Spanish bathroom brand, Roca, turned to the Barcelona-based studio Altherr Désile Park (ADP) for a contemporary update of its Meridian collection, seeking a studio that could demonstrate a sensitivity to an existing design, be respectful of its legacy, yet capable of bringing a new, fresh perspective. The updated Meridian collection successfully merges these requirements, offering a system of basins, furniture, and WCs characterized by fine materials and soft geometry. In this exclusive interview with designboom, designer Jannette Altherr shares insights into how the studio approached the sensitive task of evolving a classic bathroom design for the modern age, transforming its functional pieces with an architectonic quality.

‘We believe that everything is related – the user and their emotions, cultural context, the build and the natural environment, the materials, colors, production and resources. Every element is a matter of context. Meridian already has a powerful name that represents one of its important aspects: the arch as a symbol of Mediterranean architectural culture. This was crucial to preserve,’ begins Jannette Altherr.

Roca’s Meridian collection gets a contemporary update | all images courtesy of Roca

ROCA’S MERIDIAN CULTIVATES A SENSITIVE, ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH

Altherr Désile Park’s sensitivity to context was vital when approaching Roca’s Meridian line. The original collection’s crucial DNA was the arch, a powerful symbol of Mediterranean architectural culture. ADP translated this spirit by drawing inspiration from the austere, vernacular expressions found in the Spanish, Portuguese, or Greek countryside. This design choice reflects a commitment to reduced, elemental shapes, the interplay of strong light and shadow, and the use of noble materials like ceramic, wood, and metal. While ADP also works in the luxury sector, this project offered a unique opportunity to translate the quality, care, and attention typical of luxury design into products that are accessible to a broader audience — a core value shared with the Spanish brand. Rejecting the idea of constant invention, their approach favors an evolution that is subtle and deeply sensed.

‘There is this hype around the idea of breaking things and starting completely anew. I think that is, to a large degree, a myth. Sometimes it’s more important to keep, to care, and to delicately evolve things instead of throwing away and starting again,’ explains Altherr. ‘We spent hours defining a concept together with Roca, and “timeless balance” really captures the essence of the collection. When I think about timelessness, it relates to what we call collective memory. We preferred designing something that doesn’t seek to provoke or be aggressive. We looked for the opposite: something that makes you feel at ease and adds quality to your space. Something that speaks to all the senses including sound and touch — the subtle elements that create atmosphere, rather than just what is captured in a photograph.’

Barcelona-based studio Altherr Désile Park created the refreshed design

CONTEMPORARY UPDATES FOR A LIGHTWEIGHT AND DELICATE COLLECTION

ADP studio’s update focused on refining and lightening the Meridian collection. The original washbasin felt  too heavy in its appearance to fit the modern aesthetic of bathroom design. The solution was to utilize Roca’s Fineceramic® material, which permitted the use of super thin and delicate dimensions that were previously unachievable. This aesthetic reduction was paired with an increased function, adding a subtle frame and a dry zone. The soft, curving shape of the basin was inspired by the cultural importance of water, specifically referencing a drop falling onto a water surface, creating a gentle ripple.

‘If you have a small room and use thick, solid furniture, it can look out of proportion. To create something that feels refined and carefully done in a small dimension requires delicate detail. We had to translate the original pieces into a design way more contemporary and easy to use in real life. This meant adding storage, using the ceramic in a more up-to-date way, and utilizing Roca’s capacity with fine ceramic to do something more lightweight and delicate instead of a thick block. The pieces needed to become more practical, but also more refined and a bit more luxurious,’ states the designer.

Roca’s Fineceramic® material permitted the use of super thin and delicate dimensions

To create a richer ambiance, the material selection went beyond pure hygiene to enhance a sensuous quality. The furniture units use FSC-certified wood with a textured surface, and the metal elements feature a slightly rough lacquer finish that resembles cast metal. The color palette — white, black, and gold — is inspired by the Spanish light, which is characterized by strong white light and deep black shadows, balanced by the golden light of the early morning.

‘We wanted to think about materials as something that enhances a rich perception, rather than being driven only by hygiene. The aim was to create a “nice to touch” sensation. The surface of the wood is always textured and not finished with a lacquer. The metal is a bit rough, like cast metal. It has little pigments on the surface that break the light in a more complex way than a flat lacquer. This avoids the feeling of industrial dryness and adds more complexity to the surface,’ she shares.

made from FSC-certified wood, the furniture units respect the collection’s low-impact environmental footprint

A key technical and aesthetic victory was the redesign of the often-neglected backpack toilet where the water tank is sitting behind the toilet. While the in-wall flush is often preferred in high-quality projects, the backpack version is essential for older buildings lacking space to construct a double wall, or for hospitality and public settings requiring quick, inexpensive repairs.  ADP worked with Roca’s expertise to achieve a much straighter, more architectural language for this highly needed version, shifting the object’s perception from a bowl saddled with a backpack to a column that supports the bowl. This change brings a sense of solidity, fulfilling the studio’s ethos of providing quality design to a broad audience. Furthermore, the toilets utilize innovative flushing technologies such as the Rimless® Vortex System and dual-flushing systems to improve hygiene and optimize water consumption. 

