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The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has welcomed Ambiance Bain as its latest member, strengthening the association’s growing community of bathroom industry leaders.

Ambiance Bain is a distinguished family-owned business renowned for its innovative, luxurious bathroom furniture and shower spaces. With over six decades of experience, the company brings an exceptional blend of French design, quality craftsmanship, and bespoke functionality to the UK market.

Their extensive product portfolio includes furniture, basins, worktops, storage units, mirrors, shower trays, and wall panels, with selected products crafted from Ambiance Bain’s exclusive SMO™ solid surface material — all designed and manufactured in-house to exacting standards.

“It’s great to be able to welcome Ambiance Bain to the BMA,” said Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the BMA. “Their expertise in state-of-the-art bathroom furniture design and their dedication to space-saving solutions make them a fantastic addition to our membership. Their commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and innovation enhances the BMA’s mission to support excellence within the bathroom industry.”

Ambiance Bain’s vision is to be the leading independent manufacturer of bathroom furniture and shower spaces. It is driven by creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of modern living. Its UK presence includes a well-established showroom network supported by trained retail partners who provide expert design guidance and service.

Commenting on the company’s new membership, Stuart Martin, Head of UK for Ambiance Bain, commented, “We are proud to join the Bathroom Manufacturers Association and contribute to the important work they do for our industry. As advocates of quality, innovation, and customer-centred design, we look forward to engaging with fellow members, sharing knowledge, and helping shape the future of bathroom manufacturing in the UK. Through our membership, we hope to further champion creative freedom, and personalised bathroom solutions that truly reflect the needs of today’s consumers.”

www.bathroom-association.org.uk

07795 972504 

In line with their commitment to a sustainable transformation in design and architecture, Kaldewei, the German premium bathroom manufacturer, is hosting a series of design talks in collaboration with Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE) at Milan’s renowned Villa Bagatti Valsecchi. These discussions are set against the backdrop of Milan Design Week’s theme, “Are we going in circles?” and will be held as part of the independent design platform Alcova Milano, a key event during Fuorisalone.

The design talks, which will run from 7 to 10 April, will focus on the concepts of circular economy and explore how the design industry can evolve to meet sustainability goals. The series of lectures and panel discussions will bring together experts from design, science, and industry, including students, young professionals, curators, and key industry leaders. The goal is to spark critical dialogue about the opportunities and challenges of adopting a circular approach in design, encouraging attendees to rethink established design conventions and push creative boundaries.

“Establishing circular systems against all odds – we are convinced that bold ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration are the basic prerequisites for a sustainable transformation of our industry,” says Christian Büttner, head of innovation at Kaldewei.

His words reflect the event’s ethos, which seeks to inspire the next generation of designers and drive innovation in material sustainability and responsible production.

A historic setting for sustainable design innovation

The event will take place at Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, a 19th-century architectural gem once home to the Milanese aristocracy. Kaldewei and DAE will repurpose the villa for the event, providing a unique and inspiring setting for discussions on sustainable design. The Alcova Milano platform, founded in 2018 by Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima, has become a significant venue during Milan Design Week, attracting over 90,000 visitors each year with its visionary design showcases.

Each day of the event will feature panel discussions followed by a dialogue, with a focus on the future of sustainable design and material innovation. The lecture series will showcase how designers can integrate long-term thinking into their work, use resources responsibly, and create sustainable solutions that meet the needs of both society and the environment.

Key talks and themes

The English-language talk formats will begin daily at 3 pm, with talks and discussions running from 4 pm. Highlights include:

  • Monday: “Material Culture” with Afaina de Jong from AFARAI, moderated by Ilse Meulendijks, Head of the Master Programme at DAE.
  • Tuesday: Prof Dr Michael Braungart will present on “Cultural Ecology” and the radical nature of sustainability approaches.
  • Wednesday: Metahaven and Daniel van der Velden, Head of GEO-Design, will discuss “Planetary”, exploring diverse design approaches and attitudes.
  • Thursday: The series will conclude with “Making & Implementation”, a discussion on experimental approaches to sustainable design and the future of materials.

