Programming your habitat at home was bold in the 1970s with Kohler’s fully enclosed bathtub called the Environment.
“There has never been anything like it before,” read the advertisements for the Environment enclosure during its short-yet-exciting moment in the spotlight. Introduced in 1977, the Environment was perhaps the most unique and immersive home-spa wellness experience to date. Stepping inside, you could dial up different climates and conditions—from a dry desert heat to a misting tropical rainforest. But the novelty quickly wore off as the large and complex enclosures were a challenge to install, often requiring a crane and specialty electrical and plumbing setups. Kohler’s bid at delivering the perfect on-demand climate was short-lived and the Environment was discontinued within just a few years after launch.