Saniflo has launched a new mid-market classic - the Kinesurf Pietra shower tray.
Vasco’s new electric models – ONI and Mono Beams - meet demand for sustainable design.
Benefit from future-proof, stylish bathroom design, with the latest flushing technology.
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Virtual Worlds officially launches AR app, with Trading Depot being the first retailer to use it.
GROHE Atrio Icon 3D fascinates guests at Europe’s first underwater restaurant “Under”.
Hotel Indigo combines colourfully decorated rooms with Kaldewei bathroom solutions.
Kinedo has put together some display offers that combine enclosures with luxury shower trays.
Keeley Haines promoted to the National Sales Manager for Kudos Shower Products Ltd.
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Case Study
Children supported by new inclusive washroom at Royal Preston Hospital
Armitage Shanks has worked in partnership with Royal Preston Hospital to create an inclusive and welcoming new children’s washroom for the paediatrics ward. The children’s area in Royal Preston provides a range of care and treatment for young people as well as support for their families. The new washroom has been designed to include a sunny beach theme to put the children being cared for, as well as those around them, at ease.
Armitage Shanks, a brand with 200 years of history in the UK, was chosen to supply the solutions due to its a long and successful track record of working with the Department of Health to develop products for specialist washroom areas. This particular project involved the refurbishment of the children’s washroom, and included the installation of grab rails, back supports and a hoist to help accommodate for young patients with physical limitations. Back-to-wall, supportive toilets were also chosen for the ward which include an anti-microbial glaze to reduce the risk of infection.
The installation of the supportive healthcare solutions has created a space which minimises the chances of patients slipping and falling. The Armitage Shanks products also ensure the washroom is wheelchair accessible and safe to use for even the most vulnerable patients. The newly refurbished washroom means disabled young patients at Royal Preston can have more independence and increased wellbeing while being cared for.
The renovation project took place inside a working hospital which meant that keeping disruption to a minimum was a priority. All of the ultra-reliable products specified in Royal Preston Hospital are purposely designed to be easy to install but are also simple to maintain ensuring minimal disruption to the ward.
Paul Collier, Senior Estates Manager of Royal Preston Hospital said: “Armitage Shanks is synonymous with innovation and quality, making it our first-choice supplier for our paediatric washroom refurbishment. We know the brand well, due to its infection control expertise, inclusive-focused designs and scientific approach so wanted to get them involved in the project from the onset.
“We have always been impressed with the high-quality products and contemporary designs of the brand’s healthcare products, and this project was no exception. The products were fitted quickly and with minimal disruption, which was very important to us. With new designs coming through at the moment we are excited to see what else it will have to offer us in the near future.”
Tony Rheinberg, Senior Sector Marketing Manager of Ideal Standard said: “We have worked on many hospital projects with the NHS and we were delighted to secure the contract with the Royal Preston Hospital’s Paediatric Ward, as we understand the importance of protecting vulnerable patients, especially children and disabled people.
“Our ultra-reliable, research-driven bathroom solutions were chosen to improve the safety of young patients and also actively minimise the spread of harmful bacteria across their premises. We very much look forward to working with the Royal Preston Hospital going forward and hope the children and young people of the ward enjoy using their new washroom”.
For more information about Armitage Shanks inclusive range of healthcare washroom products, visit www.ideal-spec.co.uk.
View from the top
Mark Crabtree from On The Level tells us what motivates him and why 3D printing excites him...
BR: How long have you worked in the bathroom industry?
Personally I’ve been involved with On The Level for the last 15 years, but the company has been going since 1999 meaning we are fast approaching our 20 year anniversary.
BR: What are the key USP’s offered by your company?
On The Level prides itself on being able to fix problems, and we often succeed where other companies have failed. We are also proud to be an advice-giving company, so we are always happy to answer questions from past, current and future customers.
BR: What new manufacturing technologies excite you?
With so many advances in technology, there’s always something new on the market. Right now though, we are however, excited by the thought of 3D printing.
BR: What challenges do you foresee for the industry over the next 12-24 months?
