A Transformative Bathhouse Experience by Kohler and Flamingo Estate at Milan Design Week

Kohler, in collaboration with Richard Christiansen, the visionary behind Flamingo Estate, showcased an exceptional installation at the Milan Design Week 2026. This sacred space invites attendees to experience a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, embodying serenity and re-enchantment with the environment. Nestled within the courtyard of the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea, the installation features the Flamingo Estate Bathhouse, a stunning brutalist structure designed to merge seamlessly with a meadow of indigenous wildflowers, igniting inspiration through its unique organic design.

The Bathhouse spans approximately 247 square feet, featuring a palette crafted from weathered metals and earthy, substantive surfaces. It stands as a testament to the synergy between architectural strength and the delicate beauty of nature. The building's exterior is clad in intonachino plaster, evoking the rugged texture of stone and cement, while monumental stained-glass windows crafted by Milan artisan Samuele Dossena wash the interior in soft colored light, enhancing the ambiance of the space.

Richard Christiansen expressed the vision behind the Bathhouse: “This project is a celebration of ritual, nature, and the intrinsic beauty of materials. We aspired to create a setting where water, light, and wildflowers unite, allowing visitors an opportunity to contemplate and reconnect with nature’s intrinsic rhythm.” Visitors are welcomed by the stunning Kohler Reverie, a new take on the beloved enameled cast iron bath, artistically encased in a copper shroud. This innovative design highlights Kohler's commitment to sustainable craftsmanship, using around 80% recycled materials, while also introducing a captivating new aesthetic element to bath design.

David Kohler, Chair and CEO of Kohler Co., remarked on the creative process, stating, “Design is an embodiment of our heritage while simultaneously pushing forward into new territories of material exploration. Collaborating with Richard Christiansen and Flamingo Estate at Milan Design Week enables us to inspire through art and design, fostering a dialogue about the importance of nature in our daily lives.”

Interspersed throughout the garden are four uniquely crafted pollinator baths, each an artistic creation reflective of Kohler's heritage and ecological commitment. These sculptures provide crucial habitats for pollinators like butterflies and bees, reinforcing the installation’s narrative of symbiotic relationships between human ingenuity and the natural ecosystem. Michael Seum, VP of Global Design at Kohler Co., noted, “For the Bathhouse, we explored how design can foster care for both humanity and our ecological surroundings. The pollinator baths are not just functional; they project our belief that design should nurture wellness for both humans and the planet.”

The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse alters the definition of bathing, transforming it into an experience of restoration and ritual. This thoughtfully crafted space encourages visitors to slow down, heighten their senses, and reconnect with the essence of light, water, and natural materials. It illustrates the alignment of Kohler and Flamingo Estate's mission to promote enduring wellness through meaningful connections with nature.

Additionally, Flamingo Estate presents exclusive candles and bath products designed specifically for this installation. The Flamingo Estate Pollinator Candle and the Pollinator Bath Soap Brick capture the essence of Milan’s springtime scents. Inspired by the blossoming Linden Tree, these items invite users to indulge in a fragrant journey reflective of the city in bloom.

The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse is open for public exploration from April 21 to April 26, with various hours throughout the week for visitors to immerse themselves in this unique sensory experience. This installation is a stunning celebration of design, nature, and ritual that prompts a much-needed dialogue about how we engage with our surroundings and prioritize our wellbeing.

In a rapidly changing world, the Flamingo Estate Bathhouse by Kohler serves as a powerful reminder to carve out time for contemplation and reconnection with the earth. By inviting us to engage with beauty, craftsmanship, and the natural world, it redefines the very notion of a bathhouse, elevating it into a sanctuary of peaceful introspection and creativity.