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Eczacıbaşı Building Products has announced the appointment of Steve Breen as commercial director – Europe. Breen brings a wealth of experience, having previously grown businesses for Ideal Standard, Electrolux, AkzoNobel Coatings and SITECH UK. He started his career in 1992 in a retail leadership role and has since gained over three decades of industry experience. As VitrA UK country director from July 2022 to January 2025, Breen made an extremely positive impact by expanding the UK sales team, developing innovative new retail partner initiatives, and overseeing major product launches.

Hasan Pehlivan, CEO of Eczacıbaşı Building Products, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Steve Breen as Commercial Director—Europe for Eczacıbaşı Building Products. His wealth of experience and expertise, as well as his excellent knowledge of both the market and our business, make him ideally placed to drive our business forward.”

Steve Breen said: “It is an immense honour to take up the role of Commercial Director – Europe for Eczacıbaşı Building Products. The company and the VitrA brand are extremely close to my heart, and I am looking forward getting started!”

Duravit has added a spacious bathtub to its Vitrium Range by Christian Werner, made from sensuous DuroCast®. The Vitrium bathtub rounds off the bathroom range with a sleek design language that transforms the bathroom into a feel-good room.

“Each element has a clear, practical purpose while retaining an aesthetic integrity. Consequently, the design is more than simply functional; it’s sensual and timeless,” said Christian Werner, describing his design philosophy.

Bathroom-Review_Vitrium_Bathtub

What is special about his design is the slightly offset, all-round edge of the bathtub that encloses it like a gentle frame and mirrors Vitrium’s timeless, formal aesthetic concept. Alongside the decorative aspect, this frame fulfills a functional role, this is the ideal space for bathroom utensils such as essential oils, care products, candles, and a relaxing drink.

The exquisite-looking satin-matt mineral material DuroCast® is used in the matching washbasins, creating an elegant overall picture.

The new bathtub range blends seamlessly into the overall concept of the collection: Vitrium epitomizes the rituals that take place in the bathroom and sets the ambitious framework for sophisticated and contemporary bathroom
culture. Combining the sleek Vitrium washbasins and the matching geometric bathroom furniture creates a bathroom that exudes warmth and comfort.

Bathroom-Review_Vitrium_Bathtub-with-accessories

Available in two variants made from DuroCast® (cast mineral material): Free-standing bathtub 1850 x 950 mm
Back-to-wall version 1850 x 950 mm; optionally available with Air System

BC Designs has released its new 2025 brochure, giving retailers and trade partners access to the latest updates across its full bathroom collection. The 152-page brochure includes the complete range of freestanding baths, basins, brassware, and furniture, along with technical specifications and product codes to support easy ordering and planning.

Created with the needs of showrooms, designers, and installers in mind, the brochure is designed to be a practical tool, bringing together key product information in one place. The company, which invests heavily in consumer marketing to support its retailers, has updated its lifestyle imagery to showcase its products, finish options and layout suggestions to help professionals guide customers through the decision-making process, whether specifying for contemporary or classic schemes.

The new edition includes updated ranges, including the newly launched Sculptura Bath. 

“Our brochure is an important resource for our retailers and trade customers,” says Adam Smith, National Sales Manager at BC Designs. “It’s there to make the specification process more efficient and to help teams on the ground stay informed about our full product offer.”

Trade professionals can request a physical copy or download the latest brochure directly via the BC Designs website.

www.bcdesigns.co.uk

More news and product information from BC Designs

Leading ceramic brand RAK Ceramics has launched its latest RAK Ceramics Design Hub in Milan, marking a significant milestone for the UAE-based group as it strengthens its global presence in the interior design and architecture sectors.

The 400 sqm showroom, located in the heart of Milan at Via Borgogna 8, opens during Milan Design Week. Designed by MMA Projects and backed by an investment exceeding €1 million, the space is crafted to serve as a central resource for designers and specifiers, offering integrated lifestyle solutions across surfaces, sanitaryware, bathroom furnishings, brassware and porcelain tableware.

