Makes perfect sense to me.

Jacuzzi/Whirlpool tubs require access panels to facilitate repairs and maintenance for the inner workings - I can see how this is a simple extension of that, and a similar thing could be done with most any surface-mount tub using off-the shelf hardware.

I wonder how sturdy it feels. We have fiberglass/acrylic in our home now and I wish we had cast iron or something more solid.

Looks like a refuge for spiders to me and a hassle to clean.

I have to agree with @d4kk1tt3n. In fact, the headline immediately brought up an issue for me... So let's say I reach into the sides with a wet arm, drip water inside, then close it up for a day or two. My first thought it MOLD!

I insulated the undersides of my old 50s (non-crawfoot) metal tub when I had access from the joists below, but it ended up allowing discolouration & mold to grow in the tub, as the whole (small) bathroom stayed warm much longer. So don't do this yourselves kids.

But there were already spiders & other creepy crawlies under the tub, so having such door access would at least give easy access for cleaning.

The wife won't take kindly to me make mods to our tub for doors...

Eeeeuw, that's nasty!

good place for mold build up it would be impossible to clean.

I like it. I would store the things I currently store under my sink and would not open it while running water. Otherwise, as long as there isn't a chronic leak, I don't see a problem for mold.

I think if it were a pull out instead of opening up fully under the tub it would be easier. Because there is so much potential for water to get in weird places, I'd be freaked out about mold.

Apparently, the recommended retail price in the UK is £164.14 for the panel.

http://www.diamondbathrooms.com/acatalog/copy_of_Stowaway_Bath_Panels.html

Awesome idea for small places without a lot of storage! I hate how shampoo bottle tend to clutter up by the tub even if you do have storage room in the bathroom.

I don't see the big deal about cleaning it... as long as the doors are easy to pull open it doesn't look any harder than cleaning my mom's old claw-footed tub, which also required a bit of stretching.

Every new yorker is going to want one of these like nobody's bi'ness.

PS Re: mold and mildew, you'll have to open it up and clean it once per week like you do your tub. A small bowl of Ajax or baking soda down there will also keep water related odors at bay. Not difficult at all to manage.

Love it in theory -- waiting to hear about actual use! I think bathrooms are always more cluttered than we wish, and this is a definite step to solving that.

Would it really get any moldier than the space beneath your bathroom sink? I do worry that it might be difficult to clean, especially if those sides don't go all the way down.

I have two removable wooden grids in from of my bath and store things behind them - doesn't get damp or mouldy at all, though the little sisters do weave their webs there - who am I to grudge them?

The awesome idea is there and i love it.....

It's just that i think this particular one needs a little more "thinking". It just feels to me (looking at the pictures) that water can get through the doors, making whatever inside wet.

And for all the aracnophobic, if you use your storage rather frecuently, there will be no bugs.

i want one. looks easy enough to clean with a swiffer. so much easier when i forget to bring a new razor into the shower.

we built a space station. we can perfect this thing.

I also LOVE the idea of this (especially in our itty bitty bathroom) but want to know how functional and sturdy it is.

I love neatly organized "stuff" in every room but the bathroom... this would eliminate so many unsightly bottles for many people me thinks.

I have had the Stowaway panel in my bathrom for 5 years. No mould. no water problems. The panel door increases ventilation.
Suitable for acrilic bathtubs.
I know i invented it.
Paul.