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ELLE Residences has announced the next phase of its international growth with two high-profile residential projects set to launch in São Paulo, Brazil. The move reinforces the lifestyle brand’s vision to redefine modern living through fashion-led design and thoughtfully curated spaces in key global cities.

Known for translating its Parisian heritage into luxurious residential environments, ELLE Residences continues to evolve as a major force in branded living. The two new São Paulo developments will reflect the brand’s distinctive style and commitment to elevated design, combining high-quality materials, contemporary architecture, and interiors influenced by both European and Brazilian culture.

“São Paulo is one of the most vibrant and design-forward cities in the world,” said Simonette de Lorenzi, Managing Partner of ELLE Residences. “We are thrilled to bring ELLE’s unique vision of style, creativity, and sophistication to this dynamic market.”

Strategically located in sought-after São Paulo neighbourhoods, both projects will offer an aspirational lifestyle for design-conscious buyers. Residents can expect interiors that feature soft, fashion-inspired palettes, clean architectural lines, and generous communal amenities – all signature elements of the ELLE Residences design approach.

Building on the success of previous launches in Dubai and Miami, the São Paulo sites will further strengthen ELLE’s presence in the luxury real estate sector. Each property will focus on combining wellness, aesthetic beauty, and flexibility for modern urban living.

Architectural partners and interior collaborators will be announced in the coming months, with construction expected to begin in 2025. The first phase of completion is targeted for 2027.

With these two landmark launches, ELLE Residences continues to shape the future of branded living by offering globally-minded buyers spaces that celebrate design, culture, and a refined lifestyle.

The Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) has welcomed bathroom and kitchen products manufacturer, Norcros, to the coalition as a Strategic Partner.

Norcros, which employs 2,400 people, joins companies including The Bristan Group, Huws Grey, The BMF, Travis Perkins, and Ibstock plc as a strategic partner of the more than 40-strong coalition.

Norcros, which has a turnover of £360million and owns key bathroom and kitchen product brands in the UK, including Triton, Merlyn and Grant Westfield, will be actively involved in shaping the direction of the CIC, to make real, tangible progress to improve equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the construction industry supply chain.

Norcros has undertaken a range of company-wide initiatives to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, including the establishment of a Women’s Leadership Forum as part of their commitment to give a stronger voice to females across the business.

As part of this continuing work, Norcros has joined the CIC and is taking on the Built on Better pledge, which, amongst other activities, will see the group benchmark and measure its progress towards improving inclusion across its businesses.

Helene Roberts, managing director of Norcros plc in the UK and Ireland: “Norcros is delighted to join the Construction Inclusion Coalition. Inclusion isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a shared responsibility across our business and our sector. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s more to learn, and lasting change takes collective effort.

“By working and learning together, we can build momentum and create environments where everyone feels valued, supported and truly has the opportunity to be someone.”

CIC Chair, Angela Rushforth, adds: “Norcros is a fantastic example of a company whose people have decided to make a difference and take on the challenge of looking at ways to improve their own work environment for the benefit of others. The team at Norcros has already done so much, and it is fantastic to have them join the coalition, where they will be able to share ideas and resources with other members who are all working towards similar goals.” The CIC is calling on businesses across the construction industry – no matter how big or small – to join the Construction Inclusion Coalition and take the Built on Better pledge. Members will be part of an industry network sharing knowledge, resources, and insights to inspire change and make a difference collaboratively

2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Frontline Bathrooms and Smiths Briten, as the two sister companies announce a significant transformation of their UK delivery network. Under the leadership of managing director Darren Allison, both brands are making significant long-term investments in shared infrastructure, with a clear focus on improving speed, reliability and sustainability for KBB retailers nationwide.

At the heart of this shift is the unification of their delivery operations. By leveraging each brand’s well-established logistics networks, the businesses are streamlining routes, cutting duplication, and enhancing service coverage in key postcodes across the UK. This combined infrastructure, supported by dual head offices and round-the-clock cross-dock facilities, positions Frontline and Smiths Briten as a smarter, more responsive distribution force for the bathroom and plumbing trade.

Darren Allison, managing director of both Frontline and Smiths Briten, says: “This isn’t just about efficiency, it is about backing our customers. We are investing heavily in infrastructure that makes life easier for retailers: quicker lead times, more consistent delivery windows, and fewer delays. At the same time, we are reducing emissions and building a supply chain that’s fit for the future and our growth plans.”

The impact will be felt on the ground from July 2025, with key delivery enhancements already confirmed:

·      LU & MK postcodes have moved to next-day delivery for Smiths Briten orders, via Frontline’s expert delivery team.

·      SA region extended to three delivery days per week through a specialist bathroom courier.

·      BS postcodes will now be delivering five days a week for both businesses via Smiths fleet.

