The Old Rectory Bathroom
The Old Rectory Bathroom – Where Heritage Meets Craft
This project at the Old Rectory was one of those defining moments both creatively and for what would later become the foundation of Oîkos Interiors. A space full of history, character, and challenges, transformed into something that feels both timeless and completely unique.
From the outset, the vision was to create a Mediterranean-inspired bathroom, soft flowing, and organic while respecting the age and integrity of the building. With origins dating back to the era of Henry VIII, the property brought with it beautifully uneven floors, aged materials, and a structure never designed to accommodate a modern bathroom.
Working With the Building, Not Against It
One of the biggest challenges was the flooring. The original timber boards were heavily warped and uneven, making them unsuitable for a functional bathroom space. Rather than forcing the structure into submission, a floating floor system was carefully introduced, allowing us to create a perfectly level surface while still respecting the movement and character beneath.
This provided the foundation needed for a fully operational bathroom, including both a bath and shower, without compromising the integrity of the building.
A Signature Shape Throughout
At the heart of the design sat a striking egg-shaped bath soft, sculptural, and instantly calming. But rather than letting it stand alone, this shape became the language of the entire room.
The same flowing form was echoed throughout:
The opening into the shower enclosure followed the exact silhouette of the bath
Shelving from the vanity unit carried the same curved, organic lines
The overall layout used this shape as both a visual and functional divider
This approach not only tied the room together visually but also served a practical purpose helping to contain water within the showering area without the need for harsh barriers or heavy enclosures.
Handcrafted Vanity & Ancient Materials
The vanity unit was entirely handcrafted, designed to mirror the same sweeping, organic forms seen throughout the space. Every curve was intentional, creating a piece that feels carved rather than constructed.
At its centre sits something truly special, a basin formed from petrified wood, estimated to be over 66 million years old. Once living timber, this material has, over millennia, transformed through mineralisation into a stone-like structure, rich with natural pattern and depth. It brings a raw, almost ancient presence into the room, perfectly in keeping with the building itself.
Paired with this was a unique tap design, minimal, horizontal, and sculptural. Almost resembling a towel rail in form, it acts as both a functional element and a subtle statement piece.
Natural Elements, Reimagined
One of the most distinctive features in this bathroom is the integration of a woven branch structure within the wall above the bath and into the shower area. This wasn’t sourced, it was reclaimed.
Recovered from the property’s own moat, the branch was carefully woven and set into the wall, giving the impression that it naturally grows through the space. It now serves as a towel rail, blending function with storytelling in a way that feels completely authentic to the property.
A Defining Project
This bathroom is more than just a finished space, it represents a turning point. A project where craftsmanship, creativity, and respect for materials came together in a way that helped shape the identity of Oîkos Interiors.
It’s bold without being overpowering. Practical without losing artistry. And most importantly, it proves that even the most challenging spaces can be transformed into something truly exceptional when approached with the right mindset.