Visualisation of Victoria + Albert display, by G.A Group, at the Courtyard of the London Charterhouse.
Victoria + Albert’s new soaking bath will be previewed as part of the exciting House of Rohl outdoor bathroom concept at Clerkenwell Design Week (20-22 May), created by one of the leading international design studios in luxury hospitality, G.A Group.
Positioned in the courtyard of the London Charterhouse, the new heart of the Clerkenwell event, it proposes an immersive journey through a Japanese Onsen, or hot spring bath, offering a harmonious balance between indoor and outdoor living. Visitors are invited to step into a serene retreat, where a soundscape of water and the interplay of light and shadow celebrate the innate beauty found in simplicity.
The visitor journey begins at the traditional onsen changing area – with personal storage – then leads into the cleansing and bathing zone, before completing the journey at rest and refection.
“House of Rohl is excited to be presenting at CDW for the first time. The courtyard at the Charterhouse will be the perfect place to launch our Victoria + Albert Kerid bath, suitable for outdoor or indoor installation, as part of a wellness concept created by leading design studio, G.A Group. We’re also delighted to be working with Luxe Projects and Fisher & Paykel on the ‘ultimate kitchen island’ featuring our Shaws and Perrin & Rowe brands, and with Artisans of Devizes on a beautiful traditional bathroom display in the Charterhouse Great Chamber. These partnerships help bring to life the unique, artisan products offered by House of Rohl, and are the result of the close working relationships we always strive for.” Emily Hunt, Head of A&D and Partnerships for House of Rohl.
Kerid (launching in September) is designed to stand out from the current Victoria + Albert range, emphasising the unique benefits of soaking rather than traditional bathing, and targeting a growing market interested in this revitalising experience.
The Victoria + Albert Kerid bath is shorter and higher than a conventional freestanding bath, at just 135cm long (15cm shorter than the brand’s range of compact baths) and 83cm high. The base of the bath has a seated end, allowing for a deeper submersion, making the bathtub ideal for both hot soaks and cold plunges. The elegant, angled rim creates a cradle for the neck and head. There is also a deep chamfer at the base of the bath, creating a ‘floating’ effect.
Victoria + Albert’s proprietary material, made from a blend of Volcanic Limestone™ and a special resin, is especially suitable for the extremes proposed by this style of bath. The surface will not be damaged by ice cold water and it can even be installed outside, resisting damage from UV rays. House of Rohl expects the new Kerid design to be popular with spa hotels and luxury holiday developments, but also amongst active, urban professionals, who will see this as part of the health regime.
“The future of bathroom design is rooted in wellness. We’re seeing a shift towards immersive, spa-like environments that embrace natural materials, organic forms, and the fluidity of indoor-outdoor living. The new range from House of Rohl embodies this approach.” Jessica Morrison, Senior Associate G.A Group.
Victoria + Albert’s New Kerid Soaking Bath, shown with Riobel’s Parabola Brassware
Cold water immersion – a type of cryotherapy – is a therapy that dates back at least three millennia. Immersion can decrease inflammation and speed up recovery from injuries.
There is evidence that it reduces stress and can improve sleep and mood. Similarly, the benefits of a meditative soak in deep, warm water include improved circulation, relief for aching muscles and stiffness, enhanced skin hydration and general mental well-being. A warm soaking bath is intended to be peaceful and harmonious; a restorative experience that is deeply relaxing and meditative.
The Victoria + Albert Kerid collection includes a new basin, with a sleek circular design and chamfered base, to once again create a ‘floating’ effect. Also available is a matching step in the same material, with a grooved surface to reduce the possibility of slipping.
The new Charterhouse venue will also host Conversations at Clerkenwell with design concepts featured inside, including a House of Rohl kitchen island in partnership with Luxe Projects who has a wealth of experience creating beautiful, bespoke islands as part of build and refurbishment projects in and around London.
The centrepiece for the island is an iconic Shaws Butler sink with a decorated front of wild grasses, in baby blue (part of the Shaws Gallery collection).
Perrin & Rowe’s Southbank Pot Filler is used in a surprising way on the island. Pot fillers, a mainstay of American kitchens for many years, and now increasingly popular in many other international markets, are normally fitted above hobs, so large saucepans can be filled without the need to carry them from the sink.
They can also be used to create a pet station avoiding bowls being knocked over and keeping a kitchen streamlined and tidy. Positioned near a sink ensures the bowls can be washed daily which is essential. The island also features the latest appliances from Fisher & Paykel.
A traditional bathroom display showcasing Perrin & Rowe and Victoria + Albert with Artisans of Devizes will also feature inside the The Charterhouse. Victoria + Albert is better known for its contemporary designs, but the York is one of its Edwardian-inspired baths, with a roll top and a classic plinth, cleverly hiding the waste plumbing. In Olive Green (RAL 3005, one of a choice of over 200 RAL colours available on any Victoria + Albert bath or basin), the bath is complemented by a Perrin & Rowe Traditional bath filler in a 24-carat Gold finish.
The bath is mounted on a tiled plinth, featuring Aventuras Porto tiles from Artisans of Devizes. These traditional Portuguese tiles, designed by pattern designer Zoe Glencross, celebrate pattern and colour, and highlight interior trends for maximalist design and pattern layering.
LEFT : Victoria + Albert York Bath | CENTRE : Perrin & Rowe Traditional Bath Filler (24-Carat Gold) |
RIGHT : Aventuras Porto tiles from Artisans of Devizes
Also in the Charterhouse Great Chamber are museum cabinets displaying artifacts from the history of Shaw, Perrin & Rowe and Victoria + Albert, and examples of the materials that make the products unique.
