Title of the entry: »The soft tub« 1 poster (590 x 860 mm, laminated to fibreboard)
Name: Claas Ratjen, in teamwork with Jens Claassen, Holger Riehl, Marco Heuschmann, Christian Struckmeier
From: 31134 Hildesheim, Germany Universities of Applied Science Hildesheim, Holzminden, Göttingen
Field of studies: Woodworking engineering

Abstract
[...] The project is a padded bath- or shower tub. Not only padded in part, but completely in all tangible parts. This is intended to be a heavy foil lamination of a specially upholstered layer. The foil can be applied together with the upholstery material as sandwich component onto the bathtub base with the help of membrane presses. One major advantage is in the seamless 3D laminate using a novel material, which exhibits the required properties. The factors no-slip surface, ergonomic adaptability, and a surface warm to the feel, are of major importance here. This surface in turn will do the job of insulating and also can be varied with numerous choices of foil decors.

Panel statement:
The project "Soft tub" breaks intentionally with several preconceived notions. Where is it written that a bathtub must be white, cold and hard, and that a coating surface may not have a certain elasticity? Using the continuous forming technology of 3D lamination, Claas Ratjen and Jens Claassen, Holger Riehl and Marco Heuschmann as well as Christian Struckmeier are presenting with their group project a novel view of bathroom objects, which can have a certain ergonomic adaptability and a surface warm to the touch, apart from the conventional properties (above all impermeability), by using a suitable surface coating with additional non-slip properties. This is an idea by no means restricted to medical applications. The constantly growing need for relaxation and rest at home falls into step with this project. In the opinion of the panel, this approach also opened up a large field of novel application possibilities for the 3D technology and is representing a challenge for technical improvement of coating materials as well as for an opening-up of the limitations of the process.