How to design a 6 m² bathroom?
winning design. Mountain architecture, Denmark. Image courtesy of Geberit
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As living spaces become scarcer and more expensive, design must develop innovative strategies that maintain a balance between functionality and aesthetic expression and enhance the creation of smaller spaces. With this goal in mind, Geberit launched a competition in six European countries – Germany, France, Great Britain, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Denmark – to reinvent the bathroom in an area of 6 m2, a common size in urban environments , which still allows for different layouts.
While offering a realistic approach, these suggestions serve as a guide for designing bathrooms that optimize space while appropriately (and creatively) combining different products, materials and colors.
Live ecologically
Filled with atmospheric light, the German proposal by the Ippolito Fleitz Group integrates the basic elements of a bathroom – including the toilet and sink – playing with curves, natural materials and vegetation to create a space full of life. Aimed at curious people who like to immerse themselves in spaces, this design integrates tactile textures such as clay walls or mosaic tiles as well as the contrast of rough and reflective surfaces.
With a biophilic design, this “green machine” integrates sophisticated technology behind the wall to take care of water consumption and create sustainable solutions for future users’ daily activities.
Ippolito Fleitz Group, Germany / visualization. Image courtesy of Geberit
Ippolito Fleitz Group, Germany / floor plan. Image courtesy of Geberit
One for all, all for one
Adaptable to a wide range of users, the project by Eva Ivos from France creates a multifunctional design that responds to the evolution of users over time, regardless of age, mobility and needs. In line with current trends, where it is not uncommon to have four generations under one roof, the proposal stands out for its flexibility and durability.
Flexibility comes from considering the needs and cultural habits of different generations, while durability comes from developing a timeless and natural design that minimizes the environmental impact of the bathroom. Without neglecting the aesthetics, the material strategy follows a cream color palette when wood is combined with different layouts of porcelain stoneware wall tiles to differentiate areas.
Eva Ivos, France / visualization. Image courtesy of Geberit
Eva Ivos, France / floor plan. Image courtesy of Geberit
Once in a lifetime
By choosing simple, resilient and long-lasting materials, Nimtim Architects’ project took into account both short-term and long-term sustainability qualities, designing a project where practical demands do not compromise the visual or atmospheric qualities.
Transforming plastic waste into recycled planks to create the space envelope creates a strong and resilient material that allows for a flexible storage system. The naturally split British stone found in bathroom flooring remains strong, hard wearing and durable, yet is non-slip and water resistant. This choice of materials aims to meet the needs of different age groups within multi-generational housing, which is a growing trend in the UK – particularly where property costs do not allow young adults to have their own home.
With an adaptable floor plan, the Loo of Life creates a space that suits users at different stages of life; safe and resilient, but also stimulating for toddlers, calming for teens and adults, and accessible later in life.
Nimtim Architects, UK / Visualization. Image courtesy of Geberit
Nimtim Architects, UK / Floor plan. Image courtesy of Geberit
Size doesn’t matter, style does
With the sink as a starting point, Andrin Schweizer’s design is characterized by being minimalist and functional, but also exuding warmth and elegance from its walnut finish elements that provide storage space and divide the space into different areas. The Swiss proposal shows that bathroom design is possible in just 6 m2 and harmoniously combines materials – opulent and expressive natural stone with soothing walnut tones – with an intimate floor plan that appeals to design-savvy people in particular.
Andrin Schweizer Company, Switzerland / visualization. Image courtesy of Geberit
Andrin Schweizer Company, Switzerland / floor plan. Image courtesy of Geberit
To the moon
Slim Studio divides the space into functional zones, concentrating the design into three main parts; the central backlit circular mirror symbolizing the moon, a bathtub built into the floor with a view outside and a toilet with hidden parts. This combination of elements, natural and artificial light and materials – in shades of gray and different marble designs – reinforces the interplay between industrial character and closeness to nature.
For the architect Iveta Lajdová, “the bathroom is where we start and end the day”. Therefore, their proposal aims at a hygge atmosphere, where the clean lines of the layout complement the soft and rounded shapes of the chosen furniture.
Iveta Lajdova, Czech Republic / visualization. Image courtesy of Geberit
Iveta Lajdova, Czech Republic / Floor plan. Image courtesy of Geberit
serenity
With a focus on developing a clear and strong layout while giving the user a sense of calm, Bjerg Arkitektur achieved the winning design for the 6m2 bathroom. Borrowing from the Danish word ro, which means serenity, the project’s vision addresses what is outside of space and introduces a green space that evokes a strong sense of warmth. The combination of natural materials such as light wood and structured stone with a frameless window opens up the bathroom to nature and allows inside and outside to merge.
Beyond the bathroom, Danish design uses space in innovative ways, incorporating sustainable elements that can be used for years. For Martin Baumüller, Head of Marketing and Brands at Geberit, the product selection in calm, earthy colors with wood accents offers comfort and sustainability with maximum use of space.
Winning design, mountain architecture, Denmark / visualization. Image courtesy of Geberit
Winning design, Bjerg Architecture, Denmark / floor plan. Image courtesy of Geberit
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