REDEFINING ‘OPULENCE’ IN THE BATHROOM – BATH CLOTHED IN FABRIC
Bette has worked with the Tesseraux + Partner design studio in Germany to redefine opulence in the bathroom and create a new and surprising design concept of a bath clothed in fabric. The concept combines robust steel/enamel with homely fabric, creating unfamiliar associations and bringing a new sensuousness to the bathroom. It was on display for the first time at Salone del Mobile.
Fabrics play a vital role in the cosiness and atmosphere of a room, but are usually restricted to towels, mats and window dressings in the bathroom. Bette, together with the designer Dominik Tesseraux, set out to re-explore the sensuous quality of fabric in the context of the bathroom.
The design concept has been made possible by a new generation of functional fabrics that are as appealing as those used in the living room, but which are also extremely robust, easy-care, and water, mould and climate resistant. The main use for these fabrics so far has been in outdoor furniture; now the Bette design concept is demonstrating the possibilities that these fabrics open up in the bathroom.
In the new Bette concept bath, the bath body is made from fine steel/enamel, while the bath surround is cushioned and covered with woven fabric by the fabric specialist JAB Anstoetz.
"Although the bath is so far only a design concept, we have already been able to overcome a number of challenges," says Thilo C. Pahl, Managing Partner at Bette. A stable, stainless steel frame provides the necessary bearing capacity, and there is an aesthetic, yet functional, shadow gap underneath the bath body: the fabric does not extend as far as the floor, so this avoids edges where dirt could collect, and makes it easy to wipe under the bath."
Designer Dominik Tesseraux is also convinced by the concept of the bath: "Home and family are a safe haven from our fast-paced and crisis-ridden society more than ever. The time spent in the bathroom becomes increasingly important, because this is where we expend a lot of quality time on care, recovery and relaxation. People want to feel as much at home in the bathroom as they do in their living room, and this is reflected in the interior design of the bathroom, which is becoming ever more sophisticated and individual and frequently includes objects originating from the living room or bedroom. The fabric-covered bath marks the next step and enhances the cool, rather technical elegance of bathroom products with the warm, homely comfort that can only be conveyed by cushioned fabric."
Bette used Salone del Mobile to introduce the new concept and hopes to launch products next year.
AWARD-WINNING INNOVATION – BETTELUX SHAPE
Also on show at Salone del Mobile was the BetteLux Shape, an award-winning range of baths, washbasins and accessories, which takes its inspiration from ‘inside/outside’ constructions in modern architecture and places the soft and flowing shape of the BetteLux bath and washbasin in an open steel frame. The baths and washbasins are enamelled on both the inside and the outside, in either white or black, allowing the eye to focus on the shape, which is visible from all sides and is accentuated with a choice of colours in the steel frame. The range, which has already won six awards*, also includes complementary furniture and accessories.
This is the first time that an enamelled steel bath has been presented in this way, and Bette’s steel/enamel allows this type of construction because, despite its fineness, it is very strong and stable.
Furnishing Concept
Bette has developed a furnishing concept around the BetteLux Shape, with washbasins and useful accessories also embracing the frame idea, allowing a coherent and uniform bathroom design. In addition to a framed bath and washbasin, the range includes a standing mirror, a stool (which can also be used as a side table) and a wall-mounted towel holder to which various shelves can be added.
A new type of electronically regulated overflow system
The elegant and open design of the bath leaves no room for surface compromises and also means that the functional attachments must satisfy strict aesthetic demands. This demanded a new water drainage and overflow solution, as a bath of this type cannot have a visible overflow.
A completely new system was developed in collaboration with the specialist drainage company Viega. Even without an overflow hole, this ensures that there can be no bathroom floods. To achieve this, the water column in the bath is constantly monitored electronically and, if the column rises above a defined level, a valve opens the drain for a few seconds. This regulates the level to which the bath can be filled.
The new type of system is installed under the bath in an aluminium housing of a coordinated colour, requires an electrical connection and has a back-up battery that ensures power cuts can be safely bridged.
Product dimensions/versions/colours
Bath: 170×75, 180×80 and 190×90 cm
Washbasin: 60×49.5, 80×49.5 and 100×49.5 cm
Towel holder/shelf in the lengths: 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm
Frame colours: White, black, taupe, sky, rosé, mint
Wood surfaces: Créme oak, mocca oak, natural oak
The BetteLux Shape range has won six awards:
1. Design Plus Award at ISH
2. The Iconic Awards-Best of Best from the German Design Council
3. The Muuuz International Award (MIAW) from the French ArchiDesignClub and on-line design magazine, Muuuz
4. Gold German Design Award for international design excellence from the German Design Council
5. Gold at the Designer Kitchen and Bathroom Awards for Innovation in Design of Bathroom Products
6. Iconic Awards Best of Best for Interior Innovation
Bette products are available from bathroom showrooms throughout the UK. For more information see www.bette.co.uk or telephone 0844 800 0547.