The Splash Lab: transforming public washrooms into architectural collaborations

While the washroom is the most visited part of a building, the value of making it sing isn’t always recognised by those holding the purse strings. The Splash Lab, specialists in high-functioning, impactful public bathrooms, have made it their mission to partner with architects from the start of a project to bring their visions to life, taking on the practical issues so that the sought-after aesthetic doesn’t have to be compromised.

Flexibility and modularity are designed into The Splash Lab collections, and a deep understanding of the territory means the brand is able to guide professionals toward the ideal product solutions for their needs. But that would be meaningless if the products themselves didn’t meet the high creative standards of the architect. In the hands of The Splash Lab, the most perfunctory of utilities, such as the hand washing basin, are converted into pieces of public sculpture.

Take the Aerofoil basin, a highly technical design feat, which floats on a wall like a falling shard. In a black marble-like finish, it proved the perfect piece to elevate the washrooms of One Saint Paul’s Square, Liverpool, to match the lofty functionality and aesthetic goals set in the lobby and common areas by architects GPAD. The collaboration with chevron tiles and oak finish panels ensures a cohesive experience as you travel through the space.

Meanwhile, an entirely different set of products has provided the solution for designer Monia Allegretti when updating the lobby area of the hotel and spa of Penny Hill Park in Surrey. As a historic property, Allegretti was tasked with modernising the washroom and incorporating practical sensor-operated facilities that would solve the issue of water spilling and trailing across floors while preserving the interior’s stately elegance. Working with The Splash Lab, she customised the Monolith and paired it with elements from the Ribbon collection – an award-winning design from 2015 featuring one of the first over-basin dryers. This design brings a fresh, user-friendly touch to future-facing washrooms.

By working hand in hand with architects, The Splash Lab is developing products that designers of space want to work with, making sure they can flex to fit a breadth of tastes, and helping them deliver washrooms that add value to a project – benefiting owners and end-users alike.

© Architonic

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