Harmony of wood and water – Tranquility

Mw Design Ltd.

Short description

The Tranquility bathtub is a handcrafted wooden masterpiece that elevates everyday bathing to a sensory ritual and sculptural experience. Designed by the leader wood designer András Mészáros, this exceptional piece combines centuries-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge material innovation and timeless aesthetics, transforming the bathroom into a sanctuary of calm, elegance and natural connection.

At its core, Tranquility challenges conventional perceptions of what a bathtub can be. Rather than being seen as a purely functional fixture, it is conceived as a sculptural centrepiece — an object that appeals to both body and soul. Drawing deep inspiration from nature and cultural bathing traditions, the design features interlocking oval forms that reflect tree rings and seashell spirals, while the clean lines and natural materials are influenced by Japanese onsen and Roman thermal baths. These visual and symbolic references ground the bathtub in a universal language of purity, harmony and renewal.

Tranquility's design language is both soft and structured. It embraces the human body with gentle curves and warm surfaces. Crafted from solid Hungarian oak, selected for its density, grain direction and symbolic strength, the bathtub exudes authenticity and organic beauty. The wood undergoes a unique bonding and heat treatment process that renders it resistant to internal and external temperature fluctuations, as well as moisture. This groundbreaking innovation, achieved through over 400 hours of experimentation and manual labour, sets Tranquility apart as one of the few wooden bathtubs in the world with this level of performance and reliability.

A major challenge of the project was to achieve a durable finish that could withstand long-term exposure to hot water without compromising the wood's integrity or appearance. Traditional epoxy does not adhere to stained wood, and varnish alone is insufficient without epoxy. MW Design and skilled technicians developed a proprietary solution: a surface treatment process that provides deep water resistance, preserves the wood's tactile feel, and enhances its natural glow. This custom technology is believed to be unique in the world, with only one other example known to exist in Japan.

Tranquility bathtub is handcrafted, not mass-produced. Rather than using CNC methods, the team employed hand-milling, custom jigs and traditional joinery techniques to gradually shape the oval form. This process enabled continuous refinement during creation, ensuring that each curve feels intentional and responsive to the user’s body. The result is a piece that is both ergonomic and emotionally resonant. The warmth of the wood, the seamless edges of the tub, and the sense of calm it fosters create a deeply immersive and restorative experience.

Tranquility fits beautifully into contemporary bathrooms, particularly in open, light-filled spaces where the grain, tone and sculptural lines of the tub can be fully appreciated. Its understated luxury appeals to a growing audience of design-conscious clients who want more than just trends; they desire lasting objects with soul and a story to tell. Whether in a private residence, wellness retreat or boutique hotel, Tranquility transforms the bathing space into an artistic, meditative environment.

Beyond its aesthetic and technical innovation, Tranquility also reflects MW Design’s commitment to sustainability. The oak used is responsibly sourced from well-managed forests. The handcrafted production process minimises waste, and the bathtub's long lifespan supports sustainable consumption. Unlike mass-produced items, Tranquility is designed to be cherished and passed on — a legacy piece that develops character over time.

The project also makes a valuable social contribution by preserving and celebrating local craftsmanship. In an age of increasing automation and disposable goods, Tranquility stands as a testament to the worth of manual dexterity, perseverance, and traditional expertise. It promotes a slower, more considered approach to living and creating — an ethos that aligns with MW Design’s broader philosophy.

In terms of its form, function and philosophy, Tranquility represents a rare convergence of art and utility, tradition and technology, and nature and design. It is a bathtub that invites you to pause, connect and immerse yourself in something deeper than water alone.

As a sculptural and emotional object, Tranquility does not shout — it whispers. It transcends trends. It encourages users to embrace not only physical comfort, but also a renewed appreciation of design, materials and rituals. In this way, the Tranquility bathtub is not just a product; it is an experience. It is a quiet revolution in how we think about and live with design.