Japanese design studio Lixil has unveiled a foldable bathtub made from a single piece of waterproof fabric.
Presented at the Designart Tokyo exhibition, the bathtub is a hybrid between a traditional tub and a hammock. It can be suspended from hooks mounted on the walls of a shower, filled with water for a bath, and then folded up and stored in a box after use. According to the creators, this is an ideal solution for those who don’t have enough space for a full-sized bathtub at home.
The Bathtope tub is made of polyester coated with a polyurethane film, which makes the fabric completely waterproof. The designers opted for a single-piece construction to minimize the risk of leaks from seams. The tub can hold up to 140 liters (37 gallons) of water and, according to Lixil, is significantly more water-efficient than a conventional bathtub of the same size.
Moreover, the company claims that the fabric's softness enhances comfort during bathing. “Bathtope is unique in its flexibility—it allows you to take the most relaxed posture possible,” the designers add.