‘We realized there is a real need for this backpack version. With Roca’s excellent development team and expertise, we managed to create a much straighter shape. We wanted to relax the gesture and make a connection to the architecture. Instead of the bowl carrying the water container, the water tank serves as a column supporting the bowl,’ adds Altherr to describe the design details that bring character to the collection.

ADP worked with Roca’s expertise to achieve a clean architectural language

The Meridian collection has already received important recognition, including a Red Dot Award in 2025. Functioning as an ‘alphabet of simple elements’ in multiple sizes, it allows for a wide range of configurations across diverse project needs. The system includes several washbasin options, from compact wall-hung versions to models designed to pair with furniture. These are complemented by two furniture lines: a wall-mounted wood container and a floor-standing metal structure that combines with wood drawers. By providing these flexible components, Altherr Désile Park has created a robust system that adapts easily to diverse spatial, aesthetic, and functional requirements, ensuring the collection can continue to evolve with the user and remain part of the home for many years.

the Meridian collection functions as an ‘alphabet of simple elements’ in multiple sizes

a standout feature is the construction of the asymmetric basins

Altherr Désile Park has created a robust system that adapts to diverse requirements

innovative flushing technologies improve hygiene and optimises water consumption

project info: 

name: Meridian

brand: Roca | @roca_global

design studio: Altherr Désile Park | @altherrdesilepark

material: Fineceramic®, FSC-certified wood, metal

recognition: Red Dot Award 2025

The post altherr désile park on updating roca’s meridian bath collection with human-centered luxury appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Incastri collection is the result of a collaboration between Gessi and Kengo Kuma, an internationally renowned architect celebrated for weaving nature, craftsmanship, and innovation into his built environments. The bath collection translates traditional Japanese joinery and water rituals into architectural faucet and basin designs that elevate everyday gestures into sensory experiences, imbuing each space with a refined, minimalist identity. The design reduces form to its essence, presenting tubular elements that intersect in a system engineered for both visual repose and functional equilibrium.

Gessi launches Incastri collection, designed by Kengo Kuma | all images courtesy of Gessi

TRANSFORMING SPACES INTO EXPERIENCES OF WELLBEING

Embodying the values of Made in Italy, Gessi’s heritage is rooted in Valsesia, establishing the brand as a leader in the fields of wellness, lifestyle, and design. As a symbol of discreet and conscious luxury, the company operates from a sustainable manufacturing site that is LEED® Gold certified, crafting solutions for hospitality, residential, spa, and marine environments, consistently transforming spaces into experiences of wellbeing.

the bath collection translates traditional Japanese joinery and water rituals into architectural faucet and basin designs

INCASTRI’S TACTILE SURFACES AND SCULPTURAL PRESENCE

The Incastri collection translates abstract Japanese principles into a tangible material language. The essential form for the faucet draws from Chidori, the intricate, modular joinery system that eliminates the need for external fixings. This concept is rendered in the balanced visual geometry, where tubular elements intersect in a functionally and visually harmonious composition. This purity extends to the way the collection treats water, elevating the everyday use into a quiet ceremony inspired by Chozu, a Japanese purification ritual. The washbasins specifically address this by reinterpreting the material philosophy of Yakisugi — an ancient wood-charring method known for its resilience. This technique is translated through materials that create a three-dimensional surface with a commanding sculptural presence. The basins act as a vessel where water appears as a still, regenerative volume, transforming the material into an object of intense yet discreet character.

The tapware reinforces this tactile focus, being available in four versions including a visually arresting suspended solution. Vertical textures are etched onto the body and operating levers, engineering an optical and tactile depth. This engraved detailing accentuates the material contrast between smooth and textured surfaces through intricate plays of light and shadow. The entire collection thus explores the emotional potential inherent in natural materials and artisanal processes, transforming routine gestures into sensory experiences.

the design reduces form to its essence, presenting tubular elements that draw inspiration from Japanese joinery

the washbasins reinterpret the philosophy of Yakisugi, an ancient wood-charring method known for its resilience

this technique creates a three-dimensional surface with a commanding sculptural presence

project info:

name: Incastri

company: Gessi | @gessi_official

designer: Kengo Kuma | @kkaa_official

The post gessi and kengo kuma interlock contemporary design & japanese ritual for incastri collection appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

By integrating all functional elements — hand dryers or paper dispensers, faucets, and soap dispensers — behind the mirror glass, Mediclinics offers a powerful system, acting as an invisible layer that fully conceals the necessary devices without compromising their functionality. The approach results in visually expanded, organized spaces free from clutter, ensuring walls and countertops remain unobstructed while maximizing available space for truly minimalist restrooms. For the user, the entire hand hygiene process, including  washing, soaping, and drying, occurs at a single, intuitive location. Activated via infrared sensors, the behind-the-mirror system requires no physical contact, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination in high-traffic public areas.

