The grand finale of the Livingetc Beyond The Bath Design Challenge & Awards, Season Two, in association with Hindware Italian Collection was a night that celebrated the best in bath space design.
In the ever-evolving world of design, imagination and creativity are limitless. The Livingetc Beyond The Bath Design Challenge & Awards, Season Two, in association with Hindware Italian Collection, served as a catalyst for innovative design-led solutions in the niche smart bathroom segment. Held at the Shangri-La, Bengaluru on 5 March 2025, the grand finale proved to be a night to remember — a confluence of cutting-edge concepts, groundbreaking ideas, and an unwavering passion for design. This one-of-a-kind challenge invited architects and designers from across the country to reimagine bathrooms beyond their traditional utilitarian roles. Entrants were given complete creative freedom, and many presented futuristic bathroom concepts brought to life with strikingly realistic renders. The diversity of ideas on display underscored an exciting future for bathroom aesthetics, where every design tells a compelling story and enhances functionality in novel ways.
Adding gravitas to the awards was the jury panel, which included the finest design minds and industry experts like Ameet Mirpuri of Design Studio, Dipen Gada of Dipen Gada & Associates, Jasem Pirani of MuseLAB, Sunitha Kondur of Hundredhands, Vinithra Amarnathan of Weespaces, Nirupam Sahay - CEO, Bath & Tiles Business, Hindware Limited and Varuni Mohan - deputy editor of Livingetc. They had the exhilarating task of selecting the top winners from the 25 finalists, shortlisted from a plethora of submissions. This impressive list featured a host of innovative studios from across the nation, including Aakash Chary, Anchuri Design World, Architecture Saga, Dome of Thoughts, Foliage Architecture, Humming Tree, Mazan Hamza, N.K. Architects, Pink Octopus by T&J, POM Designs, Pratik S. Pednekar, Rahul Hurali, Roksana & Anosh, Rootsense, S2A Studio, Samrutha S, Shripal and Venkat Architects, Studio Dot, Studio Hatch, Tejomaya Designs, Terra Firma Architects, The Auburn Studio, Tropical Tones, TV Studio Design, and WeBe Design Lab.
As the evening progressed towards the much-anticipated winner announcements, all the finalists were felicitated by the jury for making it to the coveted top 25 from which the winners and runners-up emerged. Claiming the top honor was Ahmedabad-based Terra Firma Architects, while the first runner-up position was Bengaluru-based Architecture Saga, and the second runner-up title went to Rootsense from Ghaziabad.
The three practices were honoured with the Livingetc Beyond The Bath signature trophy — a sculptural interpretation of a traditional Indian stepwell. As the winners took centre stage to showcase their award-winning concepts, the venue filled with applause, a fitting tribute to ideas that are setting new benchmarks for smart bathroom design. Reflecting on the event, Nirupam Sahay - CEO, Bath & Tiles Business, Hindware Limited, remarked, “This challenge is a celebration of innovation, where every entry pushes the boundaries of what a bathroom can be.” The Livingetc Beyond The Bath Design Challenge & Awards, Season Two, in association with Hindware Italian Collection has firmly established itself as a platform that nurtures talent, fuels innovation, and redefines the future of bathroom aesthetics and functionality. As the evening drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of anticipation for the next season of this unique competition; of the platform that encourages and recognises the pulse of design, the need for innovation in it, and the power of out-of-the-box ideas.
WINNER - TERRA FIRMA
This proposed design uses local and regional materials with the idea of importing only durable fixtures which requires a factory manufacturing to compose a bath space. The plunge pool is designed such that the water level would resemble the ground and a dip inside would metaphorically mean that humans are encompassed within the earth. The bamboo roof above brings in filtered sunlight throughout the day as it spans effortlessly into a hyperbolic paraboloid. Perched on top of a mountain, the roof allows the space to act like a pavilion in a remote landscape where one can be a part of nature to enjoy it.
1ST RUNNER UP - ARCHITECTURE SAGA
The concept goes beyond traditional utility to craft an immersive, spa-like retreat. With intelligent fixtures from Hindware and Queo product portfolio, this design redefines the bathroom experience. The design takes into account the wellness benefits of a holistic sensory experience, featuring aromatherapy wall diffusers, built-in speakers for soothing soundscapes, and ambient lighting options to set the perfect mood for relaxation and rejuvenation. This bathroom combines style with substance, focusing on user-centric, technologically advanced solutions that bring elegance and ease to daily routines.
2ND RUNNER UP - ROOTSENSE
A bathroom inspired by nature and comfort -- the design embraces this idea, using natural materials and finishes that not only connect with the space but also enhance the overall experience. The goal is to create a smooth transition between the built environment and nature, allowing the two to work together in harmony. The layout has been thoughtfully planned to fit well with the rest of the home. Every element is placed to create a natural flow, making the bathroom feel both spacious and easy to navigate.
