Virtual winners' podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (4/9)

Less than two years have passed since COVID-19 forced us to postpone long- and medium-haul travel until further notice. During that time, those seeking relaxation either spent their holidays regionally or opted to stay at home entirely. Stay-cationers were able to gain a completely new perspective on the things that surround them every day. Many came to recognise their home's untapped potential for transformation into a more relaxing place, one capable of suppressing wanderlust. And one of the key building blocks for this was the bathroom.

That the bathroom is increasingly becoming a compact oasis of wellness is not entirely new. What is becoming more apparent, however – and is recognisable among the winners of the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior – is the important role played by the fulfilment of individual needs. Accordingly, factors such as design freedom, accessibility, sustainability and smart extensions are reflected in new product design. Just taking a simple shower is so yesterday.

Bathroom-fittings manufacturer Grohe, for example, has been awarded the 'Winner' title a number of times. One was for the GROHE Rainshower SmartActive hand shower collection, whose Rain, Jet and ActiveMassage spray modes can be controlled with a simple tap of the finger on the back of the showerhead. The jury was also impressed by GROHE's Rainshower Aqua Body Sprays collection, whose statement on this shower system – which directs water horizontally towards the body – sums it up as ‘A design solution that is as minimalist as it is elegant.’ When the water is switched on, the nozzle moves a little way out of the wall, and different spray types can then be set on the rotary wheel. The GROHE Rainshower Aqua ceiling showers can also be adapted to suit personal showering habits, making the start of the day something to really look forward to.

The RainDrain floor-level shower drains from Hansgrohe, which cater for all common installation situations, also drew the jury's attention. Depending on aesthetic preference, there is a choice of four different designs and numerous surfaces from matt black to brushed bronze. For its ‘striking contrast between the matt black frame construction and transparent glass surfaces’, the X-Pure Series shower wall construction by Cologne-based industrial design studio Yellow Lab also receives the title of 'Winner'. Load-bearing parts and connectors are mounted on the outside, which creates a new kind of spatial experience in the cubicle, and with doors that swing 90° either inwards or outwards, the X-Pure Series allows barrier-free shower cubicles to be installed.

Even toilets today are no longer just sober sanitary ceramics, but rather also equipped with features that reflect a love of detail. For this fact, we can thank manufacturers such as Portugal's Sanindusa. Its rimless, wall-hung Sanlife Textured Rimflush WC has a geometrically textured surface whose structure can also be felt haptically. ‘The graphic pattern makes the product visually unmistakable,’ is how the jury explained its decision to also award the product the 'Winner' title. Another toilet with eye-catching potential is the SLIDE by Nilo Gioacchini Design, which has a sliding cover instead of a classic toilet lid. The designers are concerned with giving the WC a better image by ‘transforming the sanitary ceramic into a "household appliance"’. The sturdy cover rolls up in the back of the shower toilet at the touch of a button, but can also be removed for cleaning.

With the help of cleverly thought-out and individually placed details and accessories, the quality of time spent in the bathroom can be further enhanced. The versatile XtraStoris wall niches from Hansgrohe, for example, which are available in the Original, Minimalistic, Rock and Individual design lines, allow freedom of design in terms of size, installation depth and surface. They make ideal use of the space and everyday item storage always look tidy. Meanwhile, the Sensa Collection from Jomoo Kitchen & Bath Germany can be used to create the right atmosphere at any time. The intelligent system adapts to personal preferences and analyses user behaviour to improve wellness. A smart sensor recognises people and their routines and automatically adjusts settings such as light, music, temperature and room fragrance. ‘A fascinating technology in an elegant and user-friendly design that promises a completely new body-care experience,’ was the jury's assessment.

And if you have the urge to once again travel further afield for relaxation, we recommend a visit to the AHC Spa Waterful Desert health club in Seoul, designed by South Korean design studio FLYmingo. The combination of curved shapes and sandy colours is meant to reflect the new brand identity of the cosmetics brand AHC – but can also be a wonderful inspiration for renewals in the bathroom at home.

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