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Duravit introduces Artisan lines at ISH

“Manufactured to be extraordinary” is the motto under which Duravit gathered its Artisan Lines products and ranges. Exhibiting at the ISH in Frankfurt for the first time the iconic designer products were developed by renowned international designers including Philippe Starck, Sebastian Herkner, Christian Werner, and Studio F. A. Porsche.

“The design and manufacture of the Artisan Lines required an extraordinary level of knowledge, craftsmanship, and exacting precision” according to Duravit-CEO Stephan Tahy.

This year’s trade fair attracted around 150,000 visitors from over 150 countries. Duravit AG presented its new products on a 1000 m2 stand.

“This was my first ISH,” explained Stephan Tahy, who became CEO of Duravit AG over two years ago. “After such a long time away from trade fairs, I relished the many personal encounters and high degree of interest in our products.”

Inspiration Japan: Bento Starck Box

Bento_Starck_Box
Bento Starck Box

The Bento Starck Box bathroom range from designer Philippe Starck drew inspiration from traditional Japanese bento boxes that are subdivided into several compartments by separators.

“Organisation is freedom, especially when it’s elegant,” said Philippe Starck, describing the new washbasins and bathtub. Clearly divided wet and dry areas open countless individual design options.

A highlight of this designer bathroom series is the free-standing bathtub made from acrylic. The overflow is in the tapered water channel, allowing the tub to be filled to the top. Its ample depth and space for two invites bathers to enjoy a blissful immersion in the water. This latest bathroom range from Philippe Starck offers matching toilet sets and bidets.

High levels of craftsmanship: Zencha by Sebastian Herkner

Duravit_Zencha
Zencha by Sebastian Herkner

Also taking inspiration from Japan and the country’s traditional craftsmanship, Sebastian Herkner’s Zencha is a bathroom collection that combines unusual above-counter basins with minimalistic furniture. The most striking feature of the basins and bathtub is the rounded shape that opens into a graceful, outward-curving edge.

The linearity of the furniture contrasts with the organic sanitary objects. The outstanding design feature is an elegant frame just six millimeters thick.

“I’m delighted that the product developers at Duravit have been able to turn my designs into reality. That only works if you have your own production facilities with high levels of craftsmanship, as Duravit does,” said Sebastian Herkner.

Homely and modern: Vitrium by Christian Werner

Vitrium by Christian Werner

Timelessly modern yet homely: Christian Werner collaborated with Duravit to create his first washbasins in an interplay with console vanity units and washbasin vanity units as part of the Vitrium range. These washbasins are the first to be manufactured using the mineral casting technique.

The pleasant, velvety surface of DuroCast UltraResist creates an extraordinary tactile experience. Paired with tastefully lit furniture, they underpin the elegant and minimalistic atmosphere of the designer bathroom range.

Similarly, the eye-catching furniture of the Vitrium range with its shallow depth and projecting abovecounter basin is suitable for compact bathrooms.

“A more minimalistic design is hard to imagine,” said Christian Werner, explaining the idea behind his bathroom range. “For me, the bathroom is a comfortable refuge for wellness and contemplation.”

Ode to Nature: Qatego by Studio F. A. Porsche

Qatego by Studio F.A.Porsche

The three stone consoles of the new Qatego bathroom range are a clear reference to nature: created by the renowned designers of Studio F. A. Porsche, they generate a uniquely comforting atmosphere in the bathroom.

“On Qatego we take our lead from the functionality of the bathroom and how it interacts with its users. That’s why it was important for us to lend the objects a strong emotional quality that goes beyond mere functionality,” said Henning Rieseler, design director at Studio F. A. Porsche describes the creative process.

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HiB unveils two new mirror ranges as part of Spring launch

Award-winning bathroom supplier HiB has released two new ranges to enhance its illuminated mirror offering.

Both designed in their own distinct style, with a range of practical features, the Arcane and Cassini mirrors are perfect for use above a bathroom vanity unit and across other areas of the home.

Cassini’s clean and modern design concept makes it a versatile mirror suitable for a variety of spaces. With no straight edges, a deep band of illumination around the mirror and a chamfered diffuser to create a gentle glow, the Cassini Curve and Round both offer soft styling that focuses on maximising illumination.

The Cassini mirrors are operated using a touchless sensor and feature integrated colour temperature-changing technology and a heated pad to reduce condensation on the mirror’s surface, greatly enhancing the user experience after a bath or shower.