A vision for the future of design

Through this collaboration, Kaldewei and Design Academy Eindhoven aim to inspire the next wave of designers to adopt sustainability-oriented methods and lead the way in material innovation. These talks serve as a platform for exploring how designers can influence responsible production and create a more sustainable future through the power of design.

For more information about the event, visit www.alcova.xyz.


Saniflo has announced a six-month collaboration with the Building Centre as a Principal Partner for ‘Retrofit 2025 – What’s Stopping Us’.

In addition to a static exhibition in the organisation’s central London location, the campaign includes a full programme of in-person and online events designed to help navigate the barriers and opportunities in the built environment retrofit sector.

Retrofit 2025 aims to demonstrate that tools and solutions to transform existing buildings already exist and encourage architects, construction professionals, the housing sector, Government, and local authorities to take the next steps.

With plenty of experience in supporting change of use projects over many decades, Saniflo and sister brand, Kinedo, have not only placed products in the static display ‘house without walls’, but contributed case studies detailing how their products have enabled change of use conversions in the housing and educational sector. Pods adjacent to the static display highlight how a former office building was transformed into apartments in Peterborough, using Kinedo shower cubicles in the bathrooms, whilst a former bank was converted into a world-class dental training school with the help of a number of Saniflo pumps and macerators. 

A Kinedo Kinemagic Design all-in-one shower cubicle is featured in the ‘house without walls’ along with a Sanicompact WC, which is a space saving, cisternless WC with integrated macerator. The shower cubicle is swift to install and – thanks to its unique design and assembly – requires no tile or grout to create a watertight environment. Consisting of internal glass panels, that sit over the upstands of the shower tray, glass external panels and door, the shower is supplied as a single package complete with shower, valve and handheld shower. Ready to use from the moment it’s installed because no follow-on trades are required, it saves on both specification and installation time. The Sanicompact is ideal for small bathrooms that cannot discharge waste via gravity. The integrated macerator means that no cistern is required and it can also discharge waste from a basin.

Amanda Mills, Marketing Manager at Saniflo, has overseen the collaboration and is pleased to partner with Retrofit 2025;

“This is a sector that lends itself very well to our products and one we have worked in for a long time. There is definitely more emphasis today on retaining and converting buildings for new uses. Our pump range, in particular, enables developers to discharge waste when traditional gravity drainage infrastructure can’t or is too expensive. Saniflo’s range extends from pumps for single bathrooms or kitchens, through to pumps for whole buildings, or multiple small buildings. Retrofit 2025 offers us a great opportunity to reach a bigger audience to share our products and knowledge. We’re looking forward to attending as many in-person events as possible and to using the facilities at the Building Centre for our own customers.”

Renowned bath maker BC Designs has launched the Sculptura bath, a striking new addition to its Acrymite range. Designed to bring a bold yet timeless aesthetic to modern bathrooms, the bath’s unique abstract geometry adds a sculptural presence to any bathroom while maintaining a refined elegance that won’t date over time.

Crafted in a high-quality gloss white Acrymite finish, Sculptura is not just a bath—it’s a centrepiece. Made from reinforced acrylic panels seamlessly joined to create a one-piece appearance, the patented Acrymite material retains room heat for a comfortable and warm bathing experience, as well as being resistant to deterioration.  

Measuring 1690mm in length, it boasts a generously deep bathing space, ensuring a luxurious and immersive soak.

Adam Smith, National Sales Manager at BC Designs, says: “With Sculptura, we wanted to push the boundaries of modern bath design while keeping it practical and accessible. 

“Launching as part of the Acrymite range, it offers retailers with a more affordable and distinct bath, that they would otherwise expect as part of our Cian Collection.  It has been designed to be a real showstopper and unique within our industry.”

Bathroom-Review-BC-Designs-Sculptura-bath.

Bath size: 1690mm length

10-year guarantee for domestic use. 

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

Waterline has teamed up with Sensio Lighting to offer a selection of mirrors, cabinets, and lighting within Waterline’s expanding Little Blue Bathroom Co range.

