achieving this thanks to a large glass facade of 5 meters in diameter that can be opened to the outside.

The LUMIPOD plane is enclosed in a simple circle only 5.45 m in diameter. In this small space of 17 m2, everything you need for a short stay is projected, including a bedroom, a bathroom and a shower.

BETWEEN INDOORS AND OUTDOORS

LUMIPOD is built around a LUMICENE® window. This new concept uses curved glass in aluminium frames sliding between two rails, allowing the interior space to be occasionally transformed into an outdoor space.

Closed, LUMIPOD is a comfortable cocoon but fully immersed in Nature.

In a single gesture, LUMIPOD eliminates the boundary between interior and exterior for an unforgetable experience.

With the installation of a curved LUMICENO window that occupies most of the space, the compact area aims to immerse visitors in nature. The curved glass is placed in aluminum frames that slide between two rails, allowing the interior space to open up to the exterior space.

Foundations

LUMIPOD‘s structure is positioned on 4 ‘light’ foundations. Depending on the type of soil different options are possible. We recommend screw piles as they minimize the impact on the installation site. Water and electricity connections are prepared prior to installation.

Structure

LUMIPOD‘s structure is made of steel to guarantee the level of rigidity required by the LUMICENE window. It consists of a frame placed on 4 foundation plots; a rear module integrating all the technical equipment and totally manufactured within the factory; a front module bolted on the rear module directly onsite. The curved exterior wall is wood frame and incorporates 20cm of rockwool, a protective rain sheeting on its outer face, and a moisture protection film on the interior layer. The roof and the floor are insulated with 8cm of polyurethane insulation panels and 15cm of rockwool.

Waterproofing is made using a Firestone EPDM membrane installed in the workshop. Water pipes are incorporated within the rear poles.

Exterior cladding

LUMIPOD is wrapped into a dark wood exterior cladding. But it offers an almost infinite choice of coverings to fit perfectly into its new decor.

Window

LUMIPOD is equipped with a 5m diameter LUMICENE window made of curved glass. It consists of curved panels sliding on a circular rail.
The aluminum profiles are with thermal breaks and all RAL colors are available.
By default the LUMICENE window comes with a 6FE(20)6 (Ug 1.1 W / m2K) curved double glazing. Other options are available depending on weather conditions, including triple glazing 6FE(12)4(12)6.
The window is equipped with 2 locks at each end. LUMICENE is entirely manufactured by the Saint-Gobain Group in a factory based in Chambéry, France.

Interior Design

LUMIPOD has been designed as a luxury hotel room … in the middle of nature. The full height wall cabinetry between bedroom and bathroom is made of in Natural oak timber veneer with a mat finish. It includes a wardrobe positioned to the right of the bed. The bed is like suspended, and integrated in a shallow niche. A curved rod allows to accommodate blackout curtains in front of the entire glass surface. The ceiling is made of wool felt panels and the floor of light oak with mat varnish. Door handles and joinery pulls are coming in anodized sanded black finish.

Bathroom

The bathroom is equipped with a toilet, a basin, a shower.
Axor fittings come with a chrome steel finish by

default, but other finishes are possible.
The floors and walls are covered with ceramic mosaic tiles.

Heating and cooling

By default, a Mitsubishi reversible air conditioning system is used ​​to manage both heating and cooling requirements. A disbursement in the roof accommodates the outdoor unit. Other options are available.
LUMIPOD can for example be equipped with a wood burning stove if there are no cooling requirements in summer.
A CMV is positioned in the bathroom, and the water heater is integrated in the technical space in between wardrobe and toilets.

Water and electricity

In its current version, LUMIPOD has to be connected to electricity, water and wastewater networks.

Transport and installation 

LUMIPOD has been designed to be compatible with both road and maritime transport. The installation is coordinated by our teams, sometimes relying on local companies depending on the installation site. A LUMIPOD is assembled within 2 to 3 days (except foundations and networks which will have been prepared upstream).

In addition to connecting people with nature, the LUMIPOD also tries to impact the landscape as little as possible. To this end, the unit is constructed from two modules resting on four piles of screws to minimize impact on site, and the exterior is clad in charred wood so as not to stand out in a natural setting.

Designed and currently manufactured in the French city of Lyon, the complete cabin can be assembled in 2 days and delivered anywhere in the world in less than 6 months.

The next challenge for the LUMICENE team is to design a completely “Off the Grid” version of the LUMIPOD exploring new technologies for the bathroom, which they hope to have ready by the end of 2020.

More information: www.lumi-pod.com

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