Parisien Bathroom
In this Paris bathroom by Federico Masotto Architecte, Yohen in Speckled White is used as a continuous ceramic surface across walls, curved forms and integrated architectural details.
The room was designed around the complete tile module. Its ceiling height was adjusted so that every course could be installed using full tiles: no tile was cut anywhere in the project.
Project Information
Project: YB102
Location: Paris, France
Architect: Federico Masotto Architecte
Supplier: Mittsu Japanese Tiles
Tile Collection: Yohen
Colour: Speckled White
Country of Manufacture: Japan
Material: Porcelain
Application: Bathroom walls, bath enclosure and integrated details
Tile availability and samples: please use the Tiles menu to view Yohen for your region.
Project image folder: YB102 Paris
A Continuous Material Surface
The bathroom is organised through a restrained palette of pale stone, porcelain and metal. Against these quieter materials, the narrow vertical format of Yohen establishes a measured rhythm without introducing a separate decorative pattern.
The same tile is carried across large wall areas, curved planes and smaller constructed elements. This continuity allows the room to be read as one composition rather than a collection of fixtures and finishes.
Designed Around the Tile Module
The precision of the installation begins with an architectural decision. Federico Masotto Architecte adjusted the ceiling height to correspond with the dimensions of the Yohen tile and the intended joint layout.
Every course therefore resolves as a complete module. The proportion of the tile remains intact from floor to ceiling and across the room’s curved and integrated elements, with no shortened final course and no cut tiles.
This is more than a neat installation detail. The material was allowed to influence the architecture itself: the room was dimensioned around the tile, rather than asking the tile to compensate for dimensions decided elsewhere.
Surface, Light and Variation
Yohen in Speckled White has a subtly varied glazed surface formed through ceramic production and firing. In daylight, small differences in tone and reflection become visible across the installation. In shadow, the surface quietens and the linear structure of the layout comes forward.
Variation is present, but held together by the repetition of the format and the accuracy of the setting-out. The result changes with the light while remaining materially consistent.
Following the Architecture
The elongated tile is laid vertically throughout, reinforcing the height of the room while following its curved geometry. Rounded transitions allow the tiled planes to continue around the bath and shower without abrupt visual breaks.
Recessed shelving, fittings and changes of material are resolved within the same ceramic grid. At these close junctions, the care given to the whole room becomes clearest: tile, stone and metal meet without disturbing the underlying rhythm.
Summary
In this Paris interior, Yohen in Speckled White gives the bathroom a clear material language. Its proportion does more than provide visual order: it helps determine the dimensions of the architecture. By adjusting the ceiling height and using only complete tiles, Federico Masotto Architecte created an installation in which material, joint and space resolve as one composition.
To view Yohen or order a sample, please use the Tiles menu to open the product listing for your region.
Learn about Japanese Tiles
Learn about Japanese Glaze Variation
FAQ
What tiles were used in this Paris bathroom?
Yohen Japanese porcelain tiles in Speckled White, supplied by Mittsu Japanese Tiles.
Who designed the project?
The bathroom was designed by Federico Masotto Architecte.
Were any tiles cut?
No. The ceiling height was adjusted to suit the tile module, allowing every course to use full tiles.
Why does the Yohen surface vary?
The subtle differences in tone and reflection arise through the glazing and firing process, giving the installed surface depth without relying on a printed pattern.
Article by Mittsu Japanese Tiles
Curated by Ian Reynolds
