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Tubs with a View

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Tubs with a View

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    Benjamin Benschneider/OTTO

    On this wooded site, wood beams and walls of glass facing the surrounding forest offer owners the illusion of bathing among the trees. Project: Lake Forest Park House, Lake Forest Park, Wash. Architect: Finne Architects, Seattle; Builder: Schultz Miller, Seattle

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    Maxwell MacKenzie

    An asymmetrical tub keeps time with its modern environs while providing visual contrast to the vertical trees beyond. Project: Bloom House, Glen Echo, Md.; Architect: Robert M. Gurney, Washington, D.C.; Builder: Bloom Builders, Bethesda, Md.

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    John McManus Photography

    On a residential street in Daufuskie Island, S.C., gator blinds allow for natural light next to the tub without sacrificing either privacy or the historic neighborhood’s architectural feel. Project: Haig Point Waterfront, Daufuskie Island, S.C.; Architect: Group 3, Hilton Head, S.C.; Builder: Tidewater Co. of Daufuskie, Daufuskie Island

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    Maxwell MacKenzie

    A clear glass enclosure allows both the tub and shower to enjoy natural lighting, and opens up a space that might otherwise feel cramped. Project: 308 Mulberry, Lewes, Del.; Builder: Ilex Construction, Easton, Md.; Architect: Robert M. Gurney, Washington, D.C.

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    Lara Swimmer

    A sunken tub allows bathers to enjoy the view of a floor-to-ceiling window without blocking it. Project: Ellis Residence, Bainbridge Island, Wash.; Architect: Coates Design Architects, Bainbridge Island; Builder: Smallwood Design and Construction, Bainbridge Island

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    Dominique Vorillon

    Fogged glass exterior walls partnered with a clear interior partition and clerestory windows give this custom terrazzo bathing pool the feel of being both indoors and out. Project: Ridgeline House, Pasadena, Calif.; Architect: Montalba Architects, Santa Monica, Calif.; Builder: Sarian Builders, Beverly Hills, Calif.

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    Harvey Smith

    Retractable walls allow bathers to enjoy lake breezes and warm Florida air even in the tub. Project: Deland Modern, Deland, Fla.; Architect/Builder: Phil Kean Designs, Winter Park, Fla.

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    Roman Torres

    This bathroom’s design intentionally incorporated as many glassy surfaces as possible to reflect the windows’ forest views, surrounding the interior space with natural scenery. Project: Lyons Residence, Gladwyne, Pa.; Architect: Moto Designshop, Philadelphia; Builder: SJ Design Build, Wynnewood, Pa.

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    Michael Lavin Flower

    This extra-large window offers an updated feel to the bath’s design, as well as a supremely serene view. Project: Geier House, Williamstown, Mass.; Architect: Burr and McCallum Architects, Williamstown; Builder: Albert J. Cummings; General Contractor, Williamstown

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    Maxwell MacKenzie

    Freestanding tubs often feel out of place in modern architecture, but this one’s ultra-clean lines make it a perfect fit for its home, a contemporary farm house. Project: Becherer House, Charlottesville, Va.; Architect: Robert M. Gurney, Washington, D.C.; Builder: Shelter Associates, Charlottesville

Soaking tubs are survivors. Amid the many efforts during the downturn to cut all things extraneous from floor plans, there were times when it looked as though stand-alone tubs might go the way of the formal living room. But tubs have endured and once again are becoming a focal point, making their way into places like the master bedroom, according to Marc Thee, co-CEO at Marc-Michaels Interior Design in Winter Park, Fla., who discussed the trend at a design seminar in January at the International Builders’ Show.

“When emphasized as a spa-style retreat, they can become an emotional draw for buyers,” Thee said of soaking tubs. And with good reason: for buyers looking for a sanctuary, few features in a home offer the serenity of a good soak. Combine that with natural lighting and a view, and you’ve got a memory point that’s hard to beat. 

So come take a dip in some design ideas from homes ranging from an updated farmhouse to a modern manse, all offering a tub bathed in natural light from well-placed windows.