A model symbiosis

"I think we need to see the bathroom more as a living space again, where you can spend time for spa treatments and well-being moments," says Gesa Hansen in an interview with Anna Moldenhauer, editor-in-chief of Stylepark magazine for architecture and design. That this can also work in small bathrooms she demonstrated with the hotel project "Ami" in Paris: a wonderful building from 1925, erected in the golden age of Art Deco, which Gesa Hansen redesigned for a 3-star boutique hotel. From the colour concept to the high-quality furnishings, each of the 41 rooms has been thought through down to the last detail to offer guests an all-round relaxing stay. Especially for the renovation of the small bathrooms, creative ideas such as high-quality sanitary ceramics were needed: Gesa Hansen thus chose the "Architectura" and "Collaro" series from Villeroy & Boch, which fulfil all the requirements for a stylish hotel bathroom in terms of design and function. Characteristic features include the balanced wall thicknesses of the ceramics, the resistant TitanGlaze glaze in "Collaro" and the rimless design in "Architectura". Both products are robust, easy to clean and can be wall-mounted – all important points for equipping hotel bathrooms, Gesa Hansen explained. In her long-term collaboration with Villeroy & Boch, she has already developed numerous colour concepts, such as for the "Artis" collection. In the interview, you can find out how the spatial effect of a small bathroom can be positively shaped with a sense for the right colour scheme and Villeroy&Boch products.

Florian Kallus and Sebastian Schneider, founders of the Kaschkasch design studio, presented the first holistic bathroom collection they have developed for Villeroy & Boch at the ISH: "Antao". Inspired in form by the perfect asymmetrical shape of dewdrops, this already formally provides the basis for a natural ambience in the bathroom. "We wanted to create a holistic image with the 'Antao' collection, from the washbasin to the fitting, which is a first for Villeroy & Boch," says Sebastian Schneider. Every detail is perfectly coordinated, both in form and in colour and material. "We decided to use rather desaturated, long-lasting shades that are derived from nature," says Schneider. The "Antao" collection includes a wide range of washbasins, bathroom furniture, mirrors, fittings, toilet seats and a freestanding bathtub. "It was important to us that you have the option of combining all components in all designs in the best possible way," says Florian Kallus. With materials such as stone and solid wood as well as generous storage space, the furniture in the collection can also find an application in any other room - a universal appeal in design that dissolves the boundaries of the bathroom and offers a harmonious homely atmosphere. Kaschkasch reveal the creative process for "Antao" in the interview.