The Arcane range also includes a heated pad and touchless operation to operate the mirror’s color temperature changing-enabled illumination. Available in two finishes, black and brushed brass, with Curve, Round and Pill shapes in a variety of sizes, there is plenty of choice to suit every style of bathroom and requirements.

Ash Chilver, HiB sales director, said: “Round and curved mirrors have a strong popularity among bathroom designers and these new ranges offer a plethora of options that maximise style, while also offering the features we know our customers love.

“Each mirror has been designed to be hung portrait or landscape, opening up wider options for installation within a bathroom design. It’s fantastic to see Arcane and Cassini launched as our latest products to the market and I am looking forward to watching them flourish.”

Also new for 2023 is the 100cm Bellus mirror, an expansion to the existing Bellus range in a larger dimension, perfect for offering extra drama and opulence to the space.

To see the latest products, visit hib.co.uk  

 Notes to editors:

About HiB

HiB is a major supplier to UK and Irish Bathroom Retailers and is a market leader in innovative bathroom products such as mirrors, cabinets, lighting and furniture. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, the company is renowned for providing innovative, creative solutions which make bathrooms beautiful and substantially improves the lives of retailers, partners and the wider community.

Since HiB was established in the 1990s, the company has grown significantly. From humble roots as a fledgling business founded by Chairman Warren Ginsberg, to a 100 plus-strong operation with centres both in New Southgate, North London and a 85,000 Sq.ft national distribution site near Tamworth in the Midlands, the company has been responsible for many bathroom industry ‘firsts’.

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Stephen Johnson calls on industry to wake up to apprenticeship challenge

Quooker UK MD Stephen Johnson calls on the industry to invest in young people and address the skills crisis, in the latest Mover and Shaker film from Simon Acres Group.

Stephen said that the industry needs to attract and train more young people, for the collective benefit when he talked with Simon Acres Group MD Simon Acres.

“ We must work together to improve the routes into industry, promote the rewards that are on offer, and support young people with first class training and support.” says Stephen. 

 “We developed our own in-house training scheme because of the lack of focused schemes available and have found that bringing young people into the business brings huge benefits to us.

“Young people bring a fresh energy and new ideas.  When partnered with a mentor they learn quickly and absorb the business culture and heritage.  It provides a solid commercial return when a business invests in their staff in this way, as they gain a happy, motived and productive employee that wants to stay and build a long term career.

“As a company we are working with others, such as the BiKBBI to support the development of the new apprenticeship scheme, and the Kbsa to grow their retailer membership and build a stronger voice for the retailer.

“Everyone recognises that the skills shortage is a real threat to our future, there is no more time to keep talking about this, and we must all take action and do what we can to address the problem.

 “It is for all of these reasons that I supported the Simon Acres Careers Day by taking part in the live panel discussion.  By sharing good practice, demystify procedures and addressing the ‘How to Hire’ questions, we can break down obstacles, increase knowledge and move forward to success.”

The interview with Stephen Johnson can be seen here.

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Abode harness the sun’s power with new on-site solar panels

Abode, designer and distributor of kitchen and bathroom solutions, has achieved carbon neutrality with the recent installation of solar panels at its HQ.

As part of the company’s ongoing ESG strategy and corporate responsibility to reduce and offset its emissions, 125 state-of-the-art Solar Photovoltaic Panels have been installed on one of its buildings large south-facing roofs, which offers a combined output of 50k/watt every hour. The energy generated from the newly installed Solar Panels will produce enough electricity to independently power the Barnsley site, as well as produce surplus energy during the summer months to sell back to the National Grid.

Leanne Adamson, marketing manager at Abode explains, “One of our core goals is the continuous development in all areas of our business including our products, processes and principles. In fact, we are really proud to announce that as part of a 2022 Scope 1 and 2 assessement on emissions, our carbon output has reduced by 60% since 2018! In March 2022, we celebrated another environmental milestone by becoming PlanetMark certified as Carbon Neutral, bolstered by our commitment to cut our carbon footprint by a further 5% by spring 2023; equating to 1.95 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent).”

The leadership team at Abode set three SMART targets (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) as part of the carbon management plan to secure wins for their employees and the environment: Solar Energy, electrification of the company fleet to ensure that all vehicles will be hybrid or electric hybrid by 2025, reducing emissions by 51%, and an amended Business Travel Policy meaning that online conferencing will be used where practical.

