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MILAN, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kohler, in partnership with Richard Christiansen, founder of Flamingo Estate, unveils The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse by Kohler at Milan Design Week 2026. The immersive, multi-sensory installation invites visitors into an elemental world where architecture, landscape, and serenity are conceived as a single, interdependent experience, creating a space for contemplation and renewal.
Set within the courtyard of the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea (Via Palestro, 14), the installation is anchored by the Bathhouse, a bold brutalist structure that appears to emerge organically from a meadow of seven species of untamed wildflowers, dissolving the boundary between built form and living ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from the bathhouse at Flamingo Estate in California, the 247-square-foot monolithic structure draws on a palette of weathered metals and elemental surfaces. Clad in intonachino plaster that evokes the mineral texture and weight of concrete, the Bathhouse features monumental stained-glass windows by Milan-based artisan Samuele Dossena, filtering light across terracotta-toned surfaces, while Flamingo Estate candles line the walls, enhancing a quiet, calming atmosphere.
"The Bathhouse is a meditation on ritual, nature, and the quiet power of materials," said Richard Christiansen, Founder of Flamingo Estate. "We imagined a place where wildflowers, water, and light come together to create a sensory experience that reconnects us to the rhythms of the earth. Partnering with Kohler allowed us to bring this vision to life with an extraordinary level of craft, creating a space that invites people to slow down, reflect, and re-engage with the natural world."
Entering the Bathhouse, visitors encounter Reverie, a new expression of Kohler's iconic freestanding enameled cast iron bath, reimagined with a copper shroud that serves as the focal point of the space. The shroud wraps the cast iron bath, which is made with at least 80% recycled materials, underscoring a legacy of sustainable craftsmanship designed to endure. This marks the first time Kohler has used copper as a defining material in bath design, introducing a new dimension to the category.
"Design and the creative process are always central to Kohler, shaping our tradition and propelling our progress," said David Kohler, Chair and CEO of Kohler Co. "We see design as a bridge between heritage and innovation, continually evolving through material exploration and craft. We are delighted to partner with Richard Christiansen and Flamingo Estate during Milan Design Week to continue to inspire through art and design."
Nestled throughout the garden are four one-of-a-kind pollinator baths, conceived by Christiansen designed by Kohler and cast in its historic Wisconsin foundry. These sculptural vessels serve as sanctuaries for birds, bees, and other pollinating species, extending the installation narrative of reciprocity between human craft and the natural world.
"For the Flamingo Estate Bathhouse, we wanted to explore the relationship between architecture and ecology, how design can create moments of care not just for people, but for the natural world around us," said Michael Seum, VP of Global Design at Kohler Co. "The pollinator baths translate this idea into sculptural form, drawing from Brutalist principles on the exterior while softening into organic, nature-informed surfaces within. It's a reflection of our belief that design should hold space for both human ritual and environmental stewardship."
The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse by Kohler elevates bathing into a restorative experience and a place of ritual and retreat, one that slows the body, quiets the mind, and heightens awareness of light, water, and material. Through its integration of architecture, craft, and ecology, the installation reflects a shared vision between Kohler and Flamingo Estate: that enduring wellness emerges through a deeper connection to nature.
The candles in the Bathhouse were created by Flamingo Estate specifically for the installation. The Flamingo Estate Pollinator Candle is complemented by the Pollinator Bath Soap Brick. The scent was inspired by a walk through Milan city streets. Wild Linden Blossom is an olfactory invitation to walk through Milan in bloom. At the threshold of Summer, the iconic Tiglio Tree blossoms at once — perfuming entire boulevards with a sublime, honeyed warmth authentic to Milan. From sunlit markets, Bergamot pulses with the green, sparkling brightness of its rind, as sweet pollen dusts the air. Both the candle and soap brick are available for purchase on FlamingoEstate.com.
Unveiled during FuoriSalone at the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea, Via Palestro 14, 20121 Milan, Italy, the installation is open to the public from Tuesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 26. Hours are as follows: Tuesday, 12:00–7:00 PM; Wednesday, 12:00–4:00 PM and 7:00–10:00 PM; Thursday through Saturday, 12:00–10:00 PM; and Sunday, 12:00–6:00 PM.
For installation images and more information, access the press kit here.
About Kohler Co.