Enhancing Waterline’s own-brand bathroom products, Sensio’s LED illuminated cabinets come with advanced features like dimmable lighting, USB charging ports, and built-in stereo speakers.

These products provide excellent add-on sales opportunities for Waterline customers, with notable items such as the Luka Smart mirror – the UK’s first mirror with Alexa integration – and the Eclipse cabinet, which features TrioTone technology. Both are now included in the Little Blue Bathroom Co. brochure.

Also available is a range of Sensio’s LED illuminated mirrors, designed in various shapes and finishes, bringing both style and practicality to any bathroom.

For bathroom retailers, Waterline now offers the added convenience of ordering Sensio’s highly popular lighting products. Stylish pendants such as the Zirconia and Solinas lights are ideal for enhancing showroom displays and designs alongside Sensio’s ventilation solutions.

Michael Marriott, CEO of Waterline, commented: “At Waterline, we’re committed to providing independent retailers with quality products and first-class customer service. Sensio Lighting’s innovative products speak for themselves, and we’re delighted to be able to offer them to our customers alongside our Little Blue Bathroom Co range of products.”

To discover more and explore the complete range of Waterline products, visit www.waterline.co.uk or call 03330 149 149.

Features by Diane Larner founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review.
Diane Larner launched both titles over 12 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industry ever since, publishing regular features across the two sectors.

ISH Frankfurt 2025 opened its doors to over 160,000 visitors from 150 countries in early March. It brought together manufacturers, industry leaders, designers, and innovators to showcase the latest trends in sustainable design, smart technologies, and eco-friendly solutions.

For the bathroom sector, water-saving innovation, twinned with resource efficiency, was billed as a key theme of this show. Many exhibitors unveiled products that prioritise energy and help users conserve water. The Future of Water section captured the spotlight, featuring new technologies designed to reduce consumption while maintaining high performance. From smart, connected systems to innovative water-saving features, ISH Frankfurt 2025 demonstrated how the bathroom sector is embracing a greener, more sustainable future.

Digital transformation embedded within the latest bathroom design highlighted the growing trend for smart, connected bathroom systems. Numerous exhibitors showcased innovations with digital and app controls and intelligent solutions designed to enhance daily living and accessibility.

Diane Larner attended the event and compiled six inspirational bathroom highlights.

SIX T O P   P I C K S   from ISH 2025

Bathroom-Review-Hansgrohe-Avalegra-AquaUnit.

hansgrohe reinvents the washbasin with Avalegra

hansgrohe showcased its new Avalegra AquaUnit. Said to be in an entirely new bathroom category because it includes washbasin and tap in one unit.

Bathroom-Review-Jaquar-Navia-Ice-Bath

Leading the future at ISH: Jaquar’s vision for luxury & smart bath solutions

Jaquar’s dedication to pioneering design was evident in its latest innovations, which were unveiled at ISH 2025.

Bathroom-Review-Ideal-Standard-HydroTwist®-i.life-O-Collection

Ideal Standard unveils i.life O Collection at ISH 2025

Ideal Standard, part of the Villeroy & Boch Group’s Bathroom and Wellness Division, previewed its new i.life O collection at ISH 2025 in Frankfurt.

Bathroom-Revioew-Vitra_Fotos_Stand_

VitrA showcases bathroom design and innovation at ISH

VitrA showcased a range of new bathroom products, reinforcing its commitment to outstanding design and innovative technology.

Bathroom-Review-Kaldewei_NuioDuo

Kaldewei excels at ISH with NUIO DUO designer bathtub

The high-end Zen Edition bathtub includes infrared heat, music and lighting, all of which are operated by an intuitive panel

Bathroom-Review-HEWI-x-Barbie- range

Barbie™ x HEWI bathroom collection unveiled at ISH Frankfurt

Universal design has always been at the heart of HEWI’s philosophy.

Wolfgang Marzin

Wolfgang Marzin, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Messe Frankfurt

The atmosphere at ISH 2025 was outstanding – the halls were buzzing, and the conversations were in-depth and forward-looking. The industry is ready and willing to shape the future. ISH has reaffirmed its status as the world’s leading trade fair: 72 per cent international exhibitors and 163,157 visitors speak for themselves.

