How Victoria + Albert use research and ergonomic data to improve hotel bathing experiences

The idea of the bathroom as a wellness space for both physical and mental recovery, rather than simply a functional room for washing, is changing the way people see the bath. As we understand more about the benefits of bathing on our cardiovascular system and muscles, and the importance to our mental health of relaxation and meditation, a bath needs to be more than a stylish bathroom centrepiece – it should encourage bathing for all its life-enhancing qualities.

Barcelona | Image credit: House of Rohl

Victoria + Albert is a pioneer of contemporary freestanding bath design, having developed its own proprietary material, Quarrycast, over 30 years ago. Made from a blend of Volcanic Limestone and a special resin, this material is exceptionally strong and durable, and ideal for creating both organic and sculptural forms. Around five years ago, the company underwent a comprehensive review of its leading products, looking at how they could refine the designs with a new emphasis on the bathing experience.

The Victoria + Albert design team looked at the latest anthropometric data sets, to see how the range of models offered matched against changes in body size and shape. New CAD development work with virtual body models suggested design refinements. One of the advantages of Quarrycast is that the internal profile of the bath need not follow the external form. Alongside many subtle changes, one of the most noticeable is in the rim of best-selling models such as the Barcelona. These are now gently chamfered to cradle the head when leaning back in the bath.

Ledro | Image credit: House of Rohl

This work also led to other new thinking: extensive modelling suggested that many baths have unnecessary excess space around the body. By trimming this out, it is possible to create a bath that uses up to 30% less water than equivalent freestanding baths. The result was the Ledro bath, launched 18 months ago to target the hospitality market. It’s an elegant slipper bath, with an avocado shape that cocoons the body. Stylish, comfortable and water efficient, using a similar amount of water to a typical power shower.

The latest example from Victoria + Albert is the new Kerid design. Inspired by Nordic and Japanese bathing rituals, it is designed for seated bathing, with immersion up to the chest. The bath is an extremely compact 1350mm long, with has high walls and a raised seat on the base, with an optional step to make it easier to get in and out. It is the smallest size possible for the maximum range of users, while making it comfortable for a long, deep soak. This minimises water use and makes it especially suited to smaller spaces.

This focus on the experience of bathing, backed by research and extensive modelling, has not only improved the comfort of Victoria + Albert’s range, but identified new opportunities for development. It arguably gives the brand its own space in the market.

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Main image credit: House of Rohl