This is the brand’s fourth RAK Ceramics Design Hub, following successful hubs in Dubai, London and Frankfurt. It reinforces the group’s strategic commitment to supporting the design community with innovative, high-quality, and globally available products.

“It is with great enthusiasm that we bring the energy, experience and innovative spirit of RAK Ceramics to the heart of such a lively and dynamic city as Milan. The opening of our RAK Ceramics Hub represents a milestone in the story of our group and an important statement regarding the course we intend to take, that of becoming a go-to name in the design world”, said Abdallah Massaad, CEO of RAK Ceramics.

“We address designers as a Lifestyle Solution Provider, thanks to our complete and integrated product offering and global distribution: a promise that is reflected in the spaces of the new Design Hub in Milan”.  

Set within a 1930s rationalist building, the RAK Ceramics Design Hub offers a fully immersive brand experience. A double-height entrance draws visitors into curated bathroom and living displays featuring RAK-Skin, RAK-Remal by Sahar Madanat, and RAK-Cloud by Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà, complemented by Kludi’s latest tapware innovations.

The space showcases the brand’s hero surface range—Maximus slabs—displayed on a bespoke track system alongside interactive product walls. A striking chandelier with 86 light points and a Kludi-Asana shower installation artistically connect the showroom’s floors.

Upstairs, a collaborative zone allows architects and designers to explore tailored project solutions. The bespoke kitchen, built with Maximus worktops and featuring the CookingRAK induction system, highlights functional design. This floor also includes tactile stations for Kludi taps and RAK Porcelain tableware.

The basement is designed as a dedicated gallery of fully styled environments, each showcasing the brand’s versatility. Standout collections include RAK-Valet by Patrick Norguet, RAK-Des inspired by Bauhaus design, and RAK-Batu’s textured mica finish. The Elie Saab collaboration completes the premium offering with elegant surface and wellness collections.

Operating in 150 countries, RAK Ceramics is uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive solutions across residential, commercial and hospitality projects worldwide. The new Milan hub further cements the brand’s status as a key partner for professionals seeking cutting-edge design and technical excellence.

RAK Ceramics Design Hub

Via Borgogna 8 Milano, Milano Design Week Opening hours – 7-10 April 10:00 – 22:00 with entertainment from 18:00 to 22:00. 11-13 April 10:00 – 18:00

Website: https://www.rakceramics.com/italy/it/

Instagram: @rakceramicsitaly

Facebook: @rakceramicsitaly

In front of approximately 300 international guests, the renowned designer, Patricia Urquiola, spoke to Duravit’s CMO Lüder Fromm about the industry’s ever-greater transformation and the resulting needs and opportunities in design and interior styling.

“The home is a living, transforming organism – shifting throughout the day, the seasons, and the stages of life. It is not a fixed perimeter, but a mutable system, because we are increasingly complex and in constant evolution,” explained Patricia Urquiola during the event accompanying her “Alchemica” installation.

Bathroom-Review-Duravit_x_Patricia_Urquiola

Against the backdrop of the well-known Palazzo Bovara, she teamed up with the complete bathroom manufacturer for an inspiring evening program as part of Milan’s Salone del Mobile. At the heart of the event was the immersive “Alchemica” exhibition, which reflected the constant evolution of life and the home using alchemy as a metaphor. The exhibition was realized in conjunction with Valerio Tiberi, Antonio Perazzi, and the netsuke studio to mark the 30-year anniversary of the Elle Decor Italia. The exhibition included the installation of an impressive tower made of above-counter basins from the Balcoon range, created in conjunction with Duravit.

The bathroom range from Patricia Urquiola for Duravit is minimalistic yet still has a strong design identity. It is presented as part of the immersive “Alchemica” exhibition. Balcoon features characteristic architectural shapes and clear lines, which create a unique aesthetic with a high recognition value while also exuding warmth and accessibility. The combination of premium features and quality workmanship sets new standards in the bathroom segment.

