Bathing machine

The forgotten icon: the bathing machine returns

Together with our benches and beach huts, the bathing machine completes the story of Belgian coastal culture.

The bathing machine is the forefather, the charming great-grandfather of the modern hut. While developing our beach huts we often thought: "But where did the bathing machine go?" The fascination grew, and the idea for our third miniature was born.

A dive into the archives This was no easy project. The bathing machines had long since vanished from the seafront, and we had to work from old postcards and faded photographs. It was a puzzle of proportions and details. The benches and huts still had their present-day form, but with the bathing machine we really had to go about it like archaeologists.

The challenge of the wheels The biggest technical challenge lay in those beautiful, large, spoked wheels. They are the soul of the bathing machine. We didn't want a plain solid wheel, but a refined play of spokes, exactly as the wheelwrights made them long ago. Countless designs and material tests later, we found the perfect balance between authenticity and strength.

Form and function: then and now We chose a model that is as historically accurate as possible while still looking beautiful. The crisp blue and white stripes contrast with the refined dark wood of the wheels and the light wood of the little steps. And to make it that bit more playful, the steps hinge upwards.

And "There's one more thing…" Like Steve Jobs, we're always after that little extra. We made the roof of the bathing machine removable. That opens up all sorts of possibilities:

• Storage: use it as a stylish home for your finest rings or a special heirloom.

• Gift tip: fill the machine with local soaps or babbelutten for a unique and tasty present.

• Saving: on request we can make a version with a slot in the roof, so this historic machine can carry your savings.

Make it personal Would you like your (grand)mother's or your grandchild's name on the bathing machine? For a small surcharge of €5 we personalise the little sign on top. Enter the personalisation you'd like in the notes field at checkout.

Bring the pioneering spirit of early seaside culture into your home with this refined miniature. A lasting reminder of the sea!

PS. Do you prefer a modern look? Then take a look at the page for our huts.