What exciting new projects or product lines can we expect from House of Rohl in the near future? How do you envision the future of luxury bathroom design?
Although we can’t share details of our 2025 product launches, the future of luxury bathroom design can be seen in the new products presented by the House of Rohl at Salone Del Mobile, the Milan Furniture Fair, earlier this year.
The House of Rohl believes that the finest designs approach art. To create their new Seros bathroom collection, Victoria + Albert sought a new collaboration with an artist, rather than a designer. Barcelona-based sculptor, Sophie-Elizabeth Thompson, was commissioned to produce original sculptures to inspire a new shape of freestanding bath. These sculptures are beautiful and fascinating. Each is fluid and dynamic, with a natural grace. The sculpted ridges resemble the tips of sand dunes, or the peaks of waves. They provided the perfect platform for Victoria + Albert’s in-house design team. Sophie was involved in the process through to the final prototypes, working with the designers to reflect the essence of her work. This is the unique process behind the new Seros collection. The bath has an elegantly carved, asymmetric exterior. Any change in light creates new highlights and shadows that emphasise the sculpted shapes. Beyond its natural beauty, it is exceptionally comfortable, with a gentle angle to lie back and a chamfered rim to support the head. A modern luxury bath needs an equal focus on ergonomics. There was a resurgence of interest in podium basins in Milan, and the Seros podium is a first for Victoria + Albert. An extraordinary design, made in a single piece. The bowl gives the impression it has been carved out of the top. It is a true work of art, and could be a centrepiece for cloakrooms as well as bathrooms.
With multiple brands like Perrin & Rowe, Victoria + Albert under the House of Rohl umbrella, how do you create synergy among them while maintaining their unique identities?
When the Rohl family began importing some of the finest kitchen and bathroom brands into the United States, they sought stories of dedication, passion and craft. Today, the House of Rohl is a family of diverse brands, exceptional in their category, that complement each other: Victoria + Albert baths and basins; Perrin & Rowe English brassware; Shaws fireclay sinks; Riobel, brassware designers from Quebec. Independent spirits, but united by a belief that quality starts with the material, design is in the detail and craftsmanship is paramount. This approach leads to distinctive products in their respective categories that fit naturally together. This gives the designer or architect multiple options for bathroom design, rather than a manufacturer-imposed suite.
Can you share how customer feedback is incorporated into your product development process? Are there any specific examples of changes or improvements made based on client or customer input?
Victoria + Albert’s Lussari collection, launched last year, was created in direct response to a customer requirement for a new form of corner bath. The design was unusual in exposing the tub’s external profile, so it feels like a luxurious freestanding bath rather than a more conventional built-in bath. By revealing more floor space than a built-in bath, small bathrooms can feel bigger. The range was expanded to include a back-to-wall model with a perfect flat ledge for bath lotions – or Champagne flutes! – and a fully freestanding model, available in three sizes, including a compact 1500mm version.
How do you ensure that your luxury products remain functional and aesthetically pleasing over time? What advice do you give customers to maximise the lifespan of their bathroom fittings?
Our aim is timeless design, and we are cautious of fashion or fads. Keeping products for longer is more sustainable, and justifies the initial investment. Longevity arises from the quality of materials and precision of manufacture. Perrin & Rowe taps are still forged in small batches by hand, then machined using the latest CNC tools. It takes a minimum of five years to become a Master Polisher, and the larger bath fillers can take upwards of five hours to polish. This quality is supported by aftercare. A tap is a moving mechanical device, and parts can wear. Perrin & Rowe stock spares for virtually every tap they have ever made, and in most cases maintenance can be done without recourse to a plumber. Victoria + Albert’s Quarrycast™ material is made from a blend of Volcanic Limestone™ and a unique resin. This strong yet light material is so durable that in Australia many baths are installed outdoors, and even in the harsh Antipodean sun they do not discolour or crack. House of Rohl have such faith in the material that the retail warranty is 25 years (Contract 8 years).
Our advice to customers is to contact us if they have an issue with a House of Rohl product, rather than rush to replacement. For example, Victoria + Albert baths are extremely tough and not easy to scratch, but as the material is solid, a scratch may be polished out. For those who like change, we know customers who choose to paint the exterior Victoria + Albert baths every two years to keep their bathroom fresh. Or choose an unlaquered brass finish from Perrin & Rowe, and watch the natural patina develop over the years; a ‘living finish’ that will never stop changing.
