Do you also wander while bathing, thinking about what you could’ve said in an argument that happened 10 days ago? Or rehearse imaginary award-winning speeches while you’re in the tub? Congratulations then! British architect David Chipperfield, winner of the Pritzker Prize 2023, has created a wooden, freestanding bathtub named Tambre that will help you rehearse those comebacks even better. Created for the Italian bathroom brand Agape, the bathtub features a pared-back form with an integrated seat, shelf, and even a washbasin.
The piece takes its name from the Tambre River in Galicia, Spain. Presented at the Milan Design Week 2026, the bathtub showcases how two elements, the bathtub and the washbasin, merge into a single form. Available in two versions, the piece uses okoume plywood and solid wood, creating a cohesive structural unit. The bathtub is constructed from flat plywood sheets that remain clearly distinct when assembled, while solid wood inserts soften the transitions between individual components.
The bathtub is available in two freestanding sizes, as well as in a version with an integrated shower. The collection also extends to washbasins offered in various versions. Notably, the washbasin integrated into the bathtub can be used separately even when the tub itself is not in use. The concept of integrating a shelf inside the tub comes from the Japanese ritual of washing before immersion. Tambre bathtub lets you immerse yourself fully in the water, while the built-in seat allows you to sit upright.
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The signature piece features a soft, gently curved profile that extends upwards to create a subtle backrest, offering even more comfort to the user. All of the technical components are hidden within the tub to maintain its streamlined silhouette. The wood used offers a warm, soft tone and is highly water-resistant.
In addition, the tub features accessible storage compartments that are seamlessly incorporated into the structure. Chipperfield’s Tambre bathtub, by combining functionality with craftsmanship, transforms bathing into a thoughtful ritual. It gives you a perfect bathing space to be relaxed, sit back, and replay old arguments or practice your next acceptance speech.