With the solar panels fully functional on the roof, the next step will be to install charging points for electric vehicles this spring to benefit from the power generated from the on-site installation. This change will help to avoid around 17,500 kilos of CO2 emissions annually as the company continues its journey towards Net Zero Carbon. All office lighting has been converted to LED and sensor installations to use electricity more efficiently, saving energy and helping to protect the planet.

As a manufacturing pioneer with one of the industry’s best-in-class design studios, every member of the Abode family and throughout the value chain is excited by all the future plans on-site, offering tangible benefits as sustainability continues to grow at home and commercially this year.  

Leanne adds, “Sustainability means more to us than just ‘green’ products, it is an integral part of how we manage our business. We believe in being fully accountable, which is why we have recently completed our first-ever Sustainability Report that our customers can download at abodedesigns.co.uk/support/brochure. In doing this, everyone can share in the series of green goals we’ve set ourselves to continue to make a positive impact throughout our business, the environment and our many customers as an ethical partner of choice.”

Matthew Pitt, managing director adds, “We are dedicated to reaching net zero carbon emissions, and are inviting retailers to take advantage of our latest promotional materials and marketing activity so they can drive more traffic to their showrooms. We have created high-impact literature that focusses on our ethical credentials, social responsibility and governance, so that retailers can enjoy the halo effect of a strong USP as a sustainability champion simply by selling our products. In addition, we have introduced our Accumulate Retail Loyalty Programme, this year to make it even easier for retail professionals to sell our products, earn points and then spend them on fantastic rewards!”

For further information, please contact Abode: t 01226 283 434 | e info@abodedesigns.co.uk | w www.abodedesigns.co.uk and www.pronteau.co.uk | For the latest brand news, please follow Abode on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn #WaterTheWayYouWantIt

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Why are a growing number of homeowners exploring bathroom tile alternatives?

bathroom tile alternatives Mermaid Panels

While tiles have been a popular choice for bathroom walls for many years, Google searches for ‘bathroom tile alternatives’ have increased by 48 per cent over the last three months. So why exactly are a growing number of homeowners exploring tiles alternatives for their bathroom, and what does this mean for retailers and installers?

The manufacturing process of tiles is particularly energy intensive. Considering that the cost of energy traditionally represents around 50 per cent of a tile’s overall cost, the recent surge in energy prices has forced manufacturers to increase product price points. Likewise, the same energy price surge has caused homeowners to abandon tiles for cost-effective methods of bathroom refurbishment.

bathroom tile alternatives Mermaid Panels

Homeowners are also looking to save money on the installation process, as well as product. It’s said to take three to four days to tile the average bathroom, at a cost of £700-£800. In comparison, fitting out an entire bathroom with wall panels can take as little as four to six hours, offering homeowners a significant saving on their total project cost.

Sources of bathroom styling inspiration are everywhere and as a result, there is a stronger desire for a more personalised interior. Rather than opting for a cold tile, homeowners can turn to bathroom wall panels to replicate natural materials such as wood or stone to create a unique bathroom space with added texture and depth. Time-poor homeowners can also eliminate the arduous cleaning process that comes with tiles and grout, as bathroom wall panels can be cleaned with the simple wipe of a cloth.

Quick to fit, easy on the eye and simple to maintain, bathroom wall panels have never been more appealing, creating a competitive tile alternative that may not have always been viable. Retailers and installers who are familiar with panelling and able to offer a broad variety of finishes stand to benefit hugely from what looks to be a market set for significant growth.

bathroom tile alternatives Mermaid Panels

If you’re keen to stay up to date with the latest developments in bathroom wall panels, sign up to Mermaid’s newsletter.

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Large format surfaces, tailor-made to fit the bathroom

Silk-Camel-Natural-Meteora-Gris_CRL_stone

The bathroom has become an extension of our living areas and a space to escape, unwind and relax. This means minimal design is here to stay, with an uncluttered, neat finish being the goal. Large slab format surfaces fit into this trend, creating a seamless impression in bathrooms and shower rooms.

Surfaces such as Ceralsio Ceramic and Inalco MDi from CRL Stone, are available in a large slab format and can be cut to an exact size to fit the space, achieving a bespoke solution with minimal grout lines and a seamless finish, even in awkwardly shaped spaces, with lots of corners and angles.

