Space Oddity: The Overflow Spa that Defies Gravity

A Sculptural Masterpiece by Olivier Felix Isselin

I wanted to create a spa with an instantly recognizable design that plays with gravity, like a sculpture. Its elegant silhouette, curved edges, and capsular shapes give it a light and joyful appearance, with an assumed "space age" look that refers to an era of freedom and carelessness.

The Space Oddity spa's sleek lines and use of stainless steel magnify any environment in which it is installed, whether indoors or outdoors. This aesthetic does not compromise on comfort of use, as it features an ergonomic seat and a soft-touch interior surface (microblasted stainless steel), along with the possibility to place jets and blowers on demand. Furthermore, this durable and fully recyclable spa offers customizable options, such as the color of the tank.

The design of the spa involves 3D computer modeling and real modeling for the seat. It is constructed from AISI 316L stainless steel, using technologies such as bending, TIG welding, and stamping, as well as flanging for the curved parts. The external part undergoes electrolytic polishing to make it shiny, while the interior undergoes glass bead blasting to homogenize the components and obtain a satin appearance for a soft-touch feel. Finally, the entire spa is treated with DBP 451 in the factory.

Space Oddity is versatile and can be used as a spa, hot tub, cold bath, and even functions as a sculpture when not in use. Made entirely of marine stainless steel, it is extremely resistant to corrosion and 100% recyclable. The interior walls have a soft-touch finish, making them both soft and non-slip. Additionally, Space Oddity distinguishes itself with its quiet operation, thanks to the remote machinery, which separates the pumps, sand filter, ozonator, and heat exchanger from the spa. Finally, the spa is highly customizable, allowing for individualized design and options.

The project started in 2021 and was completed in February 2023 in Agay, France. The design team conducted extensive research with specialists in water treatment, boilermaking, and physiotherapy to ensure feasibility and optimal ergonomics. The complexity of the project was overcome by making the object technically feasible and easy to maintain, with particular attention given to accessibility and nozzle installation. All the technical parts of the spa are easily accessible.

Space Oddity plays with gravity with its sleek lines and use of stainless steel, allowing it to blend seamlessly in any indoor or outdoor setting, whether it be contemporary or classic. Its aesthetics do not compromise on comfort of use, featuring an ergonomic seat, a soft-touch interior surface, and the possibility of placing jets and blowers on demand. Options such as the choice of grid (shape and material), and the color of the tank make each Space Oddity unique. In addition, this stainless steel overflow spa is weather resistant and easy to maintain. Finally, it is completely recyclable.

Image credits: Olivier Felix Isselin

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to Olivier Felix Isselin, 2023. Deposit Model INPI n° 20230391.

Awards and Accolades: This Design was awarded Iron in A' Bathroom Furniture and Sanitary Ware Design Award in 2023. Iron A' Design Award: Awarded to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, they provide fulfillment and positive feelings, contributing to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Olivier Felix Isselin
Image Credits: Image credits : Olivier Felix Isselin
Project Team Members: Olivier Felix Isselin
Project Name: Space Oddity
Project Client: Olivier Felix Isselin


Space Oddity IMG #2
Space Oddity IMG #3
Space Oddity IMG #4
Space Oddity IMG #5
Space Oddity IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant