One of the best selling Free-standing baths from PJH’s Bathrooms to Love brand, the deep and luxurious Belmont model, has added a new Matt Blue option to its range of finishes, to widen the range’s appeal even further.
With the trend for inky blue indigo’s and navy themed bathroom colour schemes showing no sign of fading, this bold Matt Blue bath tub finish is a welcome addition to Belmont’s other colour options of grey and white. Designed to stand-alone or to coordinate perfectly with many of the furniture ranges within the Bathrooms to Love Collection, it is shown here teamed with modular furniture range, ‘Statement’ in Matt Deep Blue and the ‘Luxey’ washbowl, also in Deep Blue. Brushed brass taps and accessories complete the decadent look, and customers can opt for either a free-standing bath shower mixer, as shown, or wall-mounted bathing brassware.
The new Matt Blue exterior finish of the contemporary Belmont bath, with its streamlined curves and edges, provides a contrasting focus to the flawless pure white interior, creating depth and as well as great looks to this versatile double-ended tub. With a sumptuous 245-litres water capacity and dimensions of 1700 (L) x 780 (W) x 670 (H)mm, Belmont’s elegant bateau styling combines luxury bathing with on-trend styling and underlines the range’s popularity with consumers. A pre-fitted integrated waste is included.
Manufactured from high grade smooth acrylic, which delivers long-lasting durability, it also ensures excellent heat-retention, and attracts a 20-year quality guarantee, for peace of mind.
Available to order now from PJH’s online Partners Portal™ platform, the new Matt Blue Belmont Bath, together with the existing grey and white finishes, are available from stock and via PJH’s Next Day Delivery service if required.
Contact PJH to find out more about display deals, point-of-sale material, and all marketing collateral.
Over a third of the 160 staff at Neoperl UK in Malvern, took part in personal development training during 2022 and that figure is set to increase with a new learning focus for 2023.
The manufacturing business requires a broad selection of skills across their employee base, so the training has varied to suit the individual ranging from Chartered Institute of Management (CIM) courses at all levels, to engineering, apprenticeships, team building, kaizen, and appraisal training.
Alison Andrews, company administrator, who has worked for Neoperl for 25 years and completed a CMA level 7 certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership in 2022, said: “Neoperl has always been a supportive employer around CPD training, they finance a lot of training initiatives and allow time off to attend relevant college courses too.”
Izabela Videki has also completed many CPD training courses since she joined the business in 2012. Most recently she finished a foundation degree in Engineering and Metrology at Coventry University, developing skills she puts to good use in her role as part of the Continuous Improvement team.
On the back of this drive to support and retain employees, the company invested in a new intranet and bespoke learning management system (LMS) for employees last year and provided pods to give private space and access for staff that don’t work on a computer each day. The new Intranet is called ‘NEOnet’, and the LMS – LEARNeo, which allows all employees to access approved e-learning.
“Our LEARNeo e-learning platform was launched in January so that all employees can undergo the same training no matter where they are located in the world. This includes training on our company Values, our approach to Quality and Code of Conduct. We have already started to grow the number of courses available,” said Louise Hughes, head of human resources at Neoperl in the UK.
“Excellence and passion are two of our key Values which drive innovation and as a business training keeps us sharp, agile and open to embrace new ideas. This new e-learning system makes training so accessible to all, helping us to create the right culture for the future of our business.”
Hygiene has become increasingly important during the last few years, so when KEUCO developed their IXMO Sensor series of touchless taps they included a number of additional benefits that ensured the product was easy to clean and had a reduced flow rate, making it more sustainable too.
Flow rate is set at 5 l/p/m but is adjustable, with a flow time of one second to a maximum of 10 seconds until switch-off, enabling economical and resource-saving water consumption. The water temperature is adjusted via a small lever on the back of the free-standing fitting model. If permanent temperature control is not desired (for example in some public areas), the adjustment pin can be removed after the initial setting. A special blanking plug can be fitted to cover the access. For the wall-mounted fitting, the temperature is adjusted in the under-sink box, under the washbasin.
The IXMO Sensor taps are extremely versatile, they can be combined with a wide range of washbasin styles. They are available in chrome plated or matt black; as either a freestanding or wall-mounted variant. They have dual-feed fittings but are suitable for use as a single feed with blended water delivered from a TMV.
The taps have a ‘cleaning stop’ function, by covering the sensor for several seconds prevents the tap from flowing for 180s enabling the product and surrounding basin, mirror, and other surface areas to be cleaned effectively.
All the mixers have a range of programmable functions including cleaning stop; automatic flushing; adjustable detection zone and adjustable run-on time following use. The functions can be set manually or via an app. when fitted in combination with the IXMO Bluetooth receiver (optional), however, this is only possible to install with the mains powered fittings.