Mediclinics hides functional elements inside bathroom mirror | all images courtesy of Mediclinics

DESIGNING AND MANUFACTURING TOP-QUALITY WASHROOM EQUIPMENT

Mediclinics has established itself as a leader in the design and manufacturing of accessories for collective restroom spaces. With 50 years of experience, the company’s latest solutions are a direct result of a long-standing philosophy, focusing on developing very efficient, reliable, and top-quality products that are respectful of the environment and provide high added value. The development of the behind-the-mirror system demonstrates how deep expertise in washroom functionality can be channeled to solve architectural challenges, delivering solutions that are both technologically advanced and minimalistic in design.

washing, soaping, and drying occurs at the same place

MODULAR SYSTEMS FOR MINIMALIST BATHROOMS

Beyond aesthetic and user benefits, Mediclinics’ behind-the-mirror systems are engineered for maximum installation and operational efficiency for contractors and installers. The modular systems, available with or without mounting brackets, can be easily incorporated into any cabinet or existing washroom structure. Alternatively, cabinets can come pre-equipped with all integrated devices. This flexibility translates directly into faster installations, reduced construction effort, and significant savings in both time and costs. 

Furthermore, maintenance is simplified as opening the mirror grants quick access to all components, making restocking of consumables effortless. The all-in-one process at the washbasin inherently reduces cleaning time and costs by containing spills and preventing waste on the floor. Combined with the system’s automatic, low-consumption equipment, reducing water, energy, and soap use, the result is lower operating costs and smoother overall facility management. Mediclinics offers a wide array of configurations, from cabinets with two or three integrated devices to various modular options, ensuring a perfect fit for diverse architectural needs.

the system is available with or without mounting brackets

walls and countertops remain unobstructed while maximizing available space

it is also configurable with Mediclinics automatic, low-consumption equipment

project info:

name: Behind-the-mirror-system

company: Mediclinics | @mediclinicssa

The post mediclinics’ invisible behind-the-mirror restroom systems enhance design, hygiene and space appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

As Pantone‘s Color of the Year 2025 – PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse – steers contemporary design toward mellow brown tones, LAUFEN has noticed this trend heighten as part of a larger evolution in interior design, specifically in bathrooms. These soft, velvety shades turn the bathroom into a sanctuary. Warm tones and earth colors inspired by nature infuse a sense of tranquillity, rebalancing energies, and dedicating the space to personal care and well-being. LAUFEN, a manufacturer with over a 130 years of experience, helps creatives realize this transformation in bathrooms, from ceramics and accessories to faucets and furniture.

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025 – Mocha Mousse – turns LAUFEN’s bathroom into a sanctuary

all images courtesy of LAUFEN AG

COLOR LIFTS SANCUTARY EXPERIENCE OF LAUFEN PRODUCTS 

LAUFEN, a Swiss bathroom manufacturer since 1892, has ceramics at its core. Product development is the result of cutting-edge technological research, notably with the introduction of Saphirkeramik. This new high-performance ceramic material is characterized by exceptional resistance and incredibly thin profiles. The use of this material has enabled the creation of collections with lighter shapes and curved profiles, revolutionizing bathroom design with a balance of lightness and strength. Color adds the final touch to ensure these products lift our sanctuary experiences.

ILBAGNOALESSI introduces a deep mokka hue across its ceramic pieces

A heightened focus on color in the bathroom is essential, as shades influence mood and emotion. LAUFEN collections feature finishes that resonate with the trending Mocha Mousse tone. ILBAGNOALESSI, for instance, introduces a deep mokka hue across its ceramic pieces. This chromatic sensitivity is rooted in deep research, as a 2024 palette developed with designer Roberto Sironi meticulously categorized over 10,000 historical ceramic artefacts, leading to a selection of enveloping, sunlit shades. The shades, from the sandy tones of Mesopotamia to the burnt orange of Roman earth, ensure colors are both contemporary and timeless.

the faucets of the ADA collection lend a vital metallic accent to the warm, earthy color

Faucets lend a vital metallic accent to the warm, earthy color. LAUFEN offers a wide selection, all available in copper, titanium, and gold finishes. These combine functionality with extremely versatile character. The ADA collection exemplifies how materiality and style can blend in a unique design object. Inspired by water, stone, and wood, the faucets include an integrated ceramic or marble storage tray, merging practicality with elegance and elevating daily rituals into moments of sensory refinement.