For more than 150 years, Kohler Co. has been a global leader in bold design and innovation, dedicated to helping people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives through its kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile, and lighting; wellness products and services; and luxury hospitality experiences and major championship golf. Privately held Kohler Co. was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. The company also develops sustainable living solutions to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. Its Innovation for Good platform addresses pressing issues, such as clean water and safe sanitation, with breakthrough products and services for underserved communities. David Kohler serves as Chair and CEO and represents the fourth generation of Kohler family leadership.
About Flamingo Estate
Settled in the 1940s high atop the hills of Los Angeles, Flamingo Estate throughout its history has been a hedonistic enclave of sun-worship, folk mythologies, and psychedelic remedies — a secret haven for wild alchemy in the City of Angels. Now, Flamingo Estate is the home of Richard Christiansen, and, in the spirit of its origins, a radical celebration of pleasure from the garden. We carefully cultivate Mother Nature's wildest, most precious gifts, at a time when we need them most. Championing the idea that Mother Nature is the last great luxury house, and sourcing rare ingredients from over 125 farms and collaborators. Instead of commodity ingredients, our goal is to get as close to the raw, natural material as possible, and to be able to trace each ingredient back to the farmer who planted it. Creating nutrient-dense rituals for daily pleasure, with Mother Nature as the guide.
Media Contacts:
Kohler PR | Jillian.rosone@kohler.com
Sutton Communications | Kohler@suttoncomms.com
MILAN, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kohler, in partnership with Richard Christiansen, founder of Flamingo Estate, unveils The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse by Kohler at Milan Design Week 2026. The immersive, multi-sensory installation invites visitors into an elemental world where architecture, landscape, and serenity are conceived as a single, interdependent experience, creating a space for contemplation and renewal.
Click to Gallery
Kohler and Flamingo Estate Create a Sculptural Bathhouse Rooted in Ritual, Nature, and Craft at Milan Design Week
Kohler and Flamingo Estate Create a Sculptural Bathhouse Rooted in Ritual, Nature, and Craft at Milan Design Week
Kohler and Flamingo Estate Create a Sculptural Bathhouse Rooted in Ritual, Nature, and Craft at Milan Design Week
Kohler and Flamingo Estate Create a Sculptural Bathhouse Rooted in Ritual, Nature, and Craft at Milan Design Week
Set within the courtyard of the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea (Via Palestro, 14), the installation is anchored by the Bathhouse, a bold brutalist structure that appears to emerge organically from a meadow of seven species of untamed wildflowers, dissolving the boundary between built form and living ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from the bathhouse at Flamingo Estate in California, the 247-square-foot monolithic structure draws on a palette of weathered metals and elemental surfaces. Clad in intonachino plaster that evokes the mineral texture and weight of concrete, the Bathhouse features monumental stained-glass windows by Milan-based artisan Samuele Dossena, filtering light across terracotta-toned surfaces, while Flamingo Estate candles line the walls, enhancing a quiet, calming atmosphere.
"The Bathhouse is a meditation on ritual, nature, and the quiet power of materials," said Richard Christiansen, Founder of Flamingo Estate. "We imagined a place where wildflowers, water, and light come together to create a sensory experience that reconnects us to the rhythms of the earth. Partnering with Kohler allowed us to bring this vision to life with an extraordinary level of craft, creating a space that invites people to slow down, reflect, and re-engage with the natural world."
Entering the Bathhouse, visitors encounter Reverie, a new expression of Kohler's iconic freestanding enameled cast iron bath, reimagined with a copper shroud that serves as the focal point of the space. The shroud wraps the cast iron bath, which is made with at least 80% recycled materials, underscoring a legacy of sustainable craftsmanship designed to endure. This marks the first time Kohler has used copper as a defining material in bath design, introducing a new dimension to the category.
"Design and the creative process are always central to Kohler, shaping our tradition and propelling our progress," said David Kohler, Chair and CEO of Kohler Co. "We see design as a bridge between heritage and innovation, continually evolving through material exploration and craft. We are delighted to partner with Richard Christiansen and Flamingo Estate during Milan Design Week to continue to inspire through art and design."
Nestled throughout the garden are four one-of-a-kind pollinator baths, conceived by Christiansen designed by Kohler and cast in its historic Wisconsin foundry. These sculptural vessels serve as sanctuaries for birds, bees, and other pollinating species, extending the installation narrative of reciprocity between human craft and the natural world.