Importantly, the surfaces chosen for the bathroom need to work on a practical level in terms of ease of cleaning and durability too. Here again, Ceralsio Ceramic and Inalco MDi fully fit this brief. Both are non-porous materials that are highly scratch and stain resistant, so they stay looking their very best with minimal maintenance and aftercare – an important quality when used over large and visible areas of the bathroom.

Style is not compromised, however, but rather with these surfaces, it is enhanced, due to the wide selection available in each collection. Nature-inspired, Ceralsio Ceramic and Inalco MDi includes classic surfaces such as soft white, right through to sophisticated, strong designs such as Statuario and Meteora Gris (pictured).

The large format surfaces can be chosen as part of a bespoke shower solution from CRL Stone, incorporating glass, hardware and the surfaces themselves, all tailor-made to fit. By partnering with glass suppliers and fabricators around the country, CRL offers a completely new way of specifying showers, enabling retailers to provide consumers with a tailor-made option designed for the perfect fit, whether in the family bathroom or as part of an en-suite extension in an existing master bedroom.

For more details visit www.crlstone, or call CRL Stone on 01706 863 600.

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Ultimate10 award-winning shower enclosure range

Kudos_Ultimate10-Pivot_range

Kudos is introducing brand new additions to its Kudos Premium Collection. The Ultimate10 shower enclosure range consists of 10mm glass shower enclosures that come with a revolutionary Red Dot Award-winning double action hinge, enabling the pivot door to open both inwards and outwards and offering the perfect solution where space is at a premium.

Available from April this new frameless range has been specifically designed to be truly modular offering lots of design configurations. Firstly the profiles will be available in chrome, matt black and brushed gold to co-ordinate or contrast with different bathroom brassware. The pivot door can be installed directly from a wall post or from a glass panel, making it incredibly versatile, and to fit on a shower tray or wet room floor. Each door and panel is 1985mm high including fittings and can be installed in a corner or recessed situation. The stylish door handle doubles as an integral towel rail and all glass comes with lifeshield protection. The collection is made in Cumbria and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

The collection is made up of six door models, with off-wall options for recess or corner (standard and large doors) and for off-panel recess and corner. The doors are compatible with the existing Ultimate 10mm wet room glass panels, making it a truly modular system.

A unique component within the range is the hinge which has received a coveted Red Dot Award for its innovative mechanism that allows the doors to open both inwards and outwards yet retain a watertight seal. The profile hinge comes with quadruple magnets, one pair always active so when force is applied the door will release and then attract the magnet pairs. Overlapping aluminium profiles alongside the active magnets in the mechanism prevent any water from passing through.

Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbria facility since 1999.  Their portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.

Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

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Utopia expands 20mm solid surface collection

Palladian-Grey-20mm-solid-surface-worktop-from-Utopia

Utopia has added four new decors to its exceptionally popular range of 20mm solid surface worktops. Available with a choice of inverted chamfered or chamfered profile, the new decors include three on-trend veined marble effects, namely, Imperial White, Palladian Grey and Tempest Black, plus Metropolitan Grey, a granite effect worktop.  

Imperial White and Tempest Black both offer striking patterns for a bold and dramatic statement effect whereas Metropolitan Grey and Palladian Grey are subtle patterns designed to blend unobtrusively with the overall interior design scheme of the bathroom.

Imperial-White-20mm-solid-surface-worktop-from-Utopia

The new decors combine the look of natural marble or granite with the convenience, warmth and versatility of a manmade material. All are solid cast which means the pattern continues throughout the thickness of the material adding to the realistic effect.

The new additions capitalise on current and future colour trends, complementing Utopia’s extensive range of door finishes. Together with the existing 20mm solid surface effects, Polaris Crema and Polaris White, Utopia is delighted that these four new additions will offer the consumer a much broader and appealing choice, particularly in conjunction with its recent Roseberry launch.

Tempest-Black-20mm-solid-surface-worktop-from-Utopia

www.utopiagroup.com

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Optidek launches the Magnum Collection by Florim

Bathroom_review_Opidek_by Florim

Optidek, the wall coverings specialist, has partnered with Florim, the Italian porcelain stoneware brand, to launch the Magnum Collection, an exclusive range of 6mm thickness surfaces that come in large format 2360mm x 760mm Magnum slabs.  