the new ARUN collection shows how the trending color tone can be translated through craftsmanship

To complete the tranquil, luxurious transformation, LAUFEN’s furniture is instrumental to creating a space. The new ARUN collection showcases premium craftsmanship, with details such as the continuous woodgrain through elegantly crafted handles. The furniture’s warm finishes, from terracotta to copper, and natural materials, like light oak wood and fine walnut, combine with stone-recalling ceramic surfaces. This creates a sensorial atmosphere in which sight and touch are enhanced.

color adds the final touch to ensure LAUFEN products lift our sanctuary experiences in bathrooms

these soft, velvety shades even adorn the Marcel Wanders-designed THE NEW CLASSIC collection

Saphirkeramik is characterized by exceptional resistance and incredibly thin profiles

the ceramic material uses shades of Mocha Mousse to influence mood and emotion, as seen in ILBAGNOALESSI

manufacturer: LAUFEN | @laufenbathrooms

color: PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse

product collections: ILBAGNOALESSI, ADA, ARUN, SONAR

The post mocha mousse, pantone color of the year 2025, matches LAUFEN bathroom design appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Designers are developing a new passion: bathrooms in deep black. In such spaces, contours disappear and boundaries seem to dissolve or appear at best only faintly. One thing is certain: anyone wanting to immerse their bathroom in pure black at the next update will need a little courage. It does take some resolve, after all, to turn away from the long-established mantra of white and cream purity – and instead embrace the protective comfort of a cave.

It does take some resolve to turn away from the long-established bathroom mantra of white and cream purity – and instead embrace the protective comfort of a cave

We humans love caves. We lived in them before architecture was invented. We still visit them today on our travels, to decipher what our ancestors left us tens of thousands of years ago on their walls. So why not turn your own bathroom into a cave too? It is certainly more comfortable.

Villeroy & Boch’s Pure Black finishes enhance spatial depth, turning furniture, fittings and ceramics into striking sculptural elements

Finion washbasins in Pure Black

‘Finion all Black transforms the bathroom into a design statement,’ says Villeroy & Boch. And into a declaration of self-care, one might add. For there is no better way to turn the gaze inward than in a monochrome black space. To make this possible, the German heritage brand has recently expanded the washbasins in its Finion collection with the matt black shade Pure Black.

As if the products of this series were not already marked by purist elegance, the black lends the washbasins an extra level of refinement. Made of TitanCeram – a particularly strong ceramic material composed of clay, feldspar, quartz and titanium dioxide – they impress with their exceptionally thin walls. Villeroy & Boch has also managed to keep the ceramic drain cover of the washbasins strikingly flat.

Contrasts of shadow and reflection highlight form and proportion, giving the bathroom an architectural presence beyond function

Black in all its facets

With Finion Pure Black, the company highlights not only its expertise in ceramics. The bathroom furnishings are complemented by matching Finion furniture. These include modular vanity units as well as tall cabinets, side cabinets, shelves and mirrors. With clean lines, handleless design and an atmospheric lighting concept, they blend seamlessly into the desired all-black look.

Black holds the power to wrap rooms in fabulous depth and elegance

The series, created by designer Patrick Frey, can also be easily combined with black products from other collections. The Quaryl bathtubs from the Theano Original and Theano Curved series – both available in Pure Black – pair perfectly with Finion all Black washbasins and furniture. While the Theano Original edition has a sculptural, monolithic character, the bathtub from the Theano Curved edition, with its gently flowing design, conveys a sense of calm.

Black is more than just a trend with a touch of uncompromising boldness, more too than the clichéd obsession of passionate architects. It is as timeless as any colour can be, while also uniquely compatible with many other shades and materials. Above all, it holds the power to wrap rooms in fabulous depth and elegance – the true extent of which, as with a cave, can only be guessed.

The post villeroy & boch dissolves boundaries in the bathroom with pure black collection appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Barbie has stepped out of the Dreamhouse and into the bathroom for this first-of-its-kind collaboration. Mattel and German architectural fittings specialist HEWI have unveiled the Barbie x HEWI collection – a design-driven range of bathroom products that merges pop culture with universal design principles. Launched in 2025, the collection reimagines HEWI’s iconic 477/801 series through Barbie’s unmistakable aesthetic, pairing inclusive accessibility with playful yet functional design. With around 40 products, from grab rails and shower seats to LED mirrors and towel holders, the range is set to make a splash in spaces from boutique hotels to maternity wards, children’s bathrooms, and private residences.

the Barbie × HEWI collection reimagines HEWI’s iconic 477/801 series through Barbie’s unmistakable aesthetic | all images courtesy of HEWI

going Barbiecore from Boutique Hotels to maternity wards

The collaboration is rooted in universal design, creating products usable by everyone, regardless of age, mobility, or lifestyle. HEWI’s decades-long expertise in barrier-free architecture meets Barbie’s status as a global icon of individuality and inclusivity. ‘When we design for everyone, we design with limitless possibilities,’ says HEWI, highlighting the shared mission to create spaces that are both functional and joyful. Think soap dispensers, towel rings, and shower seats designed not just for utility but to spark a sense of ease and belonging — a bathroom that’s more than a room.

