“At Dornbracht, we specialise in turning your vision into reality...”
In this exclusive interview with Washrooms and Beyond, Stefan Gesing, CEO of Dornbracht delves into the brand’s 75-year journey of innovation and design excellence in the bathroom industry. Specializing in transforming client visions into reality, Dornbracht has evolved from creating functional wet rooms in the 1960s to pioneering luxury wellness spaces today. As Gesing discusses the latest innovations, such as the Aquahalo shower and sustainable solutions, he reflects on the future of bathrooms becoming personalized, spa-like sanctuaries—marrying luxury with responsible water usage.
Dornbracht has been in the industry for the last 75 years. How do you see the market evolving and how has been the journey so far?
It has been a long journey from the bathroom as a functional wet room in the 1960s to today’s bathrooms, which have developed into wellness living spaces with hydrothermal applications, particularly in the high-end segment. It has always been important for us to put the user at the centre of our considerations, to understand exactly what their needs are and how we can contribute to their well-being with new ideas for the bathroom floor plan and innovative application solutions. This is precisely the direction in which the market in the luxury segment will continue to develop in the future. Lasting design, one of our core competencies since the 1980s, which we have proven with our defined design principles and many successful ranges of fittings, forms an essential basis for this.
Bathrooms are becoming personal spas. What is your view on this? What was the inspiration behind the Aquahalo shower that has been recently launched in Milan?
The pursuit of well-being has taken a mindful turn, with consumers seeking responsible and sustainable ways to invest in their health. The bathroom today is about fostering a holistic spa experience that endures. Recognising this growing desire, Dornbracht invites you to “follow your bliss” with products designed to transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of personalised well-being.
For example, our new Serenity Sky rain panel embodies this philosophy. Inspired by Kneipp therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and modern wellness principles, it offers a spectrum of experiences. Multiple jets, temperature variations from invigorating cool to soothing warm, and chromotherapy lighting allow you to curate the perfect mood and personalise your spa ritual at home.
Aquahalo is a water sculpture, in a ring-shaped design which easily becomes the central element in every bathroom. Attached at four points, it circles a central spot for light and water embedded in the ceiling. Designer Michael Neumayr was inspired by a classical chandelier, envisioning the water drops as crystals. He based his concept on the Gustavian style, a Swedish trend inspired by antiquity and French neoclassicism at the time of King Ludwig XVI.
“We have just successfully opened our latest showroom in the Brera Design District in Milan at the last Milan Design Week. We want to continue on this path of international presence with our own showrooms in the coming years.”
Individual wellness competes with the growing call to conserve water as water is a key component in providing an enriching and luxurious experience. How do you balance these two aspects in your wellness-focused products and solutions?
In a world facing water conservation challenges and climate change, creating sustainable spa bathrooms is no longer optional. We all have a role to play, and even small changes can make a big difference. The key is finding balance. Water is essential for a luxurious and rejuvenating spa experience, and a long soak in a tub might be more appealing than a quick shower. However, we should strive to use only as much water as needed. As a fittings manufacturer, we believe it’s our responsibility to raise awareness about water as a precious resource.
We are committed to developing innovative products that contribute to water conservation efforts. Examples can be found in our portfolio of rain showers, overhead showers, body sprays and hand showers, as well as shower systems, which are available with a lower flow rate. We call this “Flow Reduce”. For example, a hand shower with reduced flow saves up to 54% water compared to a normal hand shower.
Individualisation is another upcoming trend in the high-end segment. What are the products and services you offer in this segment?
At Dornbracht, we specialise in turning your vision into reality. We can create one-of-a-kind pieces with exceptional quality, tailored to your exact specifications. No matter how unique your idea, we can bring it to life. With over 70 years of experience and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and design, our team is equipped to handle anything from minor adjustments to fully bespoke creations. We have the expertise in both manufacturing and design to bring your ideas to life in a stylish and high-quality manner. We offer a wide range of individualisation options, from personalised structural modifications to truly exclusive, one-of-a-kind designs. The possibilities are endless.
With technology, trends and user lifestyles changing at a rapid pace, how does the concept of “Timeless Luxury” work?
Timeless luxury is about experiences and products that provide long-lasting value, quality, and a sense of understated elegance. It’s about building experiences and acquiring items that will continue to be appreciated for years to come. We also refer to this trend as “Quiet Luxury” and it embodies a timeless approach to interiors, prioritising ultimate wellbeing in a way that’s responsible, sustainable, and thoughtfully designed.
This enduring philosophy transcends trends and reflects a desire for a simple design that carries a legacy and endures for generations. Gone are the days of ostentatious fixtures and overwhelming spaces. Quiet Luxury builds on the minimalist movement, a mainstay in bathroom design for years. It elevates pared-back aesthetics, transforming everyday bathroom routines into luxurious rituals without excessive ornamentation.
Brands in the premium segment rely on experience centres to showcase their products. What are your plans?
Experiencing our products and above all the water treatments in person is irreplaceable. Together with our specialist retail partners, we make this possible in their exhibitions worldwide. Of course, we also operate our own showrooms.
We have just successfully opened our latest showroom in the Brera Design District in Milan at the last Milan Design Week. We want to continue on this path of international presence with our own showrooms in the coming years.
How do you see the industry evolving in the next five years?
The bathroom is one of the most complex and costly rooms to create in our homes. Therefore, sustainable design and durable, high-quality materials in the future will be prioritised. A bathroom that quickly deteriorates in aesthetics or function is not sustainable. Investing in high-quality products from manufacturers who prioritise sustainability is worthwhile.
Additionally, it is crucial to design the bathroom to meet the user’s needs and consider future life stages. Health-promoting water applications, especially in the shower, are becoming increasingly important alongside design considerations. Water efficiency should be a key factor. These market expectations will increasingly influence the industry in our high-end segment in the coming years. And, because a bathroom is not as easy to change as, say, the furnishings in a living room, awareness of and willingness to invest in the bathroom will increase.