Editor’s Note: The bath world explores myriad dimensions of explorative product showcase and exhibit. The different moods of stations that highlight the fixtures on display are fun. It makes room for an atmosphere that is immersive and experiential, with lighting selections that further bold out the design aspects. ~ Nishal Sevak
Thrilling, imaginative and immersive – the new edition of The Bath World showroom designed by The Cross Boundaries promises to be all of the above. The client, a leading sanitary ware brand, required this store to move away from the sleek and minimalist previous rendition of The Bath World’s first showroom. This 3200 sq.ft space in Vadodara is the most exciting destination for sanitary ware and bath collection. The interiors of this edition embrace a more raw, rustic and rugged theme, progressing towards an innate finesse. The store offers everything in the bath world, one would need to turn a bare space into a home.
This 3200 sq.ft space in Vadodara is the most Exciting Destination for Sanitary Ware and Bath Collection | The Crossboundaries
Visit: The Crossboundaries
Arranged across a linear progression, the display is designed in various zones, ranging from tile displays to bath fixtures and premium collections. The design idea lay in the congruous journey across ‘parallel universes’ holding thematic zones, each rendered in a unique, distinct palette yet bound together by complementary lighting and display elements. These display zones hold fixed and changeable products from leading brands such as Vitra, Axor or Hansgrohe, displayed vertically and horizontally.
The ceiling heights of the existing structure too were tackled, by creating a false ceiling or leaving it exposed in the centre, to provide an illusion of depth and expansiveness. The general flooring in undressed black kadappa stone also enhances the idea of ‘beauty in rawness’, interspersed by specialized carpeting or tiling in selected zones. The depth created by mirrors, and the tactility of rough textures and smoothness of premium finishes all together create a memorable experience across the showroom. The highlight of the experience is a series of mock-ups in distinct alcoves, exhibiting the possibilities in functionality and style through different scenarios.
The experiential design journey begins from the first tile display zone at the entrance, with a warm exposed brick wall as a backdrop. As a first glimpse of both fixtures and tiling options, the space is energized with a bright neon and metal sign of TBW, on a dark exposed brick backdrop – ushering one into an experience marked by bare, unfinished textures. This area mainly holds diverse tile options laid out on foldable shutters, akin to turning the pages of a book.
To help with the comparative process of tile selection and laying, the area is equipped with carpeted flooring. Housed cleverly within the custom-designed false-ceiling, a system of profile and spot lights was designed to cast even, seamless lighting for the correct reading of tile textures and colours. To immerse visitors into the universe of all things related to bath and bathing, a swanky white bathtub with accessories and a neon sign is exhibited against the exposed brick wall. Right next to this, the concealed door in the brick wall reveals an entire world of displays beyond, taking one further into the experience!
Upon entering, the display zones with their unique compositions are revealed – stretching across the length of the gallery and visible over half-height walls. From the entrance, one’s gaze stretches towards the long end of the showroom, where a mirage of a mirror and bright yellow pod present a space to look forward to.
The zoning and progression of display zones follows the combinations of brand-offerings, best exhibited in real-life like contexts to make it relatable for potential customers. The ceiling is exposed in rough grey dani plaster, continuing as a rough underlayer. A series of sleek black track lights with moveable LED spot-lights set an even tone for the products. The first zone upon crossing over from the brick wall carries forward the rawness of warm, exposed brick and holds various niche w/c and basins by Vitra.
On either short sides of this area, premium shower panels and faucets are displayed on elliptical vinyl waterproof panels, with fluted textures, imported specially from Europe. An interesting addition to the display area is the central low-height wall, clad in olive green and black chequered tiles, holding the Vitra Istanbul collection.
On the flip side of the half-wall, the V-care smart toilet panel, with an embedded track to change the display is presented on a brown surface. A striking gesture to simplify branding and signages is the large typographical LED letters, illuminating the alcoves above the displays on the side.
The brand’s name is spelled out through these lit-up letters, which act as both an additional layer of lighting as well as demarcate the brand’s curated experience.
The next pod takes forward a stunning display of Vitra’s washbasins and personal bath fixtures, stacked vertically and horizontally. The wall niches in grey and off-white on either side hold an array of wash-basins, exhibited to get a holistic view from all angles.
The elliptical fluted vinyl panelling holds flush-plate options, exhibiting the endless possibilities to choose from. The central low-height wall here in a salmon pink marbled hue holds a unique display of wash basins and metallic faucets. A touch of nature is brought in through a raw wooden basin platform, while a powder-coated metal sheet in burnt sienna holds other accessories. The journey along the showcases moves further into the more refined, softer and eclectic part of the showroom.
In the zone displaying premium sanitary ware from Hansgrohe, the design language embraces more vibrant and colourful themes. This pod is a trip to the tropics, with a lush, leafy wallpaper backdrop in the pods and hints of Moroccan embossed tiles on the central half walls. White and black courses of tiles become an attractive backdrop to a w/c with gold detailing, making it a statement piece. Within this zone, the products are displayed with focus on the curation of accessories and elements.
Progressing towards a more refined, exquisite palette, the penultimate area opens out into an intensive composition of half-walls arranged to create alcoves, to display the best faucets, basins and bathroom details up close. A melange of premium tiles become backdrops on which exquisite basins and sculptural faucets are presented. Stunning black marquina stone becomes a dramatic backdrop to hold inset basins and sinks, while on the pod walls premium gold faucets are displayed against a black shower panel wall.
Potted plants are peppered around the space, adding life and liveliness akin to one’s own home. On the side niche, a rust-orange backdrop displays stand-alone sculptural basins, under the floating ‘Axor’ typographical installation. To add a touch of playfulness, a street-cart with bold, bright graphics too was used as a display element here – a surprising, quirky element!
Towards the end of the show-floor, a perfectly finished yellow box appears, holding the most premium and bespoke faucets, shower heads and bath accessories by Hansgrohe. The yellow ‘box’ kiosk is completely made of speckled quartz, with graphics and typography adding vibrancy to it. Next to this, the large mirror deepens and expands the perspective of the showroom, extending it infinitely. A small stepped display holding metallic faucets on the side too gives a visual break from the overpowering yellow.
Fact File
Designed by: The Crossboundaries
Project Type: Retail Interior Design
Project Name: The Bath World 2.0
Location: Vadodara
Project Size: 3200 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Harsh Boghani
Team Design Credits: Harsh Boghani, Vijay Dabhi, Rishabh Prajapati, Arvind Patel, Abishek, Aditi Patel & Stuti Shah
Client: Tapan, Ketul & Ujjwal Shah
Photograph Courtesy: Murtaza Gandhi
PMC: Sandeep Darji
Text: Niharika Joshi
Firm’s Website Link: The Crossboundaries
Firm’s Instagram Link: The Crossboundaries
Firm’s Facebook Link: The Crossboundaries
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