·      SM & CR postcodes upgraded to five-day service from July, utilising the Frontline fleet.

·      From August, Smiths Briten will expand coverage across North Wales, Stoke-on-Trent, and Buxton alongside Frontline.

·      In parallel, three new drivers with KBB industry experience have been hired to support the enhanced network.

While the two brands retain distinct product and service offerings, their operational collaboration reflects a deeper synergy. Shared leadership, aligned values, and a joint commitment to trade support mean they can offer retailers the best of both: consistent service and wide-ranging choice. 

The business now operates from two key distribution centres: Smiths Briten in Bolton, Greater Manchester, and Frontline in Featherstone, Wakefield, supported by cross-dock facilities in Scotland, Kidderminster, Heathrow, Purfleet and Mildenhall. Together, this infrastructure supports a next-day service capability across much of the UK.

Available this month, GROHE has unveiled its refreshed Euro Ceramic range. Updates focus on fast installation, effortless cleaning, and sleek aesthetics. Designed to streamline both the installer and end-user experience, this best-selling line delivers performance-led ceramic solutions for modern bathrooms.

The updated collection offers a comprehensive choice, including wall-hung WCs, bidets, and a wide selection of basins. Customers can select from multiple sizes, with or without overflow and tap holes, catering to various design and functional needs.

One of the key highlights of the new Euro Ceramic range is its installer-friendly design. The wall-hung WC features top-mounted installation using the seat fixation holes, requiring no specialist tools. A single installer can complete the mounting process in as little as 20 minutes, saving valuable time on site. This easy-fit system ensures a clean, seamless finish without compromise.

Hygiene remains at the forefront of the design. Each WC is coated with GROHE’s advanced HyperClean antibacterial glaze. Infused with silver ions, this surface treatment prevents up to 99.9% of bacterial growth. In addition, a rimless bowl design eliminates hidden corners and crevices, further reducing the build-up of dirt and germs.

For added convenience, the WC includes a quick-release seat mechanism. A special hinge system allows users to remove the seat and lid with one hand, making deep cleaning simple and fuss-free. The powerful triple vortex flush completes the hygiene offering, swirling water from three outlets to create a silent yet effective flush with strong suction that leaves the bowl spotless.

Matching products across the range makes it easy for homeowners to create a cohesive, modern space. The Euro Ceramic collection’s soft-edge design blends curved and squared profiles, offering flexibility for a wide range of bathroom styles. The updated line pairs perfectly with the GROHE Cubeo basin mixer – a soft-square option that combines minimalist geometry with water-saving technology for enduring appeal.

With its refreshed design and practical features, the GROHE Euro Ceramic range balances quality, hygiene, and affordability, simplifying both product selection for consumers and installation for professionals.

With over 7 years’ experience in the KBB industry, including roles with leading brands such as Imex Ceramics and Porcelanosa, SANIPEX UK has announced the appointment of Rebecca Sykes as Retail Area Sales Manager – North.

In her new role, Rebecca will focus on growing the presence of the BAGNODESIGN brand across the North of the UK. Specialising in building strong, lasting relationships with showrooms, Rebecca brings a wealth of expertise and a keen understanding of the regional market.

Rebecca commented on her appointment: “I am most looking forward to growing our presence in the North, meeting customers old and new, and sharing with them the innovative and exciting BAGNODESIGN product portfolio. It’s a fantastic opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and build new partnerships.”

Lee Palmer, sales director UK and Ireland at SANIPEX, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca to the team. Her extensive experience and passion for building showroom relationships align perfectly with our goals for BAGNODESIGN. I am confident she will play a key role in driving our growth across the North.”

This appointment is part of SANIPEX UK’s continued strategy to expand the reach of its market-leading bathroom brands, underpinned by a commitment to delivering design-led solutions and exceptional customer service.

For more information about Sanipex Group UK, please visit www.sanipexgroup.com/uk

Kaldewei has unveiled its latest innovation, the Solidlite shower tray. Engineered to eliminate the common challenges faced by plumbing professionals—such as heavy lifting, complex installation, and fragile materials—Solidlite™ offers a robust, lightweight alternative that simplifies work on-site.

Unlike conventional composite trays made from polyester resin and mineral fillers, which often warp, crack or break, solidlite™ offers long-lasting durability and ease of use. It delivers a flawless surface finish and retains the trusted quality of Kaldewei’s engineering. The result is a premium solution that’s safe, quick and simple to install.

Solidlite™ is tailored to meet the needs of installers. The tray’s lightweight structure allows for fast handling, precise fitting and reduced physical strain. It can be installed directly onto the floor or positioned on adjustable feet, eliminating the need for complex alignment or additional sound insulation.

The material’s strength also supports customisation. Even in awkward or tight spaces, Solidlite™ trays can be factory-cut to the exact measurements needed, accurate to the centimetre, making them suitable for a wide range of bathroom layouts.

Practical demonstrations are available to showcase how easily Solidlite™ can be transported and fitted. These sessions provide professionals with a hands-on look at how the new trays reduce installation times and enhance on-site efficiency.

Calima: refined design, engineered with solidlite™ technology

Alongside the Solidlite™ launch, Kaldewei has introduced Calima – a new shower surface that combines sleek design with solidlite™ performance. Aimed at international markets, Calima blends minimalist aesthetics with practical benefits for trade professionals.

Designed for modern bathroom spaces, Calima features a seamless, step-free finish with an invisible water edge on three sides. The outlet is situated on the short side and is bordered by a distinctive design edge that supports effective water drainage while enhancing its visual appeal.

Thanks to its recycled glass core, Calima is exceptionally light and easy to handle. It offers the same structural stability as heavier products, without the added weight or installation complexity. Available in 44 sizes, ranging from 70 cm to 180 cm, and five colour options (alpine white, alpine white matte, warm beige, cool grey, and black matte), the range supports flexible design planning.

All Calima trays have a consistent depth, simplifying specification across different bathroom layouts. Their permanently sealed surface resists hairline cracks and wear, maintaining appearance and performance over time.

Fully recyclable and made with sustainable materials, Calima supports eco-conscious renovation and construction projects. Combining advanced design, long-term durability and environmental responsibility, Calima represents the next generation of bathroom surface innovation from Kaldewei.

Wisely planned, today’s comfortable bathroom can become tomorrow’s age-appropriate or even accessible bathroom. Comfort, flexibility, and safety can coexist with sophisticated design and a welcoming atmosphere.

Therefore, it makes sense to think of the future during any bathroom renovation. There are an increasing number of people who wish to continue living autonomously in their homes as they grow older, or if they become disabled. Surveys suggest that the bathroom may be the most essential room in the house in terms of features suitable for older or disabled individuals.

Between necessity and free expression: accessible bathroom features

Guidelines on how to design an accessible bathroom exist in many countries. For example, in Germany, a bathroom in a public building must be DIN 18040 compliant to attract funding and be deemed accessible. The main requirement is sufficient space to move freely or manoeuvre a walking frame or wheelchair. It is also essential to remove or lower the heights of thresholds and access points.

Showers such as the Sustano and Tempano ranges from Duravit that are flush with the floor are crucial, and an accessible bathroom should be wheelchair-accessible beneath the washbasins, as is the case for models
Duravit D-Code Vital, DuraStyle Vital, or Starck 3 Vital. And into the mix, contactless faucets such as Sensor 1 from Duravit, which make everyday life easier. Toilets with a raised sitting position and a projection of 700 mm enhance the quality of life for people with limited mobility.

Bathroom-Review-Duravit-barrierfree_bathroom

Other essential elements for an accessible bathroom include grab bars and support rails, as well as non-slip floor covering. Doors should be wide enough and open outward, especially for wheelchair users. Bright lighting makes it easier to navigate.

Comfort that grows with you – multi-generational planning

However, relying solely on standards to manage this complex topic is insufficient. An assessment and future-oriented planning based on an individual’s needs is valid here, as a multi-generational bathroom with accessible elements can then be adapted to the users’ needs in later phases of life. It is designed to be welcoming and aesthetically appealing – a feel-good space that seamlessly integrates accessibility. As a comprehensive bathroom manufacturer, Duravit offers a range of design products that encompass both inclusive and attractive bathroom designs.

Universal design: when beauty knows no bounds

The principle of “universal design is geared toward the same approach: rooms should be designed to be accessible for everyone while still being aesthetically appealing, for greater inclusion and quality of life. Duravit offers a comprehensive product range that intelligently combines function, form, and emotional impact, supporting planners, architects, and private developers. After all, a beautiful bathroom knows no barriers.

Bathroom-Review-Duravit-barrierfree_accessible-bathroom

*According to a representative study conducted by the German Sanitary

Industry Association (Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft, VDS) in conjunction with the Forsa Institute, 95 per cent of respondents consider age-appropriate bathroom design to be important or very important in enabling autonomous living for older people. The fact that 66 per cent consider such features to be “very important”, with even 60 per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds agreeing with this opinion, deserves special mention.

(Source: Trends, Talks and new products – Accessible bathroom Campaign)

For once, the weather was kind as staff at Utopia’s Wolverhampton headquarters took part in the company’s much-anticipated annual charity walk in the sunshine on Saturday 5 July, raising to date a fantastic £1,004 for two very worthwhile causes.

