A semi recessed basin is one of the easiest ways to save space without losing a full-size bowl. Learn how our integrated concrete designs refine the idea further.
Semi-Recessed Basins: A Smart Way to Maximise Space
Dec 7, 2025
What is a semi recessed basin?
Semi recessed basins are a practical way to get a generous sized sink into a tight space. Generally it features a partially mounted sink onto a slim shelf or vanity area. At Concrete Studio, we've taken that concept and cast the basin and vanity as one integrated concrete piece, so the whole unit works as a single element in the room.
This makes them great for:
- Small bathrooms / powder rooms
- Narrow circulation zones
- Spaces where a standard-depth vanity would feel too heavy
Pictured: Boya - Semi-recessed Concrete Vanity in colour Husk.
Why choose an integrated concrete semi recessed design?
1. One piece, no joins
With a typical semi-recessed basin, there is a visible join where the basin meets the benchtop area. That edge can collect water however our integrated vanities are cast as a single GFRC concrete unit, so there is no lip or silicone line around the bowl. The surface is simple, continuous and easier to wipe down.
2. Sizes that actually fit the room
Our concrete vanity tops are completely customisable, they can be scaled to the room instead of forcing the room to work around a fixed size. Our standard integrated tops start at 750 mm and run up to 2,100 mm, with special orders available up to 3,600 mm in one piece, depending on the model. Width options of 460 mm or 500 mm help you control projection into the space while keeping a full size bowl.
The bowl can also be positioned left, right or centre along the length of the vanity top area, which is useful where doors, windows or nib walls limit where the basin can sit.
Pictured: Baly - Semi-recessed Concrete Vanity in colour Rose.
3. Good bowl capacity in a compact footprint
Because we work in lightweight glass-fibre-reinforced concrete, the profiles stay slim without losing usable depth inside the bowl. For example:
- Wirli integrated vanity: cylindrical bowl, approx. 9 L capacity, with vanity lengths from 750 mm to 2100 mm as standard and up to 3600 mm on special order.
- Baly semi recessed: square integrated bowl at approx. 13 L capacity on a 200 mm deep top designed to bolt straight to the wall.
This gives you a practical handwashing basin in a layout where a full-depth vanity would be too tight.
4. Floating installation
Many of our integrated tops are designed to be wall-hung. Baly semi recessed tops bolt directly to the finished wall without separate brackets, while other Baly and Wirli integrated vanities can be mounted on discreet steel brackets or onto cabinetry. A floating vanity clears floor area, which helps smaller rooms feel wider and less cluttered.
Pictured: Kaarla - Semi-recessed Concrete Vanity in colour Light Grey.
Choosing a concrete semi-recessed basin
They are a great solution if:
- You need a full sized sink in a smaller bathroom.
- You want the floating vanity look.
- You prefer a single, continuous material instead of mixing ceramic and stone.
- You need flexibility in length, bowl position, or colour.
- You are designing for a project that values durability and a longer design life.
In many cases, an integrated concrete piece replaces three separate decisions (benchtop, basin, and often brackets) with one considered object that already resolves them together.
Next steps
Contact our team with your specifications. We'll help you decide and make a plan for your project.
Image credit: Studio xOx
