A private temple reinventing the contemporary bathroom

The new vision of luxury in a multi-purpose bathroom

The bathroom designed in the Axor Space at Casa Decor by Estudio Reciente, headed by Carlos Tomás, is so personal and differentiated that it is far from the usual image we have in mind for this room in the house. The atmosphere of this private temple makes for a contemporary yet timeless space. The concept of flexibility and multi-purpose is developed here, because this bathroom is more than just that. This space is also a design gallery in which to enjoy unique pieces and transform the experience of the room into an aesthetic ritual that adds to its main purpose.

‘The challenge was to create a modern vision of luxury, with a focus on design and customisation,’ explains architect Carlos Tomás. A very powerful use of colour as the main feature, monolithic volumes clad in Dekton and Sensa, and a bold concept that mixes different materials. The ‘Reflejo’ bathroom features a slope with steps that creates a path between the different elements (washbasin, bathtub and shower). ‘What we have tried to create in the space is a private temple with elements linked to water and the personal hygiene ritual from a totally different perspective. Beyond the trend towards empty spaces that proposes relaxation through nothingness, this design activates the senses and creates a path between two totems, the washbasin and the bathtub-shower,’ explains Carlos Tomás.

A sculptural mix of Sensa and Dekton

The new Axor One tap collection blends in perfectly with the monolithic volumes of the washbasin, bathtub and shower, made from Dekton and Sensa surfaces. ‘The large bathtub creates a horizontal volume in tune with the vertical shower, overlapping and adding dynamism to the space. The circulation areas are arranged around these central elements of the space,’ points out Tomás. It is precisely in these pieces where Cosentino materials are present. On the one hand, the neutral, light shade of Dekton Danae is used for the floor. On the other hand, Sensa and Dekton surfaces have been innovatively combined in the washbasin and in the bathtub and shower. In addition, Sensa Vancouver quartzite clads the outside of the bathtub and the washbasin, while Dekton Bergen has been used inside the bathtub, creating a strikingly beautiful effect. ‘Cosentino is super approachable and gives us a lot of room for creativity, such as the mix between the stain-resistant Sensa natural stone and the ultra-compact Dekton Bergen surface, which is inspired by Portobello marble. There are many possibilities in terms of design and colour with these materials,’ the architect adds.

This contribution of Cosentino surfaces to the design, together with other textures such as aluminium and fabrics, results in a highly unique and personal blend. ‘The durability of these materials, which are highly resistant to stains, scratches and abrasion, will allow us to dismantle them and reuse them in other spaces we work on,’ explains Carlos Tomás, referring to the project’s focus on sustainability. In this regard, the use of Dekton as a carbon-neutral product throughout its life cycle adds value to the bathroom.

A design gallery

These unusual combinations of materials and the overlapping of volumes are enhanced by a powerful use of colour and lighting screened by vertical steel louvres. A mirror helps the space appear larger and more complex, taking on even more character when colour comes into play. The blue walls compete for prominence with the high-gloss maroon ceiling that reflects the space around it. All this provides the context for a space that acts ‘as a gallery, with steps where you can sit and enjoy objects from the collection or special design pieces,’ says Tomás. This new function of the bathroom as a showroom responds to the need to create hybrid and multi-purpose spaces in the home, a trend that has transformed homes in recent years. This project includes pieces by Miguel Leiro, Omayra Maymó and Tornasol Studio. ‘So, when it is time for the bathing ritual, you are enjoying these pieces and living a different experience,’ he concludes.