Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Lakes sponsor Tewkesbury Athletic FC for the fifth season running

October 13, 2022

Lakes, a leading manufacturer and supplier of showering spaces, has announced that it will be supporting local football club, Tewkesbury Athletic, for the fifth season running.

After five years of partnership with Tewkesbury Athletic Football Club, Lakes will continue to provide new training shirts for all of the teams at the club. Lakes’ continued support has helped Tewkesbury Athletic FC form a strong club identity, improving members confidence, whilst also giving the club the professionalism it deserves.

Furthermore, with the continuous support from Lakes, the club has grown despite tough times and is now home to three men’s teams with over 50 members. This growth has improved sportsmanship and built relationships within the community, helping tackle loneliness and improve mental health since Covid-19.

Mike Gahir, managing director of Lakes comments: “We have always understood the importance of supporting our local community so we are proud to announce that we will be continuing to support and sponsor Tewkesbury Athletic Football Club. The club means a lot to both our staff and local residents, and it is great that we are able to give something back to the community, whilst also helping to promote health and wellbeing by encouraging people to get involved in local sport.”

With continued growth comes the aim to develop the club even further in 2023 with hopes to secure a new location that the club can call home, with space for two pitches and changing rooms.

Tewkesbury Athletic FC spokesperson and Lakes employee, Mike Holtham, outlines what the club is looking to achieve as it moves forward: “On the pitch and as a club, we have established an environment where everyone feels welcome, no matter if you’re new to football, returning after a break, or looking for a fresh challenge. We’re incredibly grateful to Lakes for its continued support over the years, and we hope this partnership continues into the future.”

For more information on Lakes showering spaces, please visit: https://lakesshoweringspaces.com/

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New IXMO by KEUCO helps deliver a coherent design

October 13, 2022

Consistency is vital when designing a bathroom, be it a refurbishment or a totally new project. Taps and mixers, washbasins and bathtubs, as well as fittings for the shower can all be coordinated. Keeping styles uniform will help avoid mix-and-match scenarios or a messy hodge podge of different colours and shapes.

Elegant and stylish, IXMO by KEUCO, provides the opportunity to create a finely coordinated bathroom design with the differently nuanced design language supplied by the spouts and handles.

KEUCO is offering three styles:

• IXMO PURE – the focus is classic, simple lines that comprise a round, straight spout and
rectangular handle

• IXMO SOFT – a softer style, curvaceous, smooth with a rounded spout and rounded handle.

• IXMO FLAT – this is a combination of the two styles bringing both round and angular shapes
together harmoniously.

Mixer taps and spouts work equally as well with countertop washbasins, under-counter, wall-hung and hand washbasins, as well as freestanding and fitted baths. To ensure that the shower fitting is in line with the rest of the bathroom a round or square cover plate is available, enabling it to coordinate with each of the three different IXMO.

The IXMO collection is available as a classic chrome, or with a black matt finish, which allows interior designers and end consumers alike to bring creativity into their bathroom design. For those with a preference for elements of black in the bathroom, a little extra design extravagance can be added by including the striking accessories in the KEUCO BLACK SELECTION.

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CTD Architectural Tiles unveils latest tile collection

October 13, 2022

Leading commercial tile supplier CTD Architectural Tiles has revealed its latest carefully curated tile collection, seamlessly combining style with substance.

Responding to the changing demands of its customers, including architects and interior designers working across the commercial sector, CTD Architectural Tiles’ latest collection launch enhances its current offering of tiles suitable for a variety of applications and styles. The collection features both brand new tiles and updates to existing ranges, offering customers a variety of porcelain and ceramic tiles in a series of designs and sizes.

Details of all tiles available in the collection can be found on CTD Architectural Tiles’ website, where it’s easy to request free samples to discover the look and feel of each product. The supplier also offers unique Unboxing Presentations, where architects and interior designers can physically engage with samples while discussing them with a member of CTD Architectural Tiles’ expert team either in person or via video call.

The newly-launched collection includes several tile ranges offering users the highly sought-after mix of style and safety. Tele di Marmo Onyx perfectly captures this by providing the rare combination of a Pendulum Test Value of 36, the legal requirement for floor tiles in the UK, without dulling the marble-style finish. This unique tile is available in five shades comprising rich tones and contrasting transparent layers for a striking finish ideal for a luxury hotel or spa project.

Also offering a unique finish is Jive, a striking wall tile suitable for use both indoors and outdoors due to its glazed porcelain surface. This volumetric tile range plays on movement through its deep curves which utilise shadows for a three-dimensional finish, and is set to be a popular choice for feature bars and reception desks.

For a more classic look, Forest Jungle is a wood-effect floor tile with a difference. These tiles offer an unusual small format that is ideal for projects requiring the on-trend herringbone finish. Forest Jungle’s small configuration combined with shade variation and an aged surface design result in a modern take on this classic look.

The latest collection also features several tiles which are part of CTD Architectural Tiles’ ‘From UK Stock’ range, which encompasses highly technical and on-trend products suitable for any commercial project. All tiles included in this core collection are available for next day delivery across the UK; ideal for any project requiring a quick turnaround.

To discover more about CTD Architectural Tiles’ latest tile collection and to request free samples of the new tile ranges, please visit www.ctdarchitecturaltiles.co.uk

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Saniflo improves facilities at the Southbank Roof Garden

October 11, 2022

Saniflo UK – part of the SFA Group and a leading designer and manufacturer of pumps, macerators and lifting stations – recently helped London landmark the Queen Elizabeth Hall at the iconic Southbank Centre improve its facilities to provide staff and visitors with a better experience of this special place.

