Bubbles of Time: Bathroom Architecture Through the Ages

Had the term existed back then, the bathrooms designed by the Milanese architect Piero Portaluppi (1888–1967) would have been the perfect example of 'quiet luxury'. Here, the finest materials are combined with a minimalist design to create an atmosphere of luxurious tranquillity. As part of Milan Design Week 2026, design studio Parasite 2.0 collaborated with Kaldewei to create the 'Bubbles of Time' installation at Palazzo Crespi, paying homage to Portaluppi’s extraordinary bathroom designs.

For Portaluppi, progress meant an increase in comfort above all else, not a strictly rationalised living environment. While Le Corbusier designed strictly functional bathrooms for his Parisian villas in the 1920s and 1930s, to promote health and well-being, Portaluppi created sophisticated bathing sanctuaries. Whereas Mies van der Rohe used white, square tiles to clad the bathrooms in Villa Tugendhat, Portaluppi employed magnificent, multicoloured marbles to create a stunning contrast with the clear, minimalist design. In Villa Necchi Campiglio (built 1932–1935), the master bathroom is almost entirely clad in large slabs of Arabescato Orobico marble. The only decorative feature is the narrow strips of dark marble that divide the floor. Numerous mirrored surfaces further expand the spacious room. 

At Casa Corbellini-Wassermann, Portaluppi used magnificent green-veined Carrara marble, creating a striking contrast with the black and white natural stone door frames and flooring. Once again, the architect limited himself to a minimum number of materials and forms. During the renovation of Villa Menafoglio Litta, now known as Villa Panza, he incorporated his fixtures and fittings into the exquisite 17th-century décor of the country house. The result was a modern, luxurious bathroom, which he integrated into a richly painted room as if it were a marble-clad module. These austere forms provide the greatest possible contrast to the Baroque splendour of the wall and ceiling paintings. The strongly veined natural stone mirrors the painted marble above, linking the two historical layers.

 While Le Corbusier designed strictly functional bathrooms, Portaluppi created sophisticated bathing sanctuaries

In his architecture, Portaluppi sought to combine modern and historical elements. Unlike the radical avant-garde of his time, he did not want to completely reject the past. The stately commercial building Palazzo Crespi, which Portaluppi built in the centre of Milan between 1928 and 1932, illustrates the architect’s aim to create a modern style that is simultaneously rooted in history. Inside, Portaluppi created a vast rotunda surrounded by half-columns to serve as a reception hall. A palatial double-flight staircase leads down from here to the basement. This impressive spatial creation by Portaluppi provides the setting for the Parasite 2.0 and Kaldewei installation, 'Bubbles of Time'.

Portaluppi sought to combine modern and historical elements. Unlike the radical avant-garde of his time, he did not want to completely reject the past. 

The designers of Parasite 2.0 are not the only ones who are enthusiastic about Piero Portaluppi’s magnificent bathroom designs. During the Kaldewei and ICONIC AWARDS panel discussion, Werner Aisslinger also expressed his admiration for Portaluppi’s work. The Berlin-based designer, who is a proven expert in innovative bathroom design and has designed several Kaldewei products, describes the Milanese architect’s designs as “inspiring”. “His floor plans were extremely progressive,” he explains. Furthermore, Portaluppi’s handling of light and surfaces is simply masterful. However, the designer knows from experience that it is not solely down to the brilliant designer. “I also admire Portaluppi’s clients for their foresight and open-mindedness.”