‘This collaboration is a powerful example of how our brand can connect and with consumers through new industries. With Barbie, we are not only tapping into her cultural influence but using it as a platform to shape more inclusive and imaginative worlds. HEWI is a pioneer in barrier-free, design-led environments – together, we’ve created a collection that is both beautiful in design and purpose-driven. Strategically, this expands Barbie beyond lifestyle and fashion, into architectural and product design, reinforcing her position as a cross-generational, inclusive and design-relevant icon,’ says Christiane Küper, Head of Brand and Sales at HEWI.

pink accents feel friendly and inviting, while accessible elements encourage independence

bathroom design that heals, grows and empowers

Inspired by Barbie’s Dreamhouse aesthetic, sometimes minimalist like a Californian bungalow, sometimes glamorous like a city villa, the collection introduces soft pink accents, clean geometries, and design-led details that blend seamlessly into high-end hospitality environments. In these spaces, HEWI transforms restrooms into curated experiences where travel, personality, and architecture meet.

For the hospitality sector, the Barbie x HEWI collection creates bathroom environments that feel like curated design statements rather than purely functional spaces. Inspired by Barbie’s Dreamhouse aesthetic — minimal and Californian in one setting, opulent and urban in another — the products integrate soft pink accents with sleek geometries to elevate everyday rituals. The moodboards suggest a sophisticated material palette: Mutina tiles by Patricia Urquiola, Fornasetti’s Nuvolette wallpaper by Cole & Son, and ClassiCon’s Selene pendant lights. Together, these elements turn boutique hotel bathrooms into immersive microcosms where travel, architecture, and personality intersect — proving that even private spaces can deliver memorable guest experiences.

inspired by the Dreamhouse, the Barbie x HEWI collection offers exceptional versatility

Together, these elements turn boutique hotel bathrooms into immersive microcosms where travel, architecture, and personality intersect, proving that even private spaces can deliver memorable guest experiences. But the Barbie x HEWI collection doesn’t stop at hospitality. Its versatility extends into environments where design carries profound emotional weight.

What might a maternity ward look like when designed by a woman who truly understands the vulnerability of the moments surrounding birth? It would be warm, respectful, and inherently safe – a space where safety doesn’t need explanation. As a symbol of self-determination, Barbie embodies this very mindset – in a world where girls can not only become mothers but also doctors welcoming the newborn.

the Barbie × HEWI collection follows the principles of healing architecture using design deliberately to support both physical and emotional wellbeing

With this in mind, the Barbie x HEWI collection channels the principles of healing architecture, using color, form, and function to foster calm and safety. Soft pink tones act as a gentle shield rather than a playful pop, while low-barrier elements and hygienic materials ensure ease of movement and reassurance when every detail counts.

accessible products support safe gripping, sitting, and standing and are designed for long-term use in both private homes and professional care environments

The collection seamlessly combines professional-grade performance with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, showing how good design can quite literally support new beginnings. Here, the 477/801 range meets strict hygienic standards while maintaining a trust-building, soothing atmosphere — creating spaces where safety and design coexist harmoniously.

the 477/801 range meets strict hygienic standards while maintaining a trust-building, soothing atmosphere

For children’s bathrooms in schools, pediatric wards, and care environments, the collection combines Barbie’s playful familiarity with HEWI’s architectural precision. Subtle pink highlights make spaces more inviting, while accessible fittings encourage independence and self-confidence. By considering proportions at a child’s perspective, the design transforms bathrooms into learning environments, inviting exploration and interaction as part of everyday routines.

when architecture and interior design are tailored to a child’s perspective, the bathroom becomes a safe place for discovery, learning, and shared experiences

The products provide grab bars, folding shower seats, and accessible washbasins, combining long-term usability with aesthetic refinement. HEWI’s 477/801 design language fuses with Barbie’s signature palette to create spaces that are as visually compelling as they are practical, promoting freedom of movement and personal autonomy without compromising on elegance.

the Barbie x HEWI Collection combines the playful charm of a childhood icon with the clear design language of the 477/801 series

The soft, warm pink is chosen for its associations with care and joy. Combined with white and black accents, the palette balances playfulness with architectural clarity. In boutique hotels, care facilities, and private homes alike, color becomes a functional tool: guiding orientation, softening spatial perception, and enhancing user comfort.

the soft, warm pink is chosen for its associations with care and joy

Barbie has always stood for self-determination, and this collection extends that ethos to comfort bathrooms for seniors and people with reduced mobility. The range integrates grab bars, folding shower seats, and wheelchair-accessible washbasins with HEWI’s modernist 477/801 design language. Functionality and aesthetics work hand in hand, proving that accessible design doesn’t compromise on style. By merging inclusive thinking with architectural precision, HEWI and Barbie offer products that enhance autonomy and quality of life.

