#Italy #Milan #Kohler #Flamingo Estate #Milan Design Week

Exploring the Conceptual Bathhouse by Kohler and Flamingo Estate

At the Milan Design Week 2026, Kohler partnered with Richard Christiansen, the visionary founder of Flamingo Estate, to present a unique installation - the Flamingo Estate Bathhouse. This extraordinary immersive experience encapsulates an enchanting space where architecture intertwines with nature and moments of tranquility, urging visitors to engage in contemplation and renewal.

Situated at the Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea in Milan, this bathhouse installation stands within a bold brutalist structure that appears to rise organically from the adjacent wildflower meadow. This 247-square-meter monolithic structure blends seamlessly into its environment, featuring a palette of weathered metals and basic textures that laud the raw beauty of nature. It's surrounded by seven species of untamed wildflowers, effectively blurring the lines between the built environment and the living ecosystem.

The bathhouse is clad in intonachino stucco, echoing the mineral quality and mass of concrete. Its monumental stained glass windows, crafted by Milanese artisan Samuele Dossena, allow natural light to dance through hues of terracotta, crafting a soothing and serene atmosphere. The addition of Flamingo Estate candles heightens the sensory ambiance further.

“The bathhouse serves as a meditation on ritual, nature, and the quiet strength of materials,” shares Richard Christiansen. “We envisioned a space where wildflowers, water, and light create a sensory experience that reconnects us with the rhythms of the earth.”

Upon entering, attendees are welcomed by Reverie, Kohler’s reimagined free-standing enameled cast-iron bathtub, adorned with a copper shroud that serves as the focal point of this sensory environment. The tub itself, constructed with over 80% recycled materials, reflects the commitment to sustainable craftsmanship ingrained in Kohler's design philosophy.

David Kohler, Kohler Co.’s Chairman and CEO, emphasizes, “Design and the creative process are at the core of Kohler's identity, shaping our heritage while driving our innovation. We view design as a bridge between legacy and modernity.” The use of copper in this enhanced bath design introduces a dynamic new trait to the category, showcasing the company's ongoing evolution in material exploration.

In addition to the breathtaking bathtub, the garden features four unique sculptural pollinator baths designed by Christiansen and cast in Kohler’s historic foundry in Wisconsin. These artistic creations provide habitats for birds, bees, and other pollinating species, extending the installation’s narrative about the interdependence between human craftsmanship and the natural world.

“For the Flamingo bathhouse, we aimed to explore the relationship between architecture and ecology—how design can foster moments of care not only for individuals but also for the surrounding natural environment,” notes Michael Seum, Vice President of Global Design at Kohler Co. “The pollinator baths adopt a sculptural form that draws on brutalist principles while embracing organic, nature-inspired surfaces.”

The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse elevates bathing into a rejuvenating experience, a sanctuary fostering ritual and retreat that slows the body, calms the mind, and enhances awareness of light, water, and materials. Integrating architecture, craftsmanship, and ecology, the installation reflects a shared vision from both Kohler and Flamingo Estate that true well-being emerges from a deeper connection with nature.

Specially crafted for this installation, the Flamingo Estate candles are complemented by a cube-shaped Pollinator bath soap, inspired by the scents of Milan’s streets during the lively spring season. Wild Linden Blossom encapsulates the fragrant essence of Milan, where the iconic Tiglio tree blooms, infusing the boulevards with a warm, honeyed aroma synonymous with this Italian city. From sunlit markets resonating with the green vibrancy of bergamot's skin to the sweet pollen that dances through the air, the candle reflects the region's lush offerings and sensory treasures.

Visitors can experience this installation from April 21 to April 26, 2026, during FuoriSalone at the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea in Via Palestro 14, 20121 Milan. Operating hours include Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Discover images from the installation and more details in the press release.