"For the Flamingo Estate Bathhouse, we wanted to explore the relationship between architecture and ecology, how design can create moments of care not just for people, but for the natural world around us," said Michael Seum, VP of Global Design at Kohler Co. "The pollinator baths translate this idea into sculptural form, drawing from Brutalist principles on the exterior while softening into organic, nature-informed surfaces within. It's a reflection of our belief that design should hold space for both human ritual and environmental stewardship."
The Flamingo Estate Bathhouse by Kohler elevates bathing into a restorative experience and a place of ritual and retreat, one that slows the body, quiets the mind, and heightens awareness of light, water, and material. Through its integration of architecture, craft, and ecology, the installation reflects a shared vision between Kohler and Flamingo Estate: that enduring wellness emerges through a deeper connection to nature.
The candles in the Bathhouse were created by Flamingo Estate specifically for the installation. The Flamingo Estate Pollinator Candle is complemented by the Pollinator Bath Soap Brick. The scent was inspired by a walk through Milan city streets. Wild Linden Blossom is an olfactory invitation to walk through Milan in bloom. At the threshold of Summer, the iconic Tiglio Tree blossoms at once — perfuming entire boulevards with a sublime, honeyed warmth authentic to Milan. From sunlit markets, Bergamot pulses with the green, sparkling brightness of its rind, as sweet pollen dusts the air. Both the candle and soap brick are available for purchase on FlamingoEstate.com.
Unveiled during FuoriSalone at the Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea, Via Palestro 14, 20121 Milan, Italy, the installation is open to the public from Tuesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 26. Hours are as follows: Tuesday, 12:00–7:00 PM; Wednesday, 12:00–4:00 PM and 7:00–10:00 PM; Thursday through Saturday, 12:00–10:00 PM; and Sunday, 12:00–6:00 PM.
For installation images and more information, access the press kit here.
About Kohler Co.
For more than 150 years, Kohler Co. has been a global leader in bold design and innovation, dedicated to helping people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives through its kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile, and lighting; wellness products and services; and luxury hospitality experiences and major championship golf. Privately held Kohler Co. was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. The company also develops sustainable living solutions to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. Its Innovation for Good platform addresses pressing issues, such as clean water and safe sanitation, with breakthrough products and services for underserved communities. David Kohler serves as Chair and CEO and represents the fourth generation of Kohler family leadership.
About Flamingo Estate
Settled in the 1940s high atop the hills of Los Angeles, Flamingo Estate throughout its history has been a hedonistic enclave of sun-worship, folk mythologies, and psychedelic remedies — a secret haven for wild alchemy in the City of Angels. Now, Flamingo Estate is the home of Richard Christiansen, and, in the spirit of its origins, a radical celebration of pleasure from the garden. We carefully cultivate Mother Nature's wildest, most precious gifts, at a time when we need them most. Championing the idea that Mother Nature is the last great luxury house, and sourcing rare ingredients from over 125 farms and collaborators. Instead of commodity ingredients, our goal is to get as close to the raw, natural material as possible, and to be able to trace each ingredient back to the farmer who planted it. Creating nutrient-dense rituals for daily pleasure, with Mother Nature as the guide.
Media Contacts:
Kohler PR | Jillian.rosone@kohler.com
Sutton Communications | Kohler@suttoncomms.com
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Kohler and Flamingo Estate Create a Sculptural Bathhouse Rooted in Ritual, Nature, and Craft at Milan Design Week
Kohler and Flamingo Estate Create a Sculptural Bathhouse Rooted in Ritual, Nature, and Craft at Milan Design Week
Kohler and Flamingo Estate Create a Sculptural Bathhouse Rooted in Ritual, Nature, and Craft at Milan Design Week
Kohler and Flamingo Estate Create a Sculptural Bathhouse Rooted in Ritual, Nature, and Craft at Milan Design Week
BANGKOK, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Every summer, Thailand turns up the heat — and millions of households begin the all-too-familiar search for relief. But choosing the right air conditioner is far more complicated than it sounds. Cooling power, energy efficiency, noise levels, humidity control, smart features, durability — the list of must-haves is long. It seems impossible to find an air conditioner that truly balances all these "skill points". That is, until Midea CHIONE entered the picture. Designed to be the "cool ideal" for every home, CHIONE was built to deliver on every front, so you never have to compromise again.
First Things First: Energy Efficiency Is Non-Negotiable
With so many features to evaluate when shopping for an air conditioner, it's easy to get lost in the specs. But ask any Thai homeowner what matters most, and the answer is almost always the same: electricity bills. Air conditioning can account for roughly 40–60% of a household's monthly energy costs — a figure that turns every degree of comfort into a source of financial stress.