By merging inclusive thinking with architectural precision, HEWI and Barbie offer products that enhance autonomy and quality of life

BARBIE and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel. ©2025 Mattel.

project info:

brand: HEWI | @hewi_gmbh

collection name: Barbie x HEWI

designer: HEWI

full collection: here

The post the barbie x HEWI bathroom collection extends to homes, hotels and maternity wards appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Barbie and HEWI have joined forces to launch a bold sanitary collection that marries timeless Bauhaus design with Barbie’s unmistakable pink-hued world. Presented in 2025, the Barbie x HEWI line spans nearly 40 bathroom products, from towel holders to folding support rails, and is designed to be both functional and inclusive. With a focus on individuality and accessibility, the collaboration reimagines the bathroom as a space where design meets diversity, whether installed in boutique hotels, private homes, or healthcare facilities. Rooted in HEWI’s German design legacy and Barbie’s global cultural influence, the series invites users to experience ‘Design with Unlimited Possibilities.’

the Barbie x HEWI collection combines soft hues and functional elegance, inspired by a world that celebrates individuality and inclusivity | all images courtesy of HEWI

Redefining the Bathroom from Bauhaus to Barbie

To understand how this unexpected partnership took shape, it helps to look at the players behind it. Founded in 1929 in Bad Arolsen, Germany, HEWI Heinrich Wilke GmbH has established itself as a pioneer in architectural hardware and sanitary solutions, driven by a philosophy of Universal Design that makes products accessible to all. Barbie, created by toy and entertainment company ©2025 Mattel in 1959, has grown into a global cultural icon, symbolizing optimism, diversity, and self-expression with over 175 doll variations across body types, skin tones, and abilities.

And while HEWI represents timeless functionality and inclusive design in architecture, Barbie brings a powerful cultural narrative of individuality and representation. By collaborating, the two brands merge these distinct yet complementary legacies: HEWI translates its Bauhaus-inspired clarity into sanitary products, while Barbie infuses them with her vibrant identity. This partnership is important not just because it expands Barbie’s influence into the realm of interior design, but because it highlights how brands from different worlds can unite around a shared vision of inclusivity, empowerment, and design without limits.

this collection not only sets new standards for bathroom design but embodies the spirit of independence, inspiration, and appreciation for every person’s uniqueness

the diversity of the Barbie x HEWI collection

Barbie is the most diverse doll series in the world, with more than 175 looks, including body types, skin tones, hairstyles, hair colors, and eye colors, as well as a variety of visible and invisible physical disabilities. This diversity is reflected in the Barbie x HEWI collection, celebrating the beauty of individuality.

Without a doubt, pink has always been Barbie’s calling card, but here it goes beyond aesthetics. In architecture, pink is increasingly recognized as a color that evokes emotions, stimulating creativity in some contexts, and offering harmony in others. In the Barbie x HEWI collection, shades of pink meet the clean lines of HEWI’s classic 477/801 series. The result? Fixtures that are not only functional but also inject joy, warmth, and optimism into everyday rituals. Think of it as bathroom design with a confident splash of personality.

the elegant furniture handles and hangers add colorful accents and create harmonious organization in the wardrobe and bathroom

This color-driven energy sits atop HEWI’s long-standing commitment to Universal Design where HEWI’s mantra, ‘Design for All,’ aligns seamlessly with Barbie’s message of inclusivity. The collection demonstrates how bathroom products can be beautiful, practical, and accessible. By merging Barbie’s vibrant identity with HEWI’s Bauhaus-inspired minimalism, the collaboration delivers products that are tactile, user-friendly, and universally appealing.

That philosophy translates into nearly 40 products that balance function and personality. From soap dispensers and towel holders to toilet brush sets and folding support rails, the Barbie x HEWI collection reimagines the essentials with a fresh perspective. Each piece is built to HEWI’s high standards of durability and usability, but now offers expanded possibilities in color and mood. Customers can opt for monochrome black-and-white, subtle accents, or go all-in on Barbie pink, giving designers and homeowners the freedom to adapt the collection to a wide spectrum of interiors, from boutique hotels to healthcare spaces to family bathrooms.

the products fit seamlessly into a wide range of architectural settings, from private bathrooms to boutique hotels, accessible healthcare spaces, and public facilities

the toilet roll holder in pale pink and the three-tone toilet brush set from the Barbie x HEWI collection form a harmonious duo in pale pink, black, and white

the towel ring from the Barbie x HEWI collection in pale pink

the toilet brush set from the Barbie x HEWI collection is more than just an everyday object: it is a design statement for the modern bathroom

the freestanding stool in pale pink and white is mobile and versatile, allowing it to be used in different areas of the bathroom as needed

the two-tone hinged seat supports up to 150 kg and is ideal for use in accessible bathrooms and can be mounted on the wall to save space and provides reliable comfort

BARBIE and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel. ©2025 Mattel.

project info:

brand: HEWI | @hewi_gmbh

collection name: Barbie x HEWI

designer: HEWI

full collection: here

The post barbie and HEWI join forces for unlimited sanitary collection of pink-hued bauhaus lines appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Umbral is a site-specific intervention in Quito, Ecuador, by JGStudio Arquitectura, commissioned by Boonker and Rinnova as part of a temporary architecture exhibition. The project involves the transformation of an existing bathroom into an immersive spatial installation, realized within a one-week construction period.

The design investigates the dual nature of concrete as both fluid and structural. Custom prefabricated concrete elements are used to explore this transitional state, capturing the moment in which the material shifts from motion to solidity. This quality becomes central to the spatial experience, shaping both interior and exterior elements of the intervention.

all images by JAG Studio

JGStudio Arquitectura explores concrete’s fluid-to-solid form

Umbral installation is composed of three zones, each drawing conceptual reference from planetary environments. The first, Earth, is a green space where vegetation emerges through concrete modules, introducing organic contrast to the rigid material system. Mars is defined by red-toned surfaces that emphasize temperature, contrast, and intensity through chromatic treatment. Saturn features soft whites and beige hues, evoking spatial clarity and a sense of expansion through lighter material finishes.

The design team at JGStudio Arquitectura reconfigures the original bathroom to prioritize spatial perception and sensory engagement. Functionality is reduced to its minimal expression in favor of an environment that encourages observation, pause, and material interaction.

site-specific installation Umbral transforms an existing bathroom in Quito

custom concrete elements shape both the interior and exterior spaces

the project explores concrete’s fluid-to-solid transformation

prefabricated blocks highlight the material’s transitional nature

vegetation emerges through modular concrete units

the intervention was commissioned for a temporary architecture exhibition

organic and architectural elements intersect in the green space

the project features light-colored finishes and a calm material palette

surface treatments evoke warmth and tactile depth

the original bathroom is reimagined as a contemplative space

Umbral invites immersion through material, light, and spatial rhythm

concrete is treated as both structure and sensory medium

light and shadow animate the surfaces throughout the space

white and beige tones create spatial expansion

each zone references a planetary environment to shape atmosphere

a narrow passage connects the three concept-driven zones

project info:

name: Umbral

architects: JGStudio Arquitectura | @jgstudioec
lead architects: Javier Gallardo, Stephany Soria

location: Quito, Ecuador

construction team: Boonker and Rinnova
photographer: JAG Studio | @jag_studio
videographer: Nicolas Arturo

The post jgstudio transforms public bathroom into undulating concrete installation in ecuador appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Roca introduces the next chapter of the Ohtake collection with sculptural basins and a compact bathtub designed by Rodrigo Ohtake. Celebrating the legacy of his father, architect Ruy Ohtake, the pieces reflect a refined organic language inspired by nature and tradition. Among the standout additions is a Stonex® bathtub that draws from the Japanese ritual of Ofuro bathing, offering a cocoon-like, restorative experience. Continuing a lineage of international recognition, the original Ohtake collection has a history of winning prestigious design awards — an acclaim extended by Rodrigo Ohtake’s additions, which have already received the Best in Show Revestir 2025, alongside the Red Dot Design Award in Product Design 2025 and the iF Design Award.

‘I was very honoured, but I won’t deny that it was a challenge. He was my great teacher, and my philosophy of architecture comes from him,’ shares Rodrigo, highlighting the personal significance behind this new chapter. ‘The connection to his legacy is naturally maintained as I incorporate new influences to keep the architecture evolving.’

the exclusive terracotta finish adds a unique touch to the Ohtake basins | all images ©Ruy Teixeira, courtesy of Roca

ROCA’S IMPACT CONTINUES THROUGH SUSTAINABLE BATHROOM DESIGN

Founded in 1917, Roca has become a global leader in the design and manufacture of bathroom solutions, blending over a century of expertise with a drive for innovation and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. With operations in 170 countries and 78 factories worldwide, the family-run company continues to shape contemporary bathroom culture across diverse markets. Sustainability remains at the core of its mission, reflected in both its manufacturing processes and its collaborations, which aim to enrich daily life through thoughtful design.

