Duravit freestanding bathtub, next to it a double vanity with mirrors, and a view of the green outdoor area through a large window.

Sebastian Herkner's Dream Bathroom

Innovative spatial solutions, striking material combinations, and a completely fresh take on traditional bathroom design: With Zencha, Sebastian Herkner has created a bathroom collection inspired by traditional Japanese rituals and craftsmanship. In his signature bathroom, however, the product designer reinterprets his collection entirely—stained wooden shingles on the walls, shell limestone on the floor, and a ceramic room divider form the framework for this unique bathroom collection.
Duravit bathroom with a black Vanity unit, two Countertop sinks, illuminated mirrors, and a toilet

The idea: generosity and groundedness

“It was important to me to create a spacious bathroom where the Zencha Bathtub takes center stage, yet there is still room for the essentials,” explains Sebastian Herkner regarding his design.

The curved wall, which echoes the soft contours of the Bathtub, creates an intriguing interplay between architecture and interior design. The spacious, square floor plan also pays homage to the unique design language of this series.

Floor plan of the Traumbas by Sebastian Herkner

The floor plan

The square layout of the bathroom is defined by the iconic Bathtub from the Zencha series, which not only serves as an eye-catcher but also sets the tone for the room’s aesthetic design.

A freestanding Duravit bathtub in a modern bathroom with wooden walls and a towel rack.

The bathtub as the focal point

The bathtub is the focal point of the room’s design. The shingle-clad wall follows the bathtub’s gently curved shape, creating a harmonious overall look. With its soft lines and spacious design, the bathtub defines the entire bathroom’s aesthetic.

Ceramics: two perspectives

The double vanity features two spacious countertop basins that echo the design language of the Bathtubs. The minimalist, graphite-colored bathroom furniture with textured glass fronts creates a harmonious visual contrast and, with its delicate frame, emphasizes the elegant lightness of the design.

Behind it, the wall cladding made of ceramic tiles creates a unique ambiance. Depending on the angle of the light, it refracts the light in different ways, creating an extraordinary play of light in the bathroom.

White Duravit double sink with black faucets and Vanity unit, topped by two mirrors and a light

The sink area

To tackle the challenges of everyday life, Sebastian Herkner opted for a double vanity. The vanity cabinets create a sense of visual order, while the spacious DuraCeram® Countertop sinks and matching mirrors provide ample space for personal grooming.

Duravit Happy D.2 wall-mounted toilet, installed in a modern bathroom, flanked by a towel rack and a vase, on a tiled floor.

The toilet area

The “Sahel” ceramic room divider, designed by Sebastian Herkner for Kaufmann Keramik, also serves as a partition for the Happy D.2 wall-mounted toilet; its asymmetrical design creates a sense of intimacy while maintaining the openness of the space.

Duravit tall cabinets hang on the wall, next to a chair on a rug in a modern, light-filled room.

More bathroom furniture

The additional tall cabinets in the Zencha series not only provide extra storage space but also feature the textured glass finish of the vanity cabinets, harmoniously completing the overall design.

Authentic materials and modern tradition

“We want to feel at home in our bathroom and create a place of retreat, which is why I opted for a curved wall made of stained shingles—as a nod to authentic craftsmanship,” says Sebastian Herkner, explaining his intriguing mix of materials. “It was important to me not to create a nostalgic bathroom, but one that, despite its traditional elements, fits seamlessly into the present.”

For the floor, he chose large-format tiles made of shell limestone, a stone native to Germany that symbolizes a focus on the essentials.

Duravit sinks sit on a black vanity, surrounded by modern bathroom fixtures

Herkner's Personal Touch

Sebastian Herkner’s preference for authentic materials and an emotional, sensual architecture that breaks free from strict rules serves as the starting point for his work. “Because it’s not about unnecessary luxury or decadence, but about a space that touches us personally, supports us in our daily lives, and allows us to find peace.”

White Duravit sinks with black faucets on a black Vanity unit, topped by a mirror and a large light fixture

Matching accessories

For Sebastian Herkner, a room isn’t complete until it supports the everyday routines he has already established: a soap dish, a trash can, several towel hooks, a toilet paper holder. With the right accessories, everything is tidy, neatly stored, and always within reach.