Although seductive scenes in bathtubs have become rather clich©, a bathtub described as “a seductive sculpture for the modern bathroom,” is something out of the ordinary.  Scoop, the monobloc bathtub designed by Michael Schmidt for Falper, improves upon the sculptural quality of the traditional free-standing bathtub, appearing to fold out from the wall and bend into its seamless round form.

Scoop Tub. Designed by Michael Schmidt for Falper.

Scoop

is a negotiation between the two predominant bathtub typologies: the built-in bathtub and the freestanding solution, appropriating the best features of each.   According to the designer, “The original design first began as a combination bathtub and basin, which led to the final bathtub design. The advantage of this design is that you can have the look of the freestanding tub but you can place the taps where you want.”  On the tub itself, on the wall, or on the floor; centered or on either end, the design provides flexibility both in aesthetics and in practical plumbing issues.  The flat surface, which seems to emerge from the wall, can conveniently hold your glass of wine or candles as you sink into the depths of the bathtub.

Modern adaptations of the traditional free-standing bathtub have been in abundance.  The very literal display of color and light within a free-standing bathtub is best represented by Dip D-Lighting Plasticryl and Chromotherapy Tub, designed by Boucquillon and manufactured by Aquamass.  Another favorite, the CUBE bathtub by Wetstyle, takes on the free-standing tub in crisp, rectilinear way, providing similar flexibility in the placement of faucet taps.  Scoop is a bit more subtle than the fluorescent Plasticryl and Chromotherapy Tub, and its shape is perhaps more inviting.  Although I tend to be partial to rectilinear form, the seamless, seductive form of the Scoop bathtub has won me over.

The inside of the bathtub is made of Cristalplant, a mixture of mineral powder and artificial resin; and the outside of soft-touch effect in either copper, white, coffee, coral red, green or cement gray. The outside can be fitted with optional side covers, removable for inspection. This bathtub won the Red Dot Award for Product Design (2007). The bathtub has it all: quality and beauty, reflected in its rather hefty price tag.