We’re proud to share that our Sprice Basement Retreat project has been awarded First Place in the Secondary Bathroom category at the 2026 NKBA Design Competition.
Hosted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the competition recognizes top kitchen and bath design projects across the United States and Canada. To be selected among hundreds of entries is an incredible honour, and a reflection of the trust our clients place in us.
Transforming an Unfinished Basement into a Luxury Retreat
When our clients first reached out, they had a clear vision: transform their unfinished basement into a refined, multi-purpose retreat inspired by the timeless elegance of the high-end hotels they love while travelling. “Timeless high-end hotel was the vibe,” says designer Lindsay Winterbottom.
The basement needed to work hard. It would include:
- A kickboxing gym
- Organized storage systems
- A home office
- A media and entertaining area with wet bar
- And most importantly, a spa-inspired bathroom
The bathroom wasn’t an afterthought—it was central to creating a true wellness retreat within their home.
Designing for Wellness
As health and fitness enthusiasts, our clients wanted more than a functional gym. Post-workout recovery and daily rituals were important to them, so the bathroom needed to feel restorative and elevated. Their priorities included:
- An elegant bathroom suitable for both post-workout recovery and guest use
- A space that felt inspiring and uplifting—not like a typical basement bathroom
- Premium spa-like amenities and finishes
- An infrared sauna large enough for two (or fully reclining solo)
The Design Challenges and Our Solutions
Creating a luxurious spa bathroom in a basement presented several obstacles that required creative problem-solving:
1. Exposed Mechanical Systems
The biggest challenge was furnace ducting running directly through the space. Instead of accepting bulky ceiling drops, we reduced duct runs where possible and thoughtfully integrated remaining drops into the architectural detailing. Through careful paneling and detailing, functional constraints became intentional design elements.
2. No Natural Light
Since the basement didn’t offer any daylight, we created a layered lighting plan to add warmth and dimension. The integrated lighting includes under-vanity accents, illuminated shelving & shower niche, recessed overhead lights, motion sensors, and dimmable controls—creating an inviting atmosphere at any time of day.
3. Space Constraints
With the gym occupying significant square footage, every inch of the bathroom had to be meticulously planned. Custom solutions allowed us to maximize storage and flow without compromising luxury.
Award-Winning Design Features
What ultimately sets this space apart is its cohesion and attention to detail.
Calacatta Vagli Marble
Dramatic full-slab Calacatta Vagli marble defines the bathroom creating a bold yet timeless statement. Features include:
- Bookmatched shower walls
- Mitered bench and niche
- Mitred-edge vanity countertop
Elevated Vanity Design
The custom vanity is both functional and sculptural:
- Inset medicine cabinet with curved mirror
- Illuminated wall niche
- Under-vanity lighting for a floating effect
- Luxe Gold fixtures by Brizo
Spa-Level Shower Experience
Designed to rival a five-star hotel:
- Multifunction Brizo raincan showerhead
- Heated marble bench
- Ceiling-integrated speakers
Infrared Sauna
Comfortably fitting up to three people, the sauna’s glass doors allow the warmth of the wood to infuse the rest of the space, and iIntegrated audio adds to the premium wellness experience.
A Basement That Doesn’t Feel Like a Basement
Despite limited natural light and mechanical constraints, the finished space feels warm, elevated, and genuinely restorative.
Rich marble, layered lighting, thoughtful detailing, and the warmth of the sauna all work together to create a cohesive retreat. It’s proof that with careful planning and craftsmanship, even a basement bathroom can become a sanctuary.
For our clients, it’s now the heart of their daily wellness rituals—a place to start the day energized and unwind in comfort.
More Images of the Award-Winning Design
See the other areas from this basement renovation in our project portfolio: Sprice Basement Retreat.
Finished-space photography by Allan Laing, ALP Photography.
About the NKBA and KBIS
The National Kitchen & Bath Association is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and represents nearly 55,000 members across North America. Its annual Design Competition celebrates projects that demonstrate excellence in creativity, planning, safety, and craftsmanship.