The event, organised by Assembly Team Supervisor Matt Cox, has become a highlight in the Utopia calendar. Described by Matt as “a relaxed and enjoyable walk with colleagues, with plenty of refreshments and good conversation along the way,” the day once again brought people together in support of charity and community.

This year’s fundraising total will be split between MIND, the mental health charity, and the Liz Green Fund, created in memory of one of Utopia’s founding directors to support cancer charities and local initiatives.

Participants were easy to spot along the 13.5km route, dressed in striking orange T-shirts bearing the logos of the supported charities. The walkers received plenty of encouragement from the local community, with strong support and cheers helping to keep spirits up throughout the day.

Matt added, “It’s always a brilliant opportunity to come together outside of work, support great causes, and build team spirit. A huge thank-you to everyone who took part and to all those who supported us along the way.”

Utopia Furniture Ltd, 01902 406402

www.utopiagroup.com

Premium stone and tile specialist Ca’ Pietra has hired Isabel Baker as its first dedicated social media manager, marking a new phase of investment in the brand’s online community and in the marketing support it provides to retailers, designers, and installers.

With an Instagram audience of 248,000 followers – the largest of any UK tile brand – social already sits at the heart of Ca’ Pietra’s marketing strategy. The creation of a specialist role marks the next step in turning that reach into even stronger foot traffic, qualified leads, and sell-through for the company’s nationwide network of showroom partners.

Grazzie Wilson, group marketing director and head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, says: “We’re incredibly proud of the community we’ve built on social, seeing installers, designers, and homeowners tag us in finished projects every single day is a real vote of confidence. Isabel joins us with award-winning agency experience and a proven track record of turning engagement into action. Her appointment signals our intent to take social to even bigger heights and to keep driving value back to the trade.”

Isabel arrives from social-first agency The Social Shepherd, where she rose to senior social media manager, and worked on some of the UK’s best known brands. 

At Ca’ Pietra, she will focus on developing platform-specific content that inspires consumers and showcases new collections. She will also strengthen partnerships with creators and installers to supply retailers with a steady stream of ready-to-use lifestyle assets. 

Isabel adds: “Ca’ Pietra is already the industry pacesetter on social. My goal is to transform that enviable reach into measurable sales growth for our stockists while continuing to surprise and delight the design community with thumb-stopping content.”

For more information on Ca’ Pietra, visit www.capietra.com

Bathroom Association members have been learning more about how to utilise market research to drive commercial success in the latest Insights Bites session, hosted by MRA Research.

The lunch and learn webinar went out live on 19th June and is now available online and ‘on demand’ in the members area. It introduced delegates to the fundamentals of market research for the built environment, sharing practical tips and common pitfalls to avoid, and introducing real-world case studies to demonstrate how research can generate tangible commercial results.

The webinar was hosted by Callum Budd, research director at MRA Research, an end-to-end market research agency specialising exclusively in the built environment. MRA Research set up and runs the well-respected Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) and Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) in partnership with the BMF.

Callum said: “We condensed 30+ years of experience in market research into a thirty-minute session for the Bathroom Association to give members a flavour of how this powerful tool can be used to improve their bottom line – from understanding their customers’ needs and expectations better and identifying how to improve their customers’ experience to measuring how well they are doing against their competitors.

“With this knowledge at their fingertips, businesses can identify opportunities for growth and where they can increase their market share. In tough trading conditions, where competition for every customer pound is fierce, the commercial gains market research offers can make a big difference, particularly in terms of retaining existing clients and attracting new ones.

“At MRA Research, our passion is helping businesses in the built environment become more effective and profitable through smart, targeted research. Good market research is action oriented, and with it you can make your marketing more effective. Its insights and recommendations should correlate directly with an improved customer experience which leads to better customer retention, customer acquisition and more profitable growth. That’s what research is for, and hopefully our webinar has inspired more people to think about putting fact-based insight at the heart of their decision-making.”

The Bathroom Association launched the Insights Bites lunchtime sessions at the start of the year. CEO Tom Reynolds said: “We introduced the webinars to support and inspire our members and to help them flourish. The MRA Research session was really valuable and there were plenty of nuggets to takeaway, particularly for members who haven’t considered market research before or those who recognised the pitfalls all too well.

“Traditionally, our industry has been slower to adopt insight-led approaches in B2B markets than in B2C home improvement markets, but it’s clear that those embracing research are seeing real rewards, and if we want to deliver best-in-class marketing for our trade and consumer customers and raise the bar in the bathroom sector, it’s certainly one area where we need to up our game.”

Bathroom Association members will find a link to the webinar in their member area. It is also available to view online.

If you would like a more in-depth discussion about how market research can drive the commercial success of your business, please contact Callum Budd (callum@mra-research.co.uk).