The winner of Reece’s prestigious Bathroom Innovation Award 2011 was revealed at an award ceremony on 20 August as part of Saturday in Design.

Held at Reece’s bathroom life showroom in Surry Hills, the event was hosted by Senator Matt Thistlethwaite, a representative from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

Justin Wagemakers of Blue Sky Design Group took out top honours in the professional category, awarded $20,000 for his ’Bathe’ design – having previously been awarded the prize back in 2008.

Toby Nowland from the University of South Australia was awarded the student prize for his ’Eggshell Bath’ design, winning $10,000 for himself and $5,000 for the university.

Both designs reimagine the traditional bathtub to create innovative new designs.

’Bathe’ features adjustable accessories for a customisable bathing experience.

“The bathtub is now a more utilised fixture where people find sanctuary from their busy and demanding lives,” Wagemakers explained.

“As each person likes to bathe in different ways, the bathtub must adapt.”

The Eggshell Bath was designed to perfectly complement the human body, with in-built lighting in the base to create beautiful and relaxing reflections.

“My objective was to design a bathtub that has a soft, organic feel, and what better way to do so than by observing natural forms,” said Nowland.

On the awards themselves, Nowland said, “I’m honoured to win the Reece Bathroom Innovation Award and encourage all design students to enter, whether in first or final year, as it’s a great design exercise and an opportunity to be recognised both nationally and internationally.”

Visit the Reece Bathroom Innovation Award 2011 website for more on the award and the finalist entries.

Reece
reece.com.au