A Tranquil Florida Bath Retreat by Aubuchon Homes
There is an inherent harmony in symmetry. This design principle guided Aubuchon Homes on a memorable 3,600-foot design-build residential project in Fort Myers, Fla. As Gary Aubuchon, President and Founder of Aubuchon Homes, remembers: “This home was all about symmetry.”
The primary bath served as the perfect canvas to celebrate the sophistication of symmetry as their clients sought “a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation.” The Aubuchon team first created balance with expansive dual vanities flanking both sides of the space, drawing the eye toward a central focal point: a freestanding tub set before a large shower.
Once they settled on the overall layout, the project got underway at the height of supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. This inspired the Aubuchon team to look for products that were available within a reasonable time frame. Their search led them to Hydro Systems, an American manufacturer specializing in hydrotherapy luxury baths and customized wellness with bicoastal U.S. manufacturing facilities in Valencia, CA. and McDonough, GA.
The team opted for a 61” x 32” Rodeo tub in polished white both “for its visual appeal and functionality,” says Aubuchon. A contemporary take on the slipper tub, the Rodeo offered a counterpoint to the room’s overall symmetry, as one end of the tub rises higher than the other, forming a distinct asymmetrical and curvilinear profile. The deeper basin also allows the bather to fully submerge. “The slipper shape supports the bather’s head for ultimate comfort during long soaks,” he adds. The team positioned the tub in front of a glass partition that divides the shower area from the tub area, creating the impression of a “wet room” without its actual presence. When set against a backdrop of perfectly book-matched shower wall and floors, the Rodeo creates a focal point while allowing the bather to relax with views of the whole space. Soft lighting, natural materials, and earthy tones mixed with touches of comforting blues further brought the client’s vision of the ideal sanctuary to life.
In addition to the tub’s visual qualities, the design team was also impressed with the Rodeo’s unique materiality. “The tub is made of a [proprietary solid surface] stone composite, which retains heat allowing for longer soaks at a consistent climate,” says Aubuchon.
Achieving a harmonious and visually appealing space often requires balancing symmetry and asymmetry. The Rodeo tub helped Aubuchon Homes master this balance. “It serves as a centerpiece for the bath, creating a spa-like atmosphere that enhances the overall appeal of the bathroom,” Aubuchon concludes.
Photo: Barry Milligan Photography