“ISH 2025 has powerfully demonstrated that innovative solutions to meet basic needs have long been available. Our exhibitors have shown that the transition to a sustainable economy is not only vital, but already underway – despite the challenges we currently face. They are developing technologies that improve our daily lives while making them more sustainable.”



Ruth Davies, VitrA UK marketing director

Bathroom Review Ruth Davies, VitrA Marketing Manager

We were delighted to be at ISH for our 21st year, showcasing our latest products and innovations. This year we presented a wide range of new products, including new sanitaryware, furniture, and brassware as well as V-Care smart toilets and the groundbreaking SonicFlush technology.

“Sustainability was also a key focus, with dedicated space highlighting our ethos. We showcased our recycled washbasin as well as our new recycled toilet seat, alongside the introduction of our SustaINdex system, which ranks our products based on their environmental and social impact, covering materials, production, transportation, and packaging. A huge thank you to everyone who visited us – it was fantastic to share our innovations and hear your feedback!”


About ISH Frankfurt

ISH Frankfurt is the world’s leading trade fair for bathroom, building, energy, and air-conditioning technologies, held biennially in Frankfurt, Germany. As a key event in the industry, it showcases the latest trends and innovations, offering a platform for manufacturers, designers, and experts to present groundbreaking solutions for the built environment. The fair is renowned for its focus on sustainability, smart technologies, and energy efficiency, making it a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead in the evolving world of bathroom and building services.

At ISH, global leaders gather to explore cutting-edge products and share insights on the future of water management, digital transformation, and eco-friendly design. The event plays a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and promotes the adoption of green technologies that enhance both functionality and sustainability. With its forward-thinking approach, ISH continues to be the premier destination for discovering the innovations that will define the future of living and working spaces.

ISH will be back on the 15th -19th March 2027

The BMA has announced the return of Pitchfest at InstallerSHOW 2025, which will take place at the NEC Birmingham from June 24-26. As part of the BMA theatre programme, this high-energy competition offers a unique opportunity for bathroom innovators to showcase their latest products and ideas to a live audience of bathroom installers.

For those familiar with Dragon’s Den, Pitchfest offers a similar fast-paced pitch format but with a twist—it’s all about the latest in bathroom tech, from taps and showers to advanced toilet solutions. It’s a platform where bathroom product developers can pitch their ideas head-to-head, with one crowned the Pitchfest Champion at the end of the show.

How Pitchfest Works:

Two Heats:

  • Heat 1: June 24 at 3:15 PM
  • Heat 2: June 25 at 10:15 AM

Each heat will feature six quick-fire pitches, with competitors given just five minutes to present their products – no slides, no screens, just the pitch and whatever props they can bring. Once the pitches are completed, the installer audience will vote for their favourite, with the top three from each heat advancing to the grand final.

To add to the excitement, voters will be entered into a draw to win an iPad Air, courtesy of Leopard Co.

The Final Showdown – June 26 at 2:00 PM:
Six finalists will compete in the ultimate pitch-off, with the winner chosen by the installer audience. The victorious pitch will not only earn Pitchfest Champion bragging rights but also a 10-week sprint marketing campaign with Leopard Co, worth £7,000.

With only 12 pitching slots available, it’s first come, first served. Those who don’t make the cut will be placed on a reserve list, so interested parties are encouraged to sign up quickly. To secure a slot, email Amy Kirk today.

Hosted by BMA Chief Executive Tom Reynolds, each session promises to be a dynamic, no-nonsense event – no slides, no fluff, just straight-to-the-point pitches. Props are encouraged, and innovation is a must.

“We were blown away by the energy and innovation at last year’s Pitchfest – the crowd, the ideas, and the engagement were fantastic,” said Tom Reynolds.

“This year, we’re taking it to the next level.”

