Duravit and Philippe Starck present the new generation app-controlled shower-toilets.
Vasco is launching new electric designer radiators at 100% Design – Stand C25.
LG Hausys has added HI-MACS® baths and shower trays to its washbasin collection.
Roca has added to its brassware offering with its latest collection, Escuadra.
The new MyHome brand helps to overcome the design challenges faced in smaller bathrooms,
Aqualisa has launched Mian, a new range of dual control mixer valves.
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HI-MACS® has partnered with FDDS to create a playful stand with interactive experiences.
Saniflo is inviting plumbers and installers to pay them a visit at the Screw Fix Live show.
Bette’s new basin and luxurious circular bath will be making their UK debut at Sleep + Eat.
KMD Cleaning & Laundry currently services 134 holiday homes of all sizes in East Anglia.
The Bathroom Manufacturers Association has raised £3,895 for the Children’s Burns Trust.
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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
Stephen Maley explains the philosophy behind Hewi's accessible design...
BR: Describe the philosophy of Hewi
SM: Decades of experience has enabled us to become experts in accessible design offering uncompromising, integrated, well thought through solutions using top quality materials and processes. The design requirements for areas where accessibility is key, for example, hospitals, hotels, care homes, and workplaces can be extremely demanding. The design and fitout of accessible sanitary rooms in public buildings or private, multi-generational bathrooms is equally challenging. As a market leader for accessible design, we know how complex the standards are and approach each project with the aim of providing beautiful, compliant and de-stigmatised accessible spaces.
BR: How does the Uk compare with other coutries, do you think we are ahead or behind in providing solutions for this market?
SM: Hewi is fortunate enough to work in over 70 countries around the world which gives us a pretty good feel for the global approach to accessible design. The UK is very design conscious and as a result our UK clients and specifiers are very discerning in the way the accessible space is considered. The UK also has world leading regulatory demands from DOC M to British Standards, many of which are replicated around the world and sets the UK above most countries in this crucial sector.
BR: What is the Hewi definition of good accessible bathroom design?
SM: To have designed a bathroom with multi-use, flexible products which not only look great, but are functional too and offer the discreet levels of additional support as and when required. For example, our removable shower seats and support rails deliver tailored support.
BR: How has Hewi maintained design integrity whilst creating products for the healthcare industry?
SM: It’s in our DNA!. We have been specialising in this demanding sector for generations, so we know the products must be robust, durable and easy to maintain. We spend considerable time on material selection, market research and product testing to ensure that improved designs are up to the task of the tough demands required.
BR: Do you think bathroom product design for accessible products in general is still behind the times?
SM: There are many superb examples of well designed accessibility products around the world – so no I don’t necessarily think that area is too far behind the times. What is lacking is the general approach to accessible space design, as it can often be an afterthought or in some cases not even considered at all!
BR: How well received are Hewi's products in your intended market?
SM: It always gives us great pleasure when we receive feedback from clients form all sectors from Care to Hospitality, who tell us how delighted they are with their new “accessible bathrooms” which don’t resemble a 1970s care home. Our hotel clients around the world report a reduction in guest complaints about being given the “disabled room” – and the fact that each HEWI system can be fitted /removed in seconds to tailor the bathroom to the needs of the user, means we have many satisfied clients, and users whether disabled or not.
BR: What inspired Hewi to create the System 900 range?
SM: The HEWI Product Innovation Team used the UK demands for Doc M & British Standard compliance as a key factor in developing the longer/deeper shower seats and appropriate support rails within a brand new range together with matching accessories.
BR: Who is your target audience for this range, healthcare, homeowners or both?
SM: Our target audience will always be the end users who want to use the accessible bathroom safely, comfortably and not feel stigmatised. This means that this addition to our portfolio will go across all sectors from Homeowners to Hospitals and workplace/public buildings to Hotels.
BR: What do you feel were the design challenges you needed to over-come to create a product that would be well-received & functional?
SM: In all the studies & consultations we had with industry experts, one of the most repeated demands we received was that the shower seat for example, must be the right size, but it must look amazing. This meant we focused on the sheer strength of the seat and bracket material to ensure they were up for the job. And after the thousands of drop weight tests conducted we are able to confidently produce a beautifully designed & compliant shower seat.
BR: What are the key USP’s for this product?
SM: The HEWI S900 range continues with the HEWI legacy of quality and aspirational design across the entire portfolio which comply with UK’s Doc M, & British Standards and USA’s ADA
BR: What do you feel this product offers over and above those offered by the competition?
SM: Contemporary compliance. Within a huge range of solutions from the market leading designed accessibility experts
To find out more about the S900 Range - click the link.
To see Hewi's latest hotel video click the link
The HEWI S900 range.