For many people, cast iron baths don’t get any better than the seductive La Rochelle, our classic roll top bateau bath. The stunning painted exterior alongside the vitrified enamel cast iron interior results in a jaw-dropping centrepiece for your bathroom. However, some of our customers made a simple suggestion to make it even better...... make it bigger!
One reoccurring topic has been the size of the bath. We have been asked on several occasions if we make a larger version. We didn’t. But we take feedback from our customers very seriously, and so we looked into the feasibility of designing a bigger model.
The original Cast Iron Bath Company design is modeled on 18th and early 19th century French bateau (or boat) baths, which were developed with practicality and comfort in mind. These were made from a number of ‘lightweight’ materials, most notably copper, and would be physically moved into position when they were required. This meant that the owner didn't need a room dedicated to that bath. The length and depth of the bath allowed the bather to become immersed in warm water, and the gently curving 'S' profile of the ends followed the natural curve of the spine to support the reclining bather’s back.
The key to creating a larger version of this classic cast iron bath was to ensure that we did not compromise the integrity or the intention of the original. To only lengthen it would result in a shape that deviated too far from the primary dimensions. Any extra length had to be balanced with the right additional width in order to retain the beautiful, elegant lines.
After much drafting and redrafting, we settled on a design that is 15cm longer and 4cm wider. The new dimensions of the Grand La Rochelle accommodate taller bathers, and make it possible for two people to bathe at the same time. Most importantly, it remains a showstopper of a bath. We hope you agree.
One reoccurring topic has been the size of the bath. We have been asked on several occasions if we make a larger version. We didn’t. But we take feedback from our customers very seriously, and so we looked into the feasibility of designing a bigger model.
The original Cast Iron Bath Company design is modeled on 18th and early 19th century French bateau (or boat) baths, which were developed with practicality and comfort in mind. These were made from a number of ‘lightweight’ materials, most notably copper, and would be physically moved into position when they were required. This meant that the owner didn't need a room dedicated to that bath. The length and depth of the bath allowed the bather to become immersed in warm water, and the gently curving 'S' profile of the ends followed the natural curve of the spine to support the reclining bather’s back.
The key to creating a larger version of this classic cast iron bath was to ensure that we did not compromise the integrity or the intention of the original. To only lengthen it would result in a shape that deviated too far from the primary dimensions. Any extra length had to be balanced with the right additional width in order to retain the beautiful, elegant lines.
After much drafting and redrafting, we settled on a design that is 15cm longer and 4cm wider. The new dimensions of the Grand La Rochelle accommodate taller bathers, and make it possible for two people to bathe at the same time. Most importantly, it remains a showstopper of a bath. We hope you agree.