Cosentino shows all its state of the art bath solutions in Dubai Downtown Design

• The company exhibited Balneum by Kristina Zanic Consultants, a reimagined Mediterranean bathhouse clad in Pietra Kode that incorporates a water feature, the first-of-its-kind at the fair

• Dubai based interior design studio Estilo Blanco transformed Cosentino City Dubai into an immersive spa-inspired experience as part of the activations during Design Week

Architectural surfaces leader Cosentino and award-winning interior design firm Kristina Zanic Consultants together unveiled Balneum, an immersive installation born out of their creative collaboration for the 10^th edition of Downtown Design Dubai, the leading fair for contemporary and high-quality design in the Middle East.

Balneum, meaning bath in Latin, is a contemporary, minimalist reinterpretation of the ancient Mediterranean bathhouse. Taking a novel approach to the form, Kristina Zanic and her team deconstructed a well-known architectural icon to its fundamental components: pool, column, arch and steps, to create a public space for gathering and connection.

Since 2018, Cosentino has been a regular at Downtown Design, each year creating standout installations in partnership with some of the region’s most well known design practices. This year’s brief aligns with C-Bath, a recently launched Cosentino concept that takes a comprehensive approach to reimagining the bathroom as a space of well-being and comfort.

“Our installations at Downtown Design have always been creative interpretations that showcase the large format and versatility of our surfaces. We are always presently surprised when working with innovative disruptors like Kristina Zanic Consultants and others we have worked with in the past. This year, we wanted to create a concept that interprets the bathroom as a personal sanctuary, where art and design merge” explained Eddy Abou Khalil, Cosentino’s Region Director Middle East & India.

The first installation of its kind at Downtown Design that meaningfully incorporates a water feature in its design, Balneum brings a sense of calm through its open structure, moving water, nuanced material, neutral colour palette and soft lighting (by Soma Studio). A touch of nature is introduced through an olive tree and wild grass by bespoke landscape design company Secret Gardens while rustic amphoras from Tribe, a home décor studio rooted in social responsibility, adds to the storytelling of the space.

Italian classical stone inspired Dekton® Pietra Kode, a carbon neutral collection designed by Daniel Germani, seamlessly clads the steps, flooring and pool in a harmonious composition, executed to perfection by one of UAE’s finest fabricators and installers, Burj Middle East Marble. The installation also marks the soft launch of The Bathelier – a Cosentino collaboration series that invites designers to envision tailored bathrooms that integrate art, functionality and design. The series was launched globally in March with renowned designers Remy Meijers, Daniel Germani, Colin Seah or MUT Design.

Balneum is more than a creative exercise at reinventing the bath space, it is designed as place of gathering, explains Kristina Zanic, CEO, Kristina Zanic Consultants, “Cosentino is an expert at the art of gathering people. First it was around the kitchen and now this extends to the bath space. We wanted to create something that is true to this brand ethos. Balneum circles back to the ancient Roman concept of the spa where people would sit and talk around the pool.”

Wellness Lounge by Estilo Blanco, an immersive spa experience at Cosentino City Dubai

In accordance with its increasing presence in bathroom and wellness sector, Cosentino also opted to transform its City into a fascinating and evocative spa. Dubai based interior design studio Estilo Blanco took over Cosentino City Dubai in d3 and transformed it into an immersive spa-inspired experience as part of the activations during Design Week. As an oasis of calm in the chaos for the fair, the lounge received walk-ins from 2-7pm with visitors stopping by to relax and recharge with wellness drink and healthy bites.

The co-founders of Estilo Blanco, designer duo Claudia Granberg and Gema Blanco, used 700 metres of pure, unstitched fabric in tan beige - the studio’s identity colour, to drape the space and soften the harsh lines of the showroom. The resulting cosy cocoon was decorated with scented candles, statement lighting pieces and handcrafted décor elements from La Nena and the star attraction – a giant, bespoke cloud-like pouf.

The centre pieces of the transformed showroom were however the two exclusive electric massage beds by C.O.D.E. : Coco, clad in Dekton® Laurent and a second with a natural wood base. An indulgent addition to the set up was the LED Light therapy facemask station that proved to be a bit hit with the visitors.

Download HR Cosentino – Dubai Downtown Design Imagery