Both the surface and wall-mounted options can be mains powered, but the free-standing option is the only model which can be supplied as both battery or mains powered. The battery is a 6V CRP2 lithium-ion type which has an approximate lifespan of 3 years or 200,000 uses. The battery housing is to be fixed to the wall underneath the basin and is easy to source and replace. This combination of intelligent technology and elegant design make these taps perfect for a variety of locations within the hospitality, hotel and even healthcare sector.
Today, we hear from Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association.
Architects and designers have often been at the forefront of more sustainable home improvement. But to avoid greenwashing, it’s essential that specifiers see the whole picture around decarbonisation. So, let’s revisit some first principles.
A carbon scope is a measure of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a specific activity or organisation. There are several different types of carbon scopes:
Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by an organisation. These include emissions from fossil fuel combustion, such as burning coal or natural gas for energy on-site.
Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by an organisation.
Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions that occur in an organisation’s value chain, including activities such as the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, transportation of products, and waste disposal. This includes the carbon associated with a product in its use phase.
Bathroom manufacturers are already making great strides on scopes 1 and 2, with many already able to certify that their operations are carbon neutral. Scope 3 abatement, the necessary step towards the elusive net zero, is more difficult.
Firstly, the bathroom sector has a complex global value chain, making it difficult to measure the emissions with such operations, let alone abate them. “ESG” requirements of investors lead the sector to assess scope 3 emissions seriously. With likely carbon pricing coming in the medium term (check the EU’s CBAM), many suppliers may look to reassess their supply chain. It’s something to consider when making product selections.
But secondly, and more significantly, terminal fittings in bathroom installations are part of a broader system in the home. By recommending the decarbonisation of hot water heating to clients, either as an extension of a project or ‘next item on the to-do list’, designers play a vital role in addressing the upstream use phase emissions associated with bathroom products. By transitioning hot water heating away from fossil fuel-based energy sources to clean energy options like solar and heat pumps, specifiers and homeowners help bathroom manufacturers get a step closer to net zero.
Gaining the whole picture around decarbonisation can help specifiers make more genuinely sustainable product choices and facilitate honest and nuanced conversations with clients about the wider steps necessary for authentically green homes.
To commemorate World Water Day on 22 March, SFA, Saniflo UK’s parent company, is supporting the supply of clean drinking water to 250 school children in Vietnam, working in partnership with Planet Water Foundation.
The SFA Group’s donation covers the deployment of an AquaFill water filtration system, a hygiene education programme to be delivered by Planet Water Foundation and 500 ml reusable water bottles whose packaging recalls the key educational messages of the hygiene education programme through drawings of the ten critical steps of hand washing. The project at the Hanoi primary school will start in May with the installation of the AquaFill system and will take 120 days to complete. For more than a decade, the SFA Group has supported World Water Day, World Plumbing Day and World Toilet Day with numerous humanitarian projects to promote access to clean drinking water for all, partnering with Planet Water Foundation since 2021.
The AquaFill system works by gravity – so no external supply is needed – and with three-stage water filtration using hollow fibre ultra-filtration and activated carbon technology. The process ensures the removal of pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, parasitic worms, viruses and other protozoa. The process filters 1,000 litres of water per hour from a municipal non-potable water supply, equivalent to the daily drinking water needs of 1,800 people. Unfortunately, many schools in urban and peri-urban centres in Southeast Asia have a municipal water supply that is unsafe to drink, forcing schoolchildren to drink unsafe water or spend considerable sums on bottled water. The hygiene education programme will also benefit the parents and relatives of the 250 children, who will be encouraged to share their new knowledge on healthy hygiene.
Saniflo UK managing director, Tim Pestell, says: “We’re delighted to contribute once again to a very worthwhile project. We don’t know how fortunate we are in the UK to have constant access to plentiful, clean drinking water. We hope the school children of Hanoi and their extended families will benefit greatly from the project and thrive with the new AquaFill filtration system and hygiene education programme.”
Saneux is introducing Edition 27, its latest product catalogue for 2023. The catalogue includes new product ranges, new colours, and new styles across their furniture, ceramic, and brassware collections that incorporate current bathroom trends to bring your bathroom to life.
Saneux is launching two new furniture ranges: KINGSBURY and MONUMENT.
KINGSBURY is their “trad mod” collection fusing traditional and modern designs. It features classic routed drawer fronts and trays with a modern matte black steel frame in sizes 50cm & 60cm, and in matte white and matte anthracite. The units are paired with the UNI slim profile basins to create a lovely seamless look.
