Beautiful baths – freestanding!
Freestanding bathtubs can play an important role in bathroom planning and become the dominant design element.
Photo: Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft (VDS), burgbad
Background: Bette
Bathroom planners and
architects love freestanding tubs – by zoning the room, they create a clear
separation between the various areas of the space, and not just at visual
level. Along with a walk-in shower, a freestanding tub is the ultimate trend
product for any lifestyle bathroom. The understated but space-consuming tubs
play an important role in the planning of a bathroom and become the dominant
element of the design. And when it comes to implementing a private spa, a
freestanding tub is quite simply a must-have.
A freestanding tub also
stands for spaciousness and openness – high-end bathrooms are definitely
getting bigger. And if there isn’t enough room to place the tub in the middle
of the room, a back-to-wall bath is an increasingly popular option: three sides
of the tub are freestanding and the water supply is routed via the plumbing
wall.
Rectangular baths with
rounded corners are particularly popular and are often equipped with two
sloping ends and a centrally positioned drain. But big circular tubs are also
an increasingly popular option for shared bathtimes. Most of the freestanding
tubs have an emphatically understated design; occasionally, however, they come
in a striking colour block look – with different colours on the inside and
outside – or are enclosed in a wood or metal frame to underscore their
furniture-like character. Made of steel enamel mineral composite, acrylic or even marble,
the eye-catching solitaires are increasingly easy to set up thanks to modern
installation technology. All the same, when planning a bathroom with a
freestanding tub, it’s vital to check both the logistics of getting it into the
room and the statics beforehand.
burgbad - Badu
According to manufacturer Burgbad, the innovative, patented reclining
position of the Badu tub combines reliable support with a feeling of
weightlessness. Developed by designer Thomas Gerig, the ergonomic shape is
created by an indentation on the floor of the bath, which enables the user to
adopt a slip-proof position and lean their upper body against the back of the
tub. At the same time, the legs are free to move around and float in the water.
The surrounding handrail integrated into the rim of the bath also aids
relaxation by making the tub safe and easy to get in or out of.
Photo: burgbad
Kaldewei Meisterstück Emerso
Designer Arik Levy designed his first-ever bathroom collection in 2015:
Meisterstück Emerso. The single-seat tub for Kaldewei is a perfect blend of
ergonomics and design. The fluid design with undulating rim transitions
organically into a comfortable headrest. The tapering shape of the fully enamelled
exterior emphasises the sculptural character of the design and gives the tub
the graceful look and feel of a modern artwork.
Foto: Kaldewei
BettePond Silhouette
No beginning and no end, no edges or corners: the circle is the most
perfect and balanced form in geometry. It stands for harmony, infinity and
oneness and is the form Dominik Tesseraux chose for BettePond as a reminder of
the wooden tubs of yesteryear, which were likewise round. With a diameter of
150cm, the circular bath aims to provide the ideal place for kicking back and
slowing down – and create an oasis of tranquillity in the bathroom.
Photo:Bette
Villeroy & Boch Antheus
Designer Christian Haas took
his inspiration for the Antheus collection by Villeroy & Boch from style elements
associated with the Bauhaus – a movement that is still regarded as the epitome
of modern architecture and minimalist design to this very day. The result: a
timelessly elegant freestanding bathtub with balanced proportions that are as
understated as they are harmonious.
Foto: Villeroy & Boch
Axor Urquiola
Axor Urquiola artfully
combines shapes that recall different eras and styles. Characterised by
unconventional asymmetries, a mix of flat and rounded surfaces, and expressive
details like the gentle wave on top of the mixer spouts, the collection is
flamboyant, sensuous and striking. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, it looks just as much at home in minimalist
settings that shine a spotlight on its unique form as it does in eclectic
interiors, where it blends in naturally with the individual choice of furnishings.
Photo: Hansgrohe SE
Duscholux Formia
The rectangular Formia bath tub from Duscholux is also available made from the company's own material, Bestone. The new material leads to an astonishingly matt look and natural surface feel. Thanks to Duoform, Formia also offers space for a bath for two with a spacious interior with a water depth of up to 40 cm. The reduced design in white ensures a noble look, the matt look and the central drain with flush cover make Formia linear and modern.
Photo: Duscholux
Koralle T700
The tub from Koralle’s T700 series owes its appeal to the combination of
dynamic curves and straight sides. Made of solution-dyed sanitary acrylic, the T700 tub for two features
an ergonomic oval shape with a spacious floor area and centrally positioned
drain, as well as a seamless transition between the rim and panelling – even in
the bicolour version. The back-to-wall solution can be positioned independently
of a corner and aligned with the existing wall-mounted mixer.
Photo: Koralle
Koralle T700
The tub from Koralle’s T700 series owes its appeal to the combination of
dynamic curves and straight sides. Made of solution-dyed sanitary acrylic, the T700 tub for two features
an ergonomic oval shape with a spacious floor area and centrally positioned
drain, as well as a seamless transition between the rim and panelling – even in
the bicolour version. The back-to-wall solution can be positioned independently
of a corner and aligned with the existing wall-mounted mixer.
Photo: Koralle
Duravit XViu
Developed in collaboration with Sieger Design, the
XViu bathroom series from Duravit stands for forward-looking design. Soft,
organic forms combine with precise geometry and a mix of different surfaces,
including ceramic and metal, to conjure up a sense of post-industrial elegance. The freestanding tub is particularly
eye-catching. The prominent metal frame features a V-shaped profile and comes
with a matt black finish that contrasts with the glossy white acrylic of the
tub.
Photo: Duravit
Kaldewei Incava
Designer Anke Salomon based the shape of the
Meisterstück Incava series from Kaldewei on natural, fluid contours. Tapering
enamelled panelling is combined with softly rounded corners to create an
exceptional sense of lightness. The contrast between the softly shaped interior
and geometric exterior creates a delicate tension between straight and gently
curving lines.
Photo: Kaldewei
BetteLux Oval Couture
BetteLux Oval Couture conjures up a warm, snug and cosy feel in the
bathroom. Like a comfy sofa, the outside of the tub is padded and covered with
woven fabric to create an atmosphere that is both sensuous and relaxing. The
feel, texture and colour of the water-resistant fabric add an emotional touch
and eliminate any hint of the austere, functional character often associated
with the bathroom. The padding also absorbs sound, thereby improving the acoustics.
When it comes to creating a bathroom that’s as comfortable as a living room,
Bette Oval Couture is second to none.
Photo:Bette
Villeroy & Boch Finion
Made of a material called
Quaryl, the Finion bathtub from Villeroy & Boch is a real eye-catcher
thanks to its precise edges and thin side walls that are just 15mm thick. Designer
Patrick Frey creates special accents with optional decorative trims, a
push-to-open valve and mixer in smart metallic finishes. The panelling is
available in more than 200 gloss and matt colours.
Photo: Villeroy & Boch