How the housing market goes can have a direct impact on a variety of industries, the housing market is very buoyant and interest rates have just gone up for the first time in a while. When we are lucky enough to build a good relationship with a housing developer, we are generally well looked after.
BR: Which industrial designer do you admire the most and why? (Living or departed)
Sir Terence Conran
BR: Where do you think the industry most needs to improve?
In adhering to mandatory legislations. While CE marking has been a legal requirement since July 2013, it’s horrifying to see the lack of knowledge and apathy to what is a legal requirement – not an optional choice.
BR: Online has certainly changed the market, what key benefits have you seen?
The internet provides the ability to launch and promote a product instantly with as much or as little details as the end user wants.
BR: What advice would you give a new starter in the industry today?
Whilst experience is useful - product knowledge is essential.
BR: What motivates you most in your work?
Leading a successful, happy and fun team and constantly developing new products, new markets and the Brand.
BR: If you could choose a super-power what would it be & why?
I have got super powers, but I cannot disclose them!
Design Talk
Kaldewei : interview with British designer Bim Burton on his Designer collaboration with Kaldewei - and why it is a great success...
Why did you want to be part of designjunction?
I was really flattered to be asked to take part in designjunction this year. I was recommended by British Designer Steuart Padwick, the creator of the breathtaking sculpture “Head Above Water’ also on show in London. Designjunction is one of the best destinations during the London Design Festival (LDF), so obviously, I just couldn’t say no.
Where did the idea to create bath chairs come from?
The theme this year is (Re)act and renew so when designjunction asked me what I would design, I immediately thought of the bath chair as it’s an object which is not only functional but has the chance of a second life. The Kaldewei bath makes a great exterior for seating and I thought this was relevant today with the theme reuse as well as being great for an outside seating area.
Why is sustainability so important to you?
Sustainability should be important to everyone. Kaldewei’s baths are 100% recyclable so perfect for this product. During my time as a designer, I have recycled many objects into practical and interesting pieces of furniture.
Why Kaldewei?
Again, this was a recommendation, this time from designjunction. I’ve found Kaldewei to be very enthusiastic when working with their baths. I couldn’t believe how well made and strong they are, I would definitely recommend them as a bath for their design and durability alone. Kaldewei were very generous in providing me with the chance to realise my design idea of turning baths into chairs – to reuse baths as seating. Kaldewei provided their steel enamel baths for me to cut and workout different ways to use the parts as chairs. I turned them up, sideways, and discovered how many variations I could make. I am very grateful for them trusting me and my imagination.
How did you find working with steel enamel?
Cutting the steel wasn’t nearly as difficult as I had imagined, cutting the steel with the right tools is very forgiving!
What was the biggest challenge? In a word – “time”.
There just isn’t enough of it. Time is so precious, I usually have very little of it to bring a project together.
What was the most fun?
I’ve enjoyed working with the challenge of the bath shape and its material, as well as having the freedom to use my creativity bringing to life my design - transforming the baths into bath chairs!
What will happen to the bath chairs after the event?
Good question! They will probably go for sale. I already have a list of people who would like one… so let’s see.
From Inside to Out is in collaboration with - Kaldewei, AJ Wells, Agua Fabrics & AHEC.
Designjunction held in London between 19th– 22nd September, provides a fantastic showcase for innovative, creative talent - presenting breakthrough brands shaping design.
Bim Burton is an innovative modern furniture maker and designer, creating timeless design with space saving ideas. Taking this year’s themes of (Re)act at designjunction, Bim and Kaldewei have worked together to create, exclusively, for designjunction, a series of recyclable, sustainable unique bath chairs in three different styles. These were showcased within the Installations area, located in Lewis Cubitt Park, Kings Cross, London, throughout designjunction, which was very well attended and hosted cutting-edge designers, breakthrough brands, an unrivalled talks programme and unique design experiences.
Kaldewei steel enamel baths are 100% recyclable, made from Kaldewei’s own superior steel enamel and have been ingeniously crafted to Bim’s unique design - creating beautiful, designer chairs for designjunction’s visitors to relax in. Designer Bim Burton explains more in our interview.
Pictured: Chairs at designjunction