Alchemy was never an exact science, but rather a field of experimentation – a hybrid, unfinished knowledge that lies between science and magic, nature and artifice. The “Alchemica” exhibition analyses domestic space as an open formula – a constantly evolving laboratory. The structure unfolds like an ouroboros, the serpent that bites its own tail, symbolizing a perpetual cycle of transformation.

Bathroom solutions brand RAK Ceramics made a significant impact at ISH 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for the HVAC and water industries. Alongside RAK Ceramics, KLUDI, part of the same group, presented a range of cutting-edge products at Hall 3.1, Stand B80 in Frankfurt, setting the stage for the future of bathroom design.

At the event, RAK Ceramics unveiled its latest collections, including RAK-Remal, RAK-Batu, RAK-Des, and RAK-Skin. These collections, blending innovation, aesthetics, and exceptional craftsmanship, attracted attention from industry professionals and design enthusiasts alike.

Rak-Remal: Inspired by nature’s sculptural elegance

The RAK-Remal washbasin collection, designed by Sahar Madanat, took centre stage with its unique, sand dune-inspired design. Available in glossy white and Mica White—a new glaze enriched with Muscovite mineral—RAK-Remal captivated visitors with its sculptural forms, evoking the tranquillity of nature. The collection’s soft, flowing shapes highlight the beauty of natural materials and underscore RAK Ceramics’ commitment to blending art and functionality.

Rak-Batu: Balinese style meets modern minimalism

The RAK-Batu collection, inspired by the natural elements of Bali, combined organic design with contemporary aesthetics. Featuring slim 5mm edges, the washbasins are available in round, oval, and rectangular shapes, and offered in Mica White, Mica Warm Grey, and Mica Cool Grey finishes. The collection also introduced a new freestanding washbasin, perfect for creating a serene, tropical atmosphere in modern bathrooms, all while retaining a minimalist design.

Rak-Des: Bold colour meets minimalist design

RAK-Des evolved by incorporating vibrant colour options while staying true to its Bauhaus-inspired minimalist roots. Available in Matt Black, Matt Cappuccino, Matt Greige, and Matte White, the collection includes countertop and freestanding washbasins. These seamlessly pair with RAK Ceramics’ furniture lines, offering a modern and functional solution for any bathroom.

Rak-Skin: Tactile luxury for modern spaces

RAK-Skin pushed the boundaries of bathroom design by focusing on tactile experiences. Crafted from innovative materials that evoke warmth and authenticity, RAK-Skin basins feature textures resembling natural wood and stone, creating a unique sense of comfort and luxury. These tactile, nature-inspired designs transform the bathroom into a calming, sensory-rich environment.

RAK Ceramics’ participation at ISH 2025 reinforced its position as a leader in the bathroom design industry, highlighting its ability to blend creativity, functionality, and cutting-edge technology. The event provided an exciting platform for showcasing these pioneering collections, and RAK Ceramics, alongside KLUDI, continues to set new standards in bathroom innovation.

Bathroom products supplier Saniflo UK has launched a new website at www.sfasaniflo.co.uk, replacing its long-standing domain at saniflo.co.uk.

Purpose-built with the trade in mind, the new platform delivers faster access to product data, technical downloads, and support tools, simplifying busy professionals’ specification and installation process.

This is the company’s first major digital upgrade since 2018 and represents a significant leap in usability and functionality.

The streamlined website gives installers, merchants, and specifiers immediate access to datasheets, installation guides, and key documentation across the entire Saniflo range. Refined product filters and a new product comparator also help professionals quickly identify the right solution for various domestic and commercial projects – from ensuite additions to hospitality refits.

Prominently featured installation videos offer practical, step-by-step guidance for common product installs, reducing time on site and helping first-time users build confidence with the range.

With future content development built into the platform, the site will continue to grow with new training assets, technical updates, and trade support materials.

The website works hand-in-hand with Saniflo’s network of approximately 100 approved UK service engineers, ensuring that installers and merchants can access fast technical back-up and on-the-ground support when needed.

