ISH 2027 will introduce a new special exhibition, bathroom stories, exploring how design, materials and technology can respond to the diverse requirements of contemporary sanitary spaces.
Taking place from 15–19 March 2027 at Messe Frankfurt, the exhibition will be located in the foyer of Hall 4.1 and feature six themed installations covering applications from public washrooms and swimming pool showers to accessible bathrooms, hospitality and spa environments.
Developed in collaboration with the German Sanitary Industry Association (VDS), the German Sanitation, Heating and Air Conditioning Association (ZVSHK), Dein Creativ Lab and Italian architect and designer Marco Poletti, the exhibition aims to demonstrate how functional and technical requirements can be integrated into considered design concepts.
The six installations will explore different aspects of bathroom planning. WC Royal focuses on inclusive school washrooms, while Flow Point examines the design and technical demands of showers in high-traffic public facilities. Material Lab provides a hands-on material library where architects and designers can explore colours, textures and finishes from different manufacturers.
Accessibility and future-ready bathroom design are addressed through Open Bath, developed with ZVSHK, which demonstrates how thoughtful planning can support comfort and independence at every stage of life. Meanwhile, Small Stay explores compact hotel bathrooms, and The Reset considers the role of design, lighting and materials in creating restorative spa environments.
The installations will combine full-scale room settings with product applications, technical information and digital content. Selected products from ISH exhibitors will be incorporated into the concepts, giving visitors an opportunity to see how individual solutions work within complete spaces. Guided tours will also provide further insight into the design and planning considerations.
André Höbing of Dein Creativ Lab, who is developing three of the installations with Tanja Maier, said the aim was to create spaces that engage the senses while providing practical inspiration for projects and showrooms.
The special exhibition will complement ISH’s wider Bathroom offering, which covers private, commercial and care-related sanitary spaces across Halls 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 4.1 and 4.2, as well as the Forum.
ISH 2027 takes place in Frankfurt am Main from 15–19 March.
Image credit: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH