In an era witnessing a global surge in thermal bathing and sauna traditions, Milan Design Week 2026 is poised to showcase an array of innovative bathing concepts. Among these, “The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse,” a harmonious collaboration between two prominent American entities, stands out. This exhibit aims to translate a philosophy of natural connection and ritual into a tangible, immersive experience for a global audience, moving beyond mere replication to capture the essence of its inspiration.
Flamingo Estate and Kohler Showcase "The Bathhouse" at Milan Design Week 2026
As Milan Design Week 2026 unfolds, attendees are turning their attention to the "Salone Internazionale del Bagno" at the Rho Fairground, where a renewed global interest in thermal bathing and sauna culture is evident. A particularly anticipated display is "The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse," a joint creation by Richard Christiansen, founder of the Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand Flamingo Estate, and the renowned kitchen and bathroom company, Kohler. This multisensory installation is situated within the tranquil courtyard of the Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea during the Fuorisalone event, running from April 20-26, 2026.
The centerpiece of the installation is a brutalist bathhouse, encased in polished copper, conceived by Kohler. This structure is a reimagining of Christiansen's personal bathhouse, which he constructed on his seven-acre Los Angeles estate in 2013. Inspired by ancient Persian Alamut fortresses—historically places of rejuvenation for soldiers—Christiansen’s original three-story bathhouse is nestled in his garden, offering a sanctuary of calm with a fireplace and a concrete tub oriented towards the sunrise. Christiansen describes it as a "place of ritual," where he can slow down and reconnect with nature. The Milanese reinterpretation seeks to convey this profound sense of nature-infused tranquility within the city's vibrant design scene, emphasizing the spirit rather than an exact replica.
The Milanese bathhouse, set amidst wild flowers, features weathered metal cladding that allows it to seamlessly integrate with its courtyard surroundings. Inside, sunlight streams through expansive stained-glass windows, illuminating an interior where over 200 wall-mounted Flamingo Estate candles cast a serene, almost sacred glow. Here, visitors can admire a new, refined copper version of Kohler's freestanding enameled cast iron bath.
Beyond the main structure, the wild garden is dotted with four unique pollinator baths. These were conceptualized by Christiansen, meticulously designed by Kohler's design director, JB Han, and crafted at Kohler's historic Wisconsin foundry. Each bath, while possessing a brutalist cast iron form, incorporates subtle geometric patterns on its inner surface. Han explains that these patterns draw inspiration from natural habitats, featuring textures and scales designed to support local birds, bees, and other insects. This initiative reflects a deeper consideration for ecological systems in design.
JB Han noted that the collaboration stemmed from a shared appreciation for nature, ritual, and sensory living. The project became an opportunity to transform this mutual philosophy into a tangible, spatial experience, inviting people to reconsider their connection to elemental experiences like water and light. Christiansen highlighted Kohler's unique capability to blend industrial-scale production with a sensitive approach to materials and craftsmanship, a balance that resonates with Flamingo Estate’s core values.
In California, the water from the Flamingo Estate bathhouse naturally irrigates the garden below, a practice that inspired Christiansen to develop his initial range of shampoos and body washes using regeneratively grown ingredients. Both Christiansen and Han hope the Milan installation will encourage visitors to pause, reconnect with their environment, and witness how design can actively contribute to nature rather than merely existing alongside it. Christiansen believes that if visitors leave with a fresh perspective on their relationship with the natural world, their mission will have been accomplished.
This immersive exhibition at Milan Design Week serves as a poignant reminder that true innovation often lies in fostering a deeper connection with our surroundings. By thoughtfully integrating design with ecological principles and personal rituals, Flamingo Estate and Kohler challenge us to consider the broader impact of our creations. It underscores the idea that design is not just about aesthetics or utility, but about shaping experiences that enrich lives and promote harmony with the natural world. This project encourages a shift from human-centric design to a more holistic approach, where products and environments are crafted with coexistence in mind, fostering a deeper reverence for both human well-being and environmental stewardship.