Explore the new platform at www.sfasaniflo.co.uk

More news and product information from Saniflo UK

Tissino’s continued focus on customer service and product quality has delivered strong results, as shown in its latest retailer feedback survey, with those attending the Open Week taking part. Retailers rated Tissino’s customer service 9.5 out of 10, highlighting the company’s responsiveness, ease of ordering, and supportive team approach.

The survey also confirmed strong confidence in product quality, with respondents giving Tissino a score of 4.89 out of 5 when asked how likely they are to recommend the products to end users. This reinforces the brand’s position as a reliable partner for showrooms looking to offer a full, design-led bathroom range.

As part of its ongoing commitment to building relationships with the trade, Tissino recently hosted a dedicated Retailer Open Week at its Warrington HQ. The event gave customers the opportunity to view the latest product launches in person and spend time with the Tissino team. Across five days, the company welcomed 134 visitors from 84 retail partners, with attendees travelling from across the UK, including as far as Glasgow, to take part.

Bathroom-Review-Tissino-Customer-Service

Helen Ray-Dennett, head of marketing at Tissino, says: “We’ve always invested in building strong, direct relationships with our customers. The feedback reinforces that it’s working, from customer care to product design, we’re focused on delivering consistency across the board.

“The Retailer Week was well attended, and it was great to see many of our customers face-to-face. Our newly launched products were well received, and we look forward to seeing them in customer bathrooms soon.”

Tissino’s full bathroom collection includes furniture, brassware, radiators, trays, and accessories—with matching finishes and product styling carried throughout. Retailers also noted the convenience of a “complete, one-stop-shop” product offer and welcomed regular new product development and showroom support.

The Cabanes Basin by Frontline Bathrooms is a new arrival designed for modern living and compact spaces. Ideal for cloakrooms, ensuites, and smaller bathrooms, this statement basin will provide retailers with a stylish, space-saving solution. 

Available in 400mm or 500mm sizes and in Matt White or Matt Black, each basin is crafted from solid surface stone resin—a carefully balanced blend of natural stone minerals, resins, and pigments. Unlike ceramic, the surface is warm and silky to the touch, offering a luxe feel with everyday functionality.

One of its most thoughtful and standout features is the integrated towel rail, seamlessly moulded into the base of the basin itself. Each Cabanes basin is hand-finished for a premium feel. 

Each basin comes with a pre-drilled tap hole, ready to pair with a mini basin mixer so as not to overwhelm the statement the basin makes. The waste is concealed and colour-matched for a beautifully cohesive finish.

For more information, visit www.frontlinebathrooms.co.uk

Duravit AG is celebrating a successful participation at ISH Frankfurt 2025, a leading trade fair for bathroom design and renewable energy. Taking place from 17 to 21 March, the event attracted 163,157 visitors, nearly half of whom came from outside Germany. Duravit showcased its latest innovations on a substantial 800 m² stand.

“ISH once again demonstrated its importance as a hub for national and international dialogue, highlighting the value of direct engagement with our partners. We’ve been delighted by the positive response to our new Balcoon range by Patricia Urquiola and the Hero Edition of the ME by Starck toilet,” said Stephan Tahy, CEO of Duravit AG.

“For us as a premium supplier, the trade fair is crucial for showcasing our brand, engaging with customers, and strengthening our partnerships.”

Design innovations and sustainable technologies
Under the theme “Upgrade your everyday,” Duravit introduced a series of groundbreaking designs and sustainable solutions. A standout was Patricia Urquiola’s Balcoon collection, which blends minimalist aesthetics with practicality. The range offers a versatile selection of products designed to meet modern lifestyles while maintaining the highest standards of design and quality.

Technological advancements and industry insights
The event also highlighted Duravit’s commitment to innovation, with the Hero Edition of the ME by Starck toilet drawing significant attention. Featuring advanced DuraFlush rotational technology and the antibacterial DuraShield® ceramic glaze, this model exemplifies Duravit’s focus on performance and sustainability. Visitors had the opportunity to experience the product’s ease of use and simple installation through interactive demonstrations. Duravit also celebrated a decade of its “top tradesman” programme, recognising its ongoing partnerships with industry professionals.

Bathroom-Review-_Duravit_ISH