The Magnum Collection features four colourways in matt and gloss marble finishes and is curated by Optidek to appeal to kitchen and bathroom designers, architects and interior designers that are either seeking a uniform aesthetic with co-ordinated worktop, splashback, upstand and shelving, or as surface materials for bathrooms or living spaces. Comprising a blend of natural clays and mineral colours, these recyclable high-grade porcelain surfaces by Florim are impervious and resistant to high temperatures, UV rays and atmospheric stress. They are also waterproof, hygienic and easy to clean.

Optidek is a leading supplier and fabricator of glass, bespoke art glass and quartz wall coverings. The Bath-based business features a wide range of ultra-fashionable surfaces for residential and commercial schemes. It recently launched its luxury Italian Artisan glass collection and it exclusively features bespoke art glass panels by artist, Sally Coulden, owner of Red Dog Glass Design. The company also partners with Cosentino to fabricate 4mm Dekton Slim panels. The new and exclusive Magnum Collection by Florim is available from Optidek from January 2023.

In an age when the subject of sustainability in building and home interiors projects is no longer a choice, but a necessity, Florim, which has manufacturing plants in Modena, Italy and in Tennessee in the US, has achieved the highest possible credentials, being B-Corp certified. The criteria for certification are generated by B Lab, a non-profit network dedicated to transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet*.

B-Corp certification is only awarded to those companies that demonstrate their positive social and environmental impact as part of a regenerative economy, and is adjudicated using a points process. Using a Benefit Impact Assessment (BIA) a company that exceeds a score of 80 or more can be B-Corp certified. Florim Italia scores 98.1 and is the only porcelain tile manufacturer in the world to achieve this accreditation.

Anthony Barker, sales director, Optidek says: “We are delighted to be entering into partnership with Florim, which manufactures such beautiful and versatile high grade porcelain surfaces. With our exclusive Magnum collection, we can now offer co-ordinated wall coverings and worktops; an aesthetic that is very on-trend in kitchens and bathrooms. As a growing business, we are also committed to working with manufacturers that have excellent sustainability credentials, and with B-Corp certification, Florim’s are among the best in the world.”

The Optidek Magnum Collection by Florim: Calacatta Naturale, Calacatta Lucido, Amani Grey Naturale, Amani Grey Lucido, Ceppo di Gre Naturale, Ceppo di Gre Lucido, Travertino Naturale, Travertino Lucido

*Source: B Lab

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LIXIL brands contribute to solve water & sanitation crisis

LIXIL

Water is the basis of life yet one of the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Currently, 2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water while 2.3 billion live in water-stress countries.

Yesterday’s annual World Water Day was about “accelerating change” to help solve the ongoing water and sanitation crisis – a crisis that is closely linked to progress in other major global sustainability challenges, including health, hunger, education, and economic development.

LIXIL Corporation, maker of pioneering water and housing products, is committed to progressing Sustainable Development Goal 6: to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. To deliver on its aim to “make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere”,

LIXIL provides solutions that enable everyone to use water in more sustainable, smart, and safe ways and is leveraging its expertise to improve water access and quality and increase water security for communities and nature. 

Helping consumers save water with innovative products
LIXIL’s house of brands offers products that cater to many preferences and needs while helping reduce water consumption and increase water safety.

At the heart of LIXIL brand INAX lies cutting-edge technology. Its Navish hands-free faucet, for example, starts and stops water flow automatically, using its built-in sensor technology to reduce water consumption by 30% compared to traditional faucets.
New step change in water-saving technology

LIXIL brand GROHE has recently introduced its upcoming GROHE Everstream water-recycling shower system. Reusing the water within the showering process, it is designed to create a showering experience that meets all expectations while using as little fresh water as possible and far less energy. The shower system cuts water use by up to 75% and energy use by up to 66% for a 10-minute shower.

Scaling up efforts to build sustainable sanitation economies Established as one of the three focus areas in the Corporate Responsibility strategy, LIXIL’s sanitation initiatives aim to innovate solutions to improve sanitation and hygiene for 100 million people by 2025.

As part of this, LIXIL’s brand and social business SATO offers innovative, affordable toilet and handwashing solutions for underserved communities, and partners with organizations, and entrepreneurs, both globally and locally, to increase the availability of products. Just recently, SATO celebrated its first decade in operation, impacting the lives of more than 35 million people in 45 countries.

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