The bathroom is one of the few spatial environments that has continued to undergo a great degree of transformation, even in recent years. The progression in bathroom design may be attributed to the continuous search for new materials, products and meanings that companies are investing in, leading this evolution. It is an area within the larger discipline of design that requires a very intrinsic technical understanding  - and therefore, the dialogue between designers and the research and development departments of these companies must be a close one. Going through the International Bathroom Exhibition this year, part of the larger fair Salone del Mobile.Milano at the Rho Fiera Milano, proved to be a revelation in more ways than one on the positioning of ‘state-of-the-art’ for this special environment in design. STIR’s curation of the ten best entrants from the International Bathroom Exhibition harps on that intersection between technical and functional finesse with a strong but distinct aesthetic sensibility.

1. Tubes

Tubes, an Italian brand known internationally for its designer radiators and towel warmers, presents a stand designed by Palomba Serafini Associati, a firm with which the company has been collaborating since 2004. Tubes' stand is animated by many micro-architectures, whose task is to transform the radiator’s outlook to impart it an aesthetic and cultural sensibility. Often regarded as an object to be hidden away, the display positions it as a “cult” element. Each design installation acts as a showcase, where Tubes’ products are confronted with two-dimensional silhouettes of historical design or functional objects.

2. Sablier by Zucchetti

The new Sablier collection by Zucchetti evokes the organic nature and the reassuring feeling of mountains. The stainless-steel taps, designed by Monica Armani, are in fact displayed together with stones and other materials sanded by nature. The aim of the display is to enhance the surface finish, which offers a pleasant softness of touch. "The process of creating Sablier was a combination of magic and logic: we were inspired by our roots, the tactile and visual sensations in our memory, while using our technical knowledge and passion for machines that shape materials. The result is a harmonious balance between nature and human ingenuity,” state Monica Armani and Luca Dallabetta, co-founders of the studio.

3. Formation 02 by Kohler

If there is a toilet that stood out from classical imagery – smooth, white, curved and polished ceramic – it is Formation 02, designed by British designer Samuel Ross and his studio SR_A for Kohler. Large and sharp-edged (they call it “brutalist”) in a full, vitaminic orange colour, the fixture is, above all, super technical. It is through this new product, together with the Formation 01 tap, that Ross intends to explore the complexity of water flows and experience, reconsidering everyday objects and habits.

4. Ilbagnoalessi by Laufen

Making an impression at the Laufen stand are not new products, but a contemporary classic. The central installation of the stand is in fact dedicated to Ilbagnoalessi, a collection designed by Stefano Giovannoni in 2002, and considered a milestone in the evolution of bathroom design. Ilbagnoalessi has recently been renewed, thanks to extensive work on its material evolution and technological research. The collection represents a holistic idea of the bathroom – at the heart of Laufen’s approach – thanks to the perfect balance between form and function, design and quality of execution, poetry and technological innovation.

5. Thumb Collection by QuadroDesign

The QuadroDesign stand is easily noticeable for its artificial character: metal profile structure, modular plastic volumes (the “bricks” are stackable food containers), and green surfaces, reminiscent of green screen shades. The detachment from the other stands with their earthy and reassuring colours is disarming. Among the collections offered by the Italian brand is the Thumb series, designed by Giacomo Moor. The taps and knobs are characterised by their volumes from which a small portion of material is removed, ‘carving’ a sign that becomes a suggestion for use, a hollow that welcomes the fingers to interact with the pull-out hand shower or to facilitate turning and mixing.

6. Cross by Scarabeo Ceramiche

Scarabeo Ceramiche puts colour at the centre, presenting new shades with glossy and matt finishes to be applied to all its washbasin and sanitaryware collections. This colour variety particularly stands out with the Cross collection, which boldly combines wood and ceramics, bringing a touch of warmth to the bathroom environment. Cross features a base with intersecting wooden elements joined by ceramic inserts. The base supports a round ceramic top on which 14 types of washbasins from the Scarabeo collections can be placed.

7. Roca

Roca’s stand clearly recalls the architecture of the Mediterranean and in particular that of Barcelona - the city where the company is based. The stand designed by Mesura studio has “Mediterranean Perspectives” as its theme and presents a complex volumetric articulation to guide visitors through different situations, displaying the various collections and representing the Catalan company’s imagery. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the Nu collection by Studio Inma Bermudez. In a central position within the pavilion, Nu immediately captures the attention of visitors thanks to both the formal and chromatic dialogue between product and setting.

8. Utopian Dream by Axor

On Axor’s extensive stand (about 200 square metres), we were particularly intrigued by the presentation of the Utopian Dream project. The company asked the design studio Masquespacio to conceive an imaginary hotel suite reflecting their idea of individual luxury. The designers envisioned a room with high ceilings in which neoclassical and futuristic influences play a balance. This setting serves to illustrate the historical collaboration between the company and the designer Philippe Starck: we find a series of AXOR products in polished black chrome, including washbasin and floor-standing bath fittings from the AXOR Starck collection, as well as the new AXOR Suite washbasins and bathtubs, and the AXOR Universal Rectangular accessories, all designed by the famous French designer.

9. Fima Carlo Frattini

Fima Carlo Frattini expands its Ingiro outdoor shower collection with a new product, also designed by Lorenzo Damiani. Stecco is a new freestanding hand shower capable of positioning and moving as easily as any Ingiro complementary product. The product’s name winks at the animal world, emphasising the playful and extemporaneous nature of the proposal. Stecco supports itself with two slender front legs and an elongated body that touches the ground, just like a “garden pet”. Able to camouflage itself by immersing itself in its surroundings, the new complement inherits from Ingiro the foot-operated closing/opening system and plug-and-play ease of installation.

10. Cordivari

In the Cordivari booth, we find the different and original designer interpretations of the thermo-furniture proposed by Cordivari Design. The brand's products are designed as small heating sculptures in which aesthetics and performance go hand-in-hand. The stand obviously could not miss Window, a new radiator created in collaboration with the European University of Design in Pescara and conceived by young designer Beatrice De Sanctis. The element that characterises Window is its frame, which gives it three-dimensionality and, by becoming a practical towel warmer, adds new functionality.

Stay tuned to STIR's coverage of Milan Design Week 2024 which showcases the best of exhibitions, studios, designers, installations, brands and events to look out for. Explore EuroCucina and all the design districts—Fuorisalone, 5vie Design Week, Isola Design Week, Brera Design District and Porta Venezia Design District.