‘Rodrigo Ohtake’s new designs combine tradition with innovation. Rodrigo has captured the essence of nature and the organic fluidity that characterises the original collection, adding his unique touch reflecting his own vision and artistic sensibility. Each piece on this collection combines beauty and functionality, using sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes, in line with our mission to innovate in a responsible and sustainable way,’ says Marc Viardot, Corporate Director of Marketing and Design at the Roca Group.

Rodrigo Ohtake’s new basins build on the Ohtake collection’s organic, nature-inspired design

DRAWING FROM NATURE AND JAPANESE OFURO RITUALS

Rodrigo Ohtake’s two additional basin designs draw from the soft, fluid silhouette of the Calla Lily. Working with hand-sculpted models, he allows each shape to evolve intuitively through close material exploration. The resulting pieces feel both contemporary and timeless, offered in a refined palette that includes white, matt white, matt black, onyx, coffee, beige, and a distinctive terracotta finish, exclusive to Brazil and available globally upon request.

This philosophy extends to the bathtub, which takes inspiration from the traditional Japanese ofuro — a deep, steep-sided soaking bath associated with relaxation and ritual. Molded in Roca’s proprietary Stonex® material, the compact design integrates a built-in seat that encourages a meditative, upright posture. Accompanying accessories, made from eco-friendly soy resin, include a modular step that doubles as a stool and a side shelf, reinforcing the bath’s role as a restorative centerpiece in the modern home.

the basins draw from the soft, fluid silhouette of the Calla Lily

the bathtub takes inspiration from the traditional Japanese ofuro

project info: 

brand: Roca | @roca_global

collection: Ohtake

designer: Rodrigo Ohtake | @__ohtake

The post roca expands ohtake collection with sculptural basins and japanese-inspired bathtub appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

It is in this context that solutions like the BetteUltra Space and BetteCompact+ stand out. Shower trays play a key role in containing and directing water within the shower enclosure, minimizing the risk of leaks. However, they often present aesthetic or structural limitations that hinder seamless integration with the rest of the design. By reducing installation heights and expanding usable surface area, Bette’s systems help improve space organization, simplify maintenance, and enhance the perception of spaciousness. Founded in 1952 and based in Delbrück, Germany, Bette specializes in manufacturing bathroom components from molded titanium steel with a vitrified enamel coating — combining technical precision and durability in solutions adaptable to diverse project configurations.

Courtesy of Bette

Courtesy of Bette

The BetteUltra Space shower tray, for instance, was developed to optimize space usage in bathroom design. With a tray height of 15 mm and installation starting at just 90 mm, it allows for either flush-floor transitions or elevated setups, depending on the project’s structural needs. Made from enameled titanium steel, it offers high wear resistance, a non-porous surface, easy maintenance, and long-lasting performance. Compared to tiled shower floors, the material is easier to clean, accumulates less dirt, and offers superior resistance to frequent use — ideal for both residential and hospitality environments. Optional surface treatments are also available, such as BetteGlaze® Plus, which increases water repellency, and BetteAnti-Slip Pro, which meets slip resistance class B for barefoot wet areas and class R10 for anti-slip properties under DIN 51130.

Available in 20 sizes — from 700 × 700 mm to 2000 × 900 mm — the tray offers flexibility for various design layouts. It incorporates acoustic insulation mats, achieving performance levels in compliance with DIN 4109 and VDI 4100, level 3, with a sound emission of just 17 dB(A). This contributes to acoustic comfort and eliminates the need for additional insulation measures. The drain, positioned close to the wall, frees up foot space during showers and optimizes the internal layout.

Courtesy of Bette

The BetteCompact+ drainage system complements the shower tray by providing an efficient and elegant solution for compact spaces. With an installation height of just 55 mm, the system allows for space-saving configurations without compromising performance. Despite its compact size, it offers a drainage capacity of 0.5 liters per second, ensuring fast water removal. It also features a 50 mm water seal to prevent the return of odors from the pipes, enhancing hygiene and comfort in the shower area. Its construction is designed for ease of installation and long-term durability.

The combination of the BetteUltra Space shower tray and the BetteCompact+ system delivers significant benefits for both residential and commercial projects. Together, they can reduce installation time by up to 65% compared to traditional solutions, and lower the overall build-up height by approximately 24%. This efficiency is especially advantageous in renovation projects or buildings with floor depth limitations, offering greater design flexibility, time savings, and easier adaptation to existing conditions.

Courtesy of Bette

Beyond meeting the practical demands of compact environments, the efficiency and functionality of these innovations reveal their potential to create more comfortable and enjoyable experiences in one of the most important — and often overlooked — spaces in the home. When engineering meets design, what once seemed like a spatial challenge becomes an opportunity to enhance both the environment and everyday living.

Guest Feature by Eduardo Souza / Archdaily

The post how bette’s few millimeters of tray maximize space in compact bathrooms appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.