Escape the Ordinary: AXOR brings archival elegance to the bathroom

AXOR has unveiled a new vision for bathroom design with the launch of the AXOR Archivio collection, presented within Waterway, an immersive architectural installation created in collaboration with designer Haihua Zhang.

Centred on the theme of ‘Escape the Ordinary’, the project demonstrates how carefully selected materials, considered spatial planning and refined bathroom fixtures can transform an everyday routine into a sensory experience.

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Designed by Barber Osgerby, the AXOR Archivio collection draws on decades of design history, reinterpreting archival forms and classical detailing for contemporary interiors. Soft silhouettes, balanced proportions and brushed brass finishes create a timeless aesthetic that feels equally suited to modern residential bathrooms and luxury hospitality settings.

Waterway provides the ideal backdrop for the collection, expressing a cohesive design language through the use of Koshi wood, microcement and the rhythmic movement of water. Inspired by Zhang’s hometown of Suzhou, China, the installation reflects the city’s narrow river pathways through a sequence of bathroom spaces that unfold across the full width of the plan. Each zone has been carefully composed to encourage a slower, more contemplative experience while highlighting the architectural qualities of the fixtures.

The bathing area centres on a sunken square bath approached by a fine stone bed, creating a strong sense of arrival. Here, the AXOR Archivio bath mixer complements the clean geometry of the space while reinforcing its understated architectural character. Material restraint allows texture, proportion and craftsmanship to become the defining design elements.

The experience continues into the shower, where a handle thermostat controlling two functions is paired with a 240 one-jet overhead shower. Together, the fixtures deliver a streamlined appearance while supporting a calm and immersive bathing environment. Nearby, a floating custom vanity fitted with the AXOR Archivio basin mixer is positioned to overlook a tranquil bamboo grove, strengthening the visual connection between the interior and nature.

Throughout the installation, light, shadow and natural materials work in harmony to create a bathroom environment that feels both grounded and refined. Rather than simply introducing a new collection of fittings, AXOR presents a holistic approach to bathroom design where architecture, landscape and craftsmanship are considered as one. The result is a quietly expressive series that honours historical influences while delivering enduring relevance for contemporary interiors.

Images courtesy of AXOR via Designboom

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