Next is MONUMENT, a fluted furniture collection inspired by the Monument column in London. This on-trend range comes in 40cm, 50cm and 60cm door and drawer configurations, and they each pair with the UNI thin basins, perfect for a minimalist & modern look. MONUMENT also comes in 3 matte finishes including a new matte black finish that is exclusive to the collection.
Both KINGSBURY & MONUMENT are part of Niche, a new initiative whereby selected ranges are available solely through non-internet bathroom retailers & showrooms and will not be available online. This is to support showrooms by providing them with exclusive stylish ranges to increase footfall in an internet-heavy market.
There is also a new affordable contemporary brassware collection called INTENT. This range can suit both commercial and residential bathrooms as it is a complete collection with a basin mixer & clicker waste, bath filler, bath shower mixer, and a thermostatic shower pack all in a chrome finish.
Aside from new collections, some of Saneux’s existing ranges have expanded for the new year. Matte anthracite has been introduced for the HYDE furniture; dove grey is now available for the AIR and INDIGO units; 3 drawer floor-standing units and rimless toilets have launched within AUSTEN; 40cm & 50cm short projection basins & units are available in the UNI collection; and COS now has 3-piece basin mixers in deck-mounted & wall-mounted variants in chrome, matte black and brushed brass.
Edition 27 officially launches on 1st February 2023both in showrooms and online.
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.
As we step boldly into 2023, the latest design schemes are ahead of the game, bringing a welcome burst of colour and style into our homes. Today we look at five bathroom furniturecollections.
Earth & sky
Arabella Utopia Azure Blue
There is no shortage of earthy bold hues on the colour catwalk; however, for 2023, we can expect to see a vibrant new take on the familiar deep greens and blues as dynamic new shades such as vibrant luxe greens, inky blues and blueberry reds are approved by the style council.
Richard Shore, head of product design at Utopia, agrees: “There is certainly no lack of confidence when it comes to colour trends for 2023. Bold and expressive colours at a darker more intense level of the spectrum are appearing in what would normally be considered conservative settings. Dark blues, vibrant greens and rich terracottas are now mainstream options.”
At the same time, nature is still to be found in abundance for more neutral palettes with gentle sage greens and light watery blues. Utopia expresses this contrast perfectly with its latest Arabella slab door – available in 23 of Utopia’s Original fitted furniture finishes, it also comes with four different handle options. Pictured above in Azure Blue and below in Glacier Grey.
Arabella door slab in Glacier Grey
Express wishes
Roca Tenet Bathroom Furniture
Homeowners are looking for designs that chime in with individual lifestyle demands, whether creating multi-generational spaces, building in plenty of storage or conjuring a home-spa environment.
Natalie Bird, marketing manager, Roca tells us, “Homeowners are increasingly looking to express more of their personality in the bathroom: it is no longer a utilitarian space devoid of colour and texture. Bathroom furniture reflects this and is available in a range of colours. Most popular for 2023 will be nature-inspired hues that tie in perfectly with the ongoing trend for spa-inspired bathrooms.”
Roca’s Tenet handleless vanity units come in five glossy and wood finishes or three wood-effect finishes: Nordic Ash, City Oak and Walnut. Tenet is also compatible with pieces from Roca’s other ranges and is designed to suit bathrooms of all sizes and styles.
Exploring space
HiB ‘HiB Novum’s Tranquil range with Link unit
Creating a bathroom haven configured to individual needs or is required to fit into a restrictive space is challenging for house builders, architects and designers. Building in storage that looks good but maximises usable space is a crowd-pleaser and one of the reasons well-designed bathroom storage remains so popular.
Ash Chilver, HiB sales director, says: “Furniture is one of the key foundations for a strong bathroom design. Along with the bath and shower, it is arguably one of the most used areas in the space. Because of this, special attention needs to be paid to the details to ensure that it maximises style potential but also serves its practical purpose.”
HiB has been increasing its Novum range to offer flexibility to suit individual styles. Ranges such as Fabrica (pictured very top) are offered with wall-hanging and floor-standing options and are ideal for use with a wash basin or vessel basin with countertops to complement either choice. Matching brassware and handles can help to complete the look. The Tranquil compact bathroom furniture range (pictured above) can also be adapted to suit several bathroom designs and trends, thanks to the multitude of handle, brassware and basin options.
Textured living
Bagno Design Orology
Texture raises depth and serves as the highlight of a design scheme. For the bathroom, textured surfaces are rapidly gaining popularity since they complement the trend of bringing the outdoors in while creating a sense of warmth and well-being.
“Look to furniture for an amalgamation of some of the hottest trends in bathroom design as a whole. Nature-inspired materials such as wood and stone create the necessary serene and calming ambience, while a bold use of colour offers the perfect accent for consumers who want to add personality and character to their bathroom,” says Sanipex Group specification and design manager Ashley Sinclair, noting that combining these options with the metallic finishes on furniture hardware will echo those being seen on brassware.
