page 46

Designed for Interest

page 47

As part of a fascinating house full of shapes and corners, this bathroom was designed to fit into a tall, circular tower with a diameter of only 2.4 metres. The mezzanine, which is close to the master bedroom, with small steps leading up to it, is so mall it will only hold the bath. The washstand and shower are on the lower level.

For the owners this was an ideal solution. They are not so concerned with how a bathroom works practically, but now it looks and feels; and this one is a little outrageous with a sense of fun and interest. As it is, it still works well in a practical sense. While "she" is soaking in the bath looking up through the circular window at the top of the tower, "he" can be downstairs taking a shower.

"Having a bath up there," says the owner, "feels like being in another realm. I just retire up to that height and sink into the hot water to be alone with the moonlight and the stars. It is a delicious and indulgent sensation."

The mezzanine height also plays up the shape of the bath which, being an old one, is individual and, painted purple and pink, adds to the sense of fun. The interior walk of the tower are rough trowelled plaster painted white, which gives it a light Mediterranean look. The rest of the fittings are simple and subservient to the shape and texture of the room.