The nighttime struggle is real. During the long Thai summer, many families set a timer to switch the AC off after falling asleep, only to wake up drenched in sweat at 2 a.m. and spend the rest of the night tossing and turning. Don't turn it on? Too hot to bear. Turn it on? It hurts just thinking about the electricity cost.
Daytime is no easier. Remote workers face a similar dilemma — 8 to 10 hours of cooling is essential for productivity, but every hour the AC runs feels like watching money evaporate. Many resort to toggling the unit on and off repeatedly, or even escaping to a cafe shop —just to save a bit on the electricity bill.
In both cases, comfort is constantly sacrificed at the altar of the electricity bill. Before style, before smart features, before anything else, an air conditioner must prove it can keep you cool without draining your wallet.
But real-world results from Midea CHIONE tell a very different story. Parenting influencer หม่ามี๊น้องธิริน put the unit to the test in her own home — and was stunned by what she found. She ran the CHIONE for a total of more than 21 hours, and the entire energy consumption came in at just over 6 kWh. "It's dramatically less than what we used to pay," she shared. "I used to stress every time I turned on the AC, but now I can keep our home cool with real peace of mind and enjoy the coolness with my little one. The savings are right there on the meter — you can't argue with that."
The Technology Behind the Ideal
How does Midea Chione deliver such dramatic real-world savings without compromising living comfort? A smarter cooling experience brought by several layers of innovation working together:
- Inverter Technology forms the foundation. Unlike conventional fixed-speed compressors that waste energy through constant start-stop cycles, Midea's inverter system maintains continuous, stable operation — eliminating the biggest source of hidden energy waste.
- AI ECOMASTER, the heart of Midea CHIONE that transforms your AC from a simple reactive machine into a highly proactive smart system. Supported by giga-data foundation, it factors in conditions dynamically. It predicts rather than reacts. This smarter AI algorithm allows more precise indoor adjustments to enhance occupant comfort with less consumption. It handles daytime fluctuations and avoids excessive cooling at night . This real-time intelligence translates into extraordinary, tangible value. Verified by SGS, Midea CHIONE maintains an ultra-precise ±0.3°C temperature control to deliver 30% extra energy savings.
- Smart Control makes life easier and savings visible. Through the Smarthome app, users can monitor daily, weekly, and monthly energy consumption in real time, and receive usage alerts. Via Location-Based Services (LBS), your air conditioner can automatically be on when you are 15 kms away, ensuring a chill moment when you arrive. During nights, the Sleep Curve personal setting empowers you to fully customize your resting environment by tailoring sleep duration and precise temperature shifts to your exact habits.
- Beyond efficiency, CHIONE also ensures comfort never takes a back seat — with AI Humidity Control maintaining the ideal 40–70% range, Silent Mode cutting outdoor unit noise energy by 50%, COOLFLASH dropping room temperature by 5°C in just 10 minutes, and Prime Guard durability protection built for Thailand's demanding climate.
This is what "My Cool Ideal" really means — an air conditioner that doesn't ask you to choose between saving money and living comfortably. If a household saves approximately 500 THB per month on air conditioning costs, that adds up to 6,000 THB annually — meaning the investment in a Midea CHIONE could pay for itself in just a few months. This isn't just an appliance purchase; it's a rational household investment with measurable, monthly returns.
Now It's Your Turn: Share Your Cool Moments with Midea
Midea is inviting real users across Thailand to join the conversation and share your 'WoW' moment with Midea AC. Simply share a snapshot of your everyday life with Midea: your cool work-from-home setup, your family's comfortable living room, or any moment where Midea made your day better.
To participate, simply like Midea's official post on Facebook and leave a comment with your story along with a real photo of your Midea AC in your home. The top three comments ranked by likes will win amazing prizes — 1st place takes home Midea Chione air conditioner, 2nd place receives a Mini Bar, and 3rd place wins a Stand Fan. This activity is exclusively open to residents of Thailand who are real Midea air conditioner users. Don't miss your chance — show your story and the comfort speaks for itself!
(* This event is open to residents of Thailand only and is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Facebook. Midea reserves the right of final interpretation of this event.)
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** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Homes You Love, Comfort You Deserve: Midea CHIONE, Your Cool Ideal AC
Homes You Love, Comfort You Deserve: Midea CHIONE, Your Cool Ideal AC