Orology by Bagnodesign is a high-class bathroom furniture collection with a distinctive and wonderfully tactile grooved detail. The wall-mounted furniture creates a luxurious impression and can be chosen in four on-trend colourways: Matt White, Ebony, Dark Grey and Ocean Blue.
Orology colour waysOrology in Ocean Blue
Custom made
Scavolini Aquo Collection
Modular furniture remains popular as it allows designers to configure bathrooms to suit individual requirements and delivers flexibility for design schemes.
Scavolini’s Aquo is a truly modular collection that allows customers to select from a huge range of furniture and an array of finishes and colours. The refreshed collection comprises wall units and vanities suitable for countertop and under-mount wash basins and wall or counter-fitted taps. There is also a choice of vanity tops, from classic options – glass, stone and ceramic – to high-tech materials, including Cristalplant, Mineralmarmo, Corian, Fenix and Ocritech.
For the latest kitchen design features – visit Kitchens Review.
Aquo, the bathroom furniture collection from Scavolini, has been refreshed to add new finishes and configurations. A truly modular collection, Aquo allows you to select from an impressive array of furniture available, choosing elements, finishes and colours to create a bathroom that perfectly represents your sense of style.
Aquo comprises wall units and vanities suitable for countertop and undermount wash basins alike, plus wall- or counter-fitted taps. There is also a choice of vanity tops, from classic options – glass, stone and ceramic – to high-tech materials including Cristalplant, Mineralmarmo, Corian, Fenix and Ocritech.
Key cabinet finishes in the Aquo collection include gloss and matt lacquer, both of which are available on flat and gently ribbed doors in a wide range of colours including a new soothing pearl effect and an industrial-style metal effect. Alternative options include laminate, melamine and glass (clear or smoked) door fronts, along with the more unusual solution of wire mesh, which allows a sneak peak of what’s inside the cupboard.
All pieces are equipped with drawers, pull-out baskets, wooden internal partitions and open-fronted compartments in various depths to help maximise bathroom storage. to ensure coordination the cabinet interiors are offered in the same finish as the fronts.
Orology by Bagnodesign is a collection of high-class bathroom furniture that takes inspiration from sleek watch designs. Like a watch bezel, Orology features a distinctive and wonderfully tactile grooved detail, the wall-mounted furniture creates a luxurious impression while achieving an uncluttered, calm and seamless finish in the modern bathroom.
The versatile wall-mounted storage unit has two pull-out soft-close drawers and can be chosen in four on-trend colourways of Matt White, Ebony, Dark Grey and Ocean Blue. The sleek storage unit handle is available in a choice of metallic finishes Brass, Bronze and Oxide as well as sophisticated Matt Chrome. In this way the furniture can be harmoniously combined with Orology brassware for a cohesive look throughout the bathroom. The brassware itself comes in five stunning finishes to offer the ultimate luxury of choice in bathroom design. The versatile options include PVD Gold, Anthracite, Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Soft Bronze, each adding individual perspective and depth to the finish.
The furniture unit can also be combined with a countertop in a choice of surface options, including Statuario Polished, Light Grey, Terrazzo White and Capraia Matt. This can be provided as a slab countertop or as an integrated slab washbasin for a seamless finish with no joins for complete hygiene and a hotel-inspired look. If preferred, the design of the furniture can be elevated even further with the inclusion of an integrated glass washbasin in striking Graphite.
For more details, contact Sanipex Group on 01924 233977 or visit www.bagnodesign.it
At the heart of bathroom design is furniture. But unlike other areas of the home, furniture used in this space requires additional consideration. It needs to be robust enough to withstand everyday use, high enough quality to tolerate surrounding water, adaptable for varying users’ preferences and also pleasing to the eye.
As well as all these factors, furniture must accommodate the increasing demand for personalisation. HiB has been increasing its Novum range to offer more flexibility to suit individual styles. Ranges such as Fabrica is offered with wall hanging and floor standing option and is available in Midnight Blue, Dark Emerald and Carbon Grey finishes. Fabrica is ideal for use with a wash basin or vessel basin with countertops to complement either choice. Matching brassware and handles can help to complete the look and create more consistency across the scheme, allowing customers to make a bolder, more creative statement.
Fabrica Bathroom Furniture
Another HiB Novum range that offers enhanced customisation is the Tranquil compact bathroom furniture and accompanying Link unit. Offering more flexibility and style options, the range can be adapted to suit a number of bathroom designs and trends, thanks to the multitude of handle, brassware and basin options.
When all these pieces come together and are viewed as a complete look, having all the details matching can create a cohesive design that demonstrates a high level of finish and is pleasing to the eye.
