Six curated themed spaces, diverse concepts for different uses and fresh perspectives on modern bathroom design. The new special area bathroom stories demonstrates how design, materials and technology come together to create cohesive, thoughtfully designed spaces.
Location: Foyer of Hall 4.1
With the new special area bathroom stories, ISH 2027 creates a dedicated experience that brings together design, materials, technology and the way spaces are used. After all, bathrooms and sanitary spaces are as diverse as the people who use them. They must meet different needs, fulfil functional requirements and impress through their design and atmosphere. The walk-through special area bathroom stories reflects this diversity, demonstrating across six curated themed spaces how different requirements can be brought together to create cohesive, well-considered concepts. The focus is on a variety of everyday needs and settings: inclusive school toilets, accessible bathrooms, functional shower facilities and future-oriented concepts for hospitality and wellness. An interactive materials library complements the experience.
Selected products and solutions from exhibitors will be integrated directly into the showcase and presented in real-life application settings. Additional information about the products and manufacturers, along with guided tours, will offer opportunities to explore the showcase's themes in greater depth.
“We want to give the bathroom the attention it deserves: through spaces where people enjoy spending time and that engage all the senses. Visitors should take away practical inspiration for their own projects and showrooms. André Höbing, Dein Creativ Lab, responsible for the overall concept and implementation of bathroom stories.“
Six themed spaces combining design, comfort and functionality
WC-Royal
Functional, robust and designed with young people in mind: “WC Royal” demonstrates how school toilets can become attractive sanitary spaces that cater to different needs. Alongside creative spatial design, the focus is on an inclusive toilet facility that brings accessibility and space requirements to life on a full scale.
Flow-Point
Public shower facilities must meet demanding requirements in everyday use. “Flow Point” recreates a realistic swimming pool shower environment, demonstrating how hygiene, durable materials, easy cleaning and functional design work together. The technical solutions behind the visible surfaces are also brought to life.
Material Lab
The “Material Lab” invites visitors to explore and compare materials and experiment with new combinations. Featuring samples, material boxes and a collage table, the interactive materials library offers opportunities to discover individual material combinations and develop new design concepts.
Open Bath
“Open Bath” demonstrates how accessible bathroom design can enhance comfort and independence at every stage of life without compromising on aesthetics. Using an age simulation suit, visitors can experience first-hand the importance of sufficient space to move around and easy access to bathroom facilities in everyday life. The showcase also presents the latest technological developments in bathrooms designed to support health and well-being.
Small Stay
Limited space, high expectations: “Small Stay” presents two different hotel bathroom concepts that demonstrate how to make the most of compact spaces. The focus is on smart spatial solutions, high-quality design and exceptional guest comfort, all tailored to the demands of hotel operations.
The Reset
A place for peace, relaxation and rejuvenation: “The Reset” presents a spa environment where lighting, materials and atmosphere come together to create a unique spatial experience. At the same time, the concept demonstrates how design and technical requirements work together to ensure comfort and reliable operation.
Creating new perspectives on bathroom and sanitary spaces together
ISH is bringing bathroom stories to life in collaboration with the German Sanitary Industry Association (VDS), designers André Höbing and Tanja Maier from Dein Creativ Lab, Italian architect and designer Marco Poletti, and the German Sanitation, Heating and Air Conditioning Association (ZVSHK). André Höbing and Tanja Maier are responsible for the overall design concept and implementation of the special area, as well as the design of the “WC Royal”, “Flow Point” and “Material Lab” themed spaces. Marco Poletti is developing the spatial concepts for “Small Stay” and “The Reset”. With “Open Bath”, the ZVSHK contributes its expertise in accessible and future-oriented bathroom planning.
“The requirements placed on sanitary spaces are becoming increasingly diverse. They range from hygiene and accessibility to resource efficiency and operation, as well as atmosphere and individual design. Design, materials and current trends remain key drivers of spatial concepts that people will continue to enjoy using over the long term.”
For exhibitors – become part of bathroom stories
Let’s create the new special area together! As an exhibitor at ISH 2027, you have until 17 December 2026 to submit your latest products for one of the six curated themed spaces and showcase them as part of the holistic spatial concepts.