Pitchfest offers a rare chance for bathroom product innovators to showcase their creations directly to the professionals who matter most. Whether pitching or watching, it’s an event no one in the industry will want to miss.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

For those looking to elevate their brand presence further at InstallerSHOW 2025, there are also exclusive sponsorship opportunities available for two high-profile speakers in the BMA theatre area.

To learn more, contact Tom Reynolds directly. Please note that these opportunities are available on a first come, first served basis.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your mark at InstallerSHOW 2025.

PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand introduces an exciting range of new products and dealer support with its Spring/Summer 2025 Collection.

The 356-page Bathrooms to Love brochure (view here) showcases the expanded collection, featuring hundreds of new products in a contemporary layout, fresh photography, and more detailed bathroom planning tools. Following customer feedback, product codes for the entire range are now listed on each product page for easier navigation.

This launch is supported by various sales and marketing materials, including new point-of-sale displays, social media promotion, product videos, website updates, consumer PR activity, virtual reality sales tools, and PJH’s trusted ‘First Choice’ service promise.

Three new fitted furniture ranges – Cara, Edin, and Abbey – are central to this launch, offering greater flexibility and a wider range of colour, finish, and unit sizes. These new collections give designers more freedom to create bespoke, practical bathroom designs.

In addition to the new furniture, the collection also features new vessel basins and one-piece basin worktops, blending style and functionality. These new pieces, ranging from classic to modern, are expected to be popular with customers.

The exclusive partnership with Fibo is expanded, with a stylish new range of wall panels added to the collection, providing even more options for retailers. This introduces a new product category for Bathrooms to Love.

The launch also includes the new Roda & Nancy brassware ranges and more metallic finishes for existing brassware, ensuring consistency across the main finishes: Brushed Brass, Brushed Bronze, matte black, and Chrome. Two new shower packs, Cosmic and Aurora, are also part of the release and are available in square and round designs.

New additions to the bathing category include the elegant Houston bath with a thin-edged design, fluted glass bath screens, and L-shaped glass bath screens, all available in four sleek metallic finishes.

Kim Cooper, PJH’s Head of Marketing & Product, said: “This is one of our largest bathroom launches ever, as we continue to invest in our Bathrooms to Love brand, which evolves constantly as we respond to customer feedback and market trends. As always, the new Collection is packaged with comprehensive sales tools to support our valued partnership with our nationwide network of stockists.”

The new Bathrooms to Love Collection is now available to order via PJH’s Partners Portal™ website and is supported by PJH’s Next Day Delivery service (to 93% of postcodes).

Further information:

Bathrooms to Love by PJH: T: 0800 8 77 88 99  / www.partners.pjh.uk  / www.bathroomstolove.uk

At ISH 2025, hansgrohe showcased its new bathroom product, the Avalegra AquaUnit. Said to be in an entirely new bathroom category, the basin represents the interplay of washbasin and tap in one unit. The AquaUnit combines familiar and new elements in a sophisticated and unprecedented way.

However, the most obvious innovation is not the combination of two products, but the way in which Avalegra presents the element of water, with two variations – flowing classically from top to bottom, like a waterfall; and also taking the opposite route – bubbling up from below like a crystal-clear spring.

New ways of experiencing water

With the aim of making daily routines at the washbasin as natural, comfortable and enjoyable as possible, Avalegra is leading the way. In addition to a curved, slim and swivelling spout, Avalegra has an integrated shower spray. This allows water to be experienced at the washbasin in a completely new and refreshing way. Like an inviting gesture, water comes towards the user from the centre of the control element in a parabolic shape. The integrated pressure limiter reduces water consumption to five litres per minute, supporting the sustainable use of water. In both cases, water is then gently collected from the Solid Surface washbasin.

One piece of design

All the operating elements of the Avalegra AquaUnit are combined in a single functional unit. The integrated spray disk takes centre stage. The handles on the right control the water volume, spray type and temperature and favourite temperatures are simply set for the next use.

The surface of the control unit is available in five FinishPlus colours: Chrome, Matt Black, Brushed Black Chrome, Brushed Bronze and Polished Gold Optic.

