Kohler and Flamingo Estate Create a Sculptural Bathhouse Experience at Milan Design Week

Experiencing Serenity: The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse by Kohler

Introduction

Kohler has taken a bold step into the world of immersive design by launching The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse at Milan Design Week 2026. Collaborating with Richard Christiansen, the founder of Flamingo Estate, this installation invites visitors into a realm where architecture, nature, and serenity converge into a singular experience of contemplation and renewal.

Located within the courtyard of the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea, the Bathhouse stands as a monumental structure, seamlessly blending with the surrounding prairie that hosts an array of wildflowers. This bold and brutalist design, reminiscent of public baths found in California, emphasizes a connection between built environments and the ecological systems they inhabit. The Bathhouse offers a unique sensory experience, encouraging attendees to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Architectural Design

The Bathhouse spans an impressive 23 square meters and utilizes a deliberate palette of patinated metals and raw surfaces. It features a mineral-like textured finish that echoes the density of concrete, adorned with monumental stained glass designed by Milanese artisan Samuele Dossena. The interplay of light through these artworks creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, while strategically placed Flamingo Estate candles along the walls further enhance the soothing environment.

Richard Christiansen stated, “The Bathhouse reflects on ritual, nature, and the quiet power of materials. We envisioned a space where wildflowers, water, and light come together to create a sensory experience that reconnects us with the rhythms of the earth.” This philosophy runs deep in the very fabric of the installation, which serves as a quiet refuge for contemplation amid the bustle of Milan.

The Reverie Bathtub

Central to the Bathhouse is a reimagined version of Kohler's iconic Reverie enameled cast iron bathtub. This innovative design features a copper shroud wrapping around the cast iron tub, crafted with at least 80% recycled materials, thus marking Kohler's venture into using copper as a key element in bathroom design for the first time. David Kohler, President and CEO of Kohler Co., expressed, “Design and creativity have always been at the heart of Kohler. We see design as a bridge between heritage and innovation, evolving through material research and craftsmanship.”

Pollinator Baths and Ecological Design

Scattered throughout the garden, the installation includes four unique sculptural pollinator baths, designed by Christiansen and crafted in Kohler's historic Wisconsin foundry. These works not only serve as refuges for birds and bees but also extend the theme of symbiosis between human craft and the natural world. Michael Seum, Vice President of Global Design at Kohler Co., added, “Our goal in creating the Flamingo Estate Bathhouse was to explore the relationship between architecture and ecology, demonstrating how design can promote well-being for both people and the nature surrounding us.”

The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse transforms bathing into a ritualistic and restorative experience, promoting a deeper consciousness of light, water, and materials. This integration of architecture, craft, and ecology illustrates a shared vision between Kohler and Flamingo Estate: that sustainable well-being arises from a profound connection to nature.

Sensory Experiences

The candles displayed inside the Bathhouse were specially created by Flamingo Estate for this event, featuring the “Pollinator” scent, complemented by a Pollinator bath soap. Inspired by a stroll through blooming Milan, the fragrance evokes the essence of summer with the delightful scent of Wild Linden Blossoms, mingling with bright bergamot notes. These products are available for purchase on FlamingoEstate.com, perfect for those wishing to capture a piece of this enchanting experience for themselves.

Conclusion

Unveiled during the FuoriSalone at Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea, The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse is open to the public from April 21 to April 26, 2026. This installation represents more than just a space; it embodies a philosophy of living harmoniously with nature and the art of bath rituals, letting visitors find tranquility in their fast-paced lives.

For those interested in exploring this unique installation during the Milan Design Week, the Bathhouse is a must-visit, showcasing the potent marriage of innovative design and respect for the natural world.

With Kohler and Flamingo Estate at the forefront of this essential dialogue on sustainability and design, the Bathhouse offers a glimpse into a future where the home becomes a sanctuary, guiding individuals toward a more mindful existence.