The matt white washbasin made of Solid Surface material is durable, scratch-resistant and non-porous which prevents deposits and is easy to clean. and easy to clean. If a scratch does occur, it can simply be polished away, to ensure that Avalegra remains a visual highlight in any bathroom.

Tradition meets modernity

Whilst Avalegra is pioneering revolutionary design in the bathroom, the installation is not any different: thanks to pre-assembled components, installation is just as quick and easy as with any other washbasin with a tap. With its elegant design language, the AquaUnit harmonises perfectly with other hansgrohe innovations such as the Raindance Alive shower product line or the furniture from the Xevolos series.

hansgrohe. Life is waterful.

hansgrohe stands for holistic bathroom experiences that combine water- and energy-saving technologies, intelligent functions and long-lasting quality. With timeless and innovative premium products, the brand supports a sustainable lifestyle and transforms daily water routines into extraordinary experiences.

Driven by a unique pioneering spirit, hansgrohe, together with its long-standing partner PHOENIX, creates living environments and product solutions for bathrooms and kitchens that enrich everyday life with more design, comfort and enjoyment. Within the internationally active Hansgrohe Group, the premium brand hansgrohe manufactures, markets and distributes showers, shower systems, bathroom and kitchen faucets, bathroom accessories, furniture, sanitary ceramics and kitchen sinks worldwide under the hansgrohe brand.

Find out more about the hansgrohe brand.

RAK Ceramics, a leading manufacturer of bathroom and tile solutions, will return to Clerkenwell Design Week in 2025 to reveal its newest surface innovations and latest tile trends. From May 20th to 22nd, design professionals can visit the RAK Ceramics Design Hub, a 7,276 sq ft showroom at 100 St John Street, London, to explore a range of groundbreaking porcelain tiles.

New marble-effect tiles

Bathroom-Review-RAK-Ceramics-Rain-Marble-Ambiance

Among the exciting new collections is the Rapolano Marble range, featuring luxurious marble-effect tiles in Beige, Light Beige, White, and Grey. With sizes up to 80 x 80cm, these tiles offer timeless elegance for both residential and commercial projects. Additionally, RAK Ceramics will showcase its bold new Rain Marble tiles, available in three sizes (135 x 305cm, 120 x 260cm, and 60 x 120cm) with dramatic veining, perfect for creating statement walls and floors.

RAK Ceramics will also present the Crystal White Collection, inspired by the purity of white marble. These tiles come in sizes from 90 x 180cm to 60 x 120cm, bringing a luxurious atmosphere to any space. Complementing the marble-inspired offerings, the Iceland White range captures natural stone’s timeless beauty with an 8-size selection, including 90 x 180cm tiles for large installations.

New concrete-effect tiles

In addition to marble-effect designs, RAK Ceramics will highlight its new concrete-effect tiles. The Creative Concrete range introduces a refined industrial look, offering warm stone textures and versatile colours, including Dark Grey, Grey, White, and Beige. Available in sizes from 120 x 120cm to 30 x 30cm, these tiles are ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces. For a minimalist aesthetic, the Opificio range provides a variety of sizes and colours, including Anthracite and Sand, which are perfect for seamless transitions between interior and exterior areas.

Designers looking to create a minimalist vibe can embrace the trend for bold, concrete-effect tiles with RAK Ceramics’ new Opificio range. With four colours of Anthracite, Grey, Light Grey and Sand to choose from, these porcelain tiles come in 10 sizes from 10 x 10cm to a jumbo 120 x 280cm and can be used inside and out.

New stone-effect tiles

Bathroom-Review-RAK_Cersaie24_Moon-Stone_Payprus-Wood

RAK Ceramics will also unveil the Moonstone collection, a stone-effect tile range perfect for creating serene, spa-like environments. Available in White, Beige, Grey, and Dark Grey, these tiles come in four sizes, ranging from 30 x 60cm to 100 x 100cm, suitable for both residential and commercial use.

Visit the RAK Ceramics Design Hub in the heart of London’s design district for a closer look at these innovative tiles and experience the latest trends shaping the future of surface design.

Contact:RAK Ceramics UK, 01730 237850
www.rakceramics.com/uk/