The Queen Elizabeth Hall boasts a stunning wildflower roof garden and café overlooking the Thames. The wildflower garden is one of the best in Europe attracting bees and insects from all over London, as well as a haven for visitors to socialise, dine and even work when the weather is fine.

Earlier this year, the team running the venue agreed that the venue’s WCs were not ideally located as clients and staff alike had to descend a winding staircase back to the Royal Festival Hall in the main building of the Southbank Centre.

The Queen Elizabeth Hall contracted Richard Riley from building contractor Eleven London to construct a wooden toilet block with two separate WCs and hand basins. With no gravity drainage available in proximity of the new block, a pumping solution was the only solution to discharge the waste away to the nearest soil stack some 40m away.

The Saniflo technical team assessed the site and the potential run of pipework, and specified a Sanicubic Pro 2 lifting station with twin pumps and a wireless alarm, which Richard and his plumber installed.

This powerful unit uses alternate pumps when operating normally, but in the unlikely event of a pump failure can switch to single pump operation in order to provide continuity of operation at all times. A wireless alarm offers early warning of any issues. The unit is installed in a cupboard to the rear of the block and provides quiet, efficient operation.

Richard comments: “As an engineer I know the benefits of Saniflo pumps for areas with no immediate gravity drainage. Looking at the wide range of commercial pumps available I called the technical team at Saniflo to double check my calculations on a Sanicubic to ensure it was the right product for the job. I was most impressed when a site visit was offered to verify the pumping distances and flow rates to efficiently discharge waste from the two WCs and basins and we agreed that a Sanicubic Pro 2 lifting station with twin pumps and a wireless alarm would easily cope with the volume and would provide continuity of operation at all times.”

The Queen Elizabeth Hall team say installation of the roof garden toilet block was an excellent investment and that the visitor numbers and the time they spend at venue are up.

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Harrison Bathrooms unveils dedicated heating brochure

October 11, 2022

SCUDO, the Leeds based distribution company for Harrison Bathrooms, has launched a dedicated user-friendly heating brochure.

The 72-page full colour guide offers inspirational product images with information, full specification and RRP in a stunning format designed to greatly assist with the selection, buying and ordering process. The range includes a comprehensive selection of heating solutions from contemporary anthracite and carbon designer towel warmers and radiators to raw metal traditional designs and underfloor heating options.

Harrison Bathrooms is said to be renowned for its exemplary customer service with 24-hour delivery across the UK, with state-of-the-art warehousing, packing, tracking, and monitoring to ensure order efficiency

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WRAS launches new services for manufacturers

October 11, 2022

The Water Regulations Approval Scheme (WRAS), an independent UK certification body for plumbing products and materials, has launched two new services to help speed up the product approval process for manufacturers.

WRAS say it has been listening to its customers to improve its services and help applicants get approvals faster. The company is making progress with its key ambitions to increase the number of recognised testing labs and to give manufacturers choice to access testing capacity. In addition to this, WRAS has been developing two new services, to help speed up the product approval process for manufacturers.

Fast track assessment.

This is a scheme which offers fast-track approval assessments. Up to ten manufacturers a month can have their applications assessed first, with feedback being shared directly with the applicant at the same time as the laboratory – speeding up and improving communication channels. This allows any queries to be raised and resolved quicker. If your approval is time sensitive and you need submission to the next approval meeting – this is the service for you.

While it doesn’t guarantee a product will be recommended for approval, it does allow more time for businesses to consider changes that will need to be made to meet the necessary requirements. Benefits include having queries identified and resolved much quicker and a much faster overall approval process.

Pre-application advice service

This service offers manufacturers pre-application advice, to check a product or material is appropriate to be certified by WRAS and the specific requirements that need to be met during testing before a full application is submitted.

This service speeds up the approval process and identifies any compliance issues before testing begins, saving both time and money. It’s ideal for new product development and identifying potential compliance issues and helping applicants feel more confident in developing their product lines.

Ian Hughes, WRAS’s approvals manager says: “We have been listening to our customers and developing ways to speed up the approval process to improve our customer service. Fast Track and Pre-application advice are just two of the changes we are introducing to help applicants. We will communicate more exciting changes soon.

“We’ve introduced the two new services for several reasons. We want manufacturers to be better informed about regulatory and WRAS requirements, so they can avoid queries and delays in the approval process, so it becomes faster and more cost-effective. We also know that applicants prefer to talk to the WRAS team directly.

“Our research shows that 62% of non-household customers are prepared to pay more for a WRAS-approved product, so we’re keen to ensure that manufacturers have what they need in terms of testing capacity and support in the product development cycle to support their bottom line.”

Further information about the Fast Track Assessment Service can be found on the WRAS website.

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PJH launches ‘Elsa’ – an innovative learning platform

October 11, 2022

PJH, a UK KBB distributor, has launched “ELSA” – “Engage, Learn, Support & Achieve – an innovative new internal learning and development platform, designed to build on the support it offers to employees with their career progression and help develop new skills.

ELSA recognises the importance of adapting training to the varying needs and time constraints of all employees, which is why the platform is available both online or via an App on a tablet or phone, to allow people the ability to ‘learn’ according to their own schedules and pace. The tailor-made PJH programme is also fully supported by face-to-face training from the PJH Learning and Development team.

Speaking about ELSA, Dawn Kennedy, learning and development manager, PJH, said: “ELSA forms part of PJH’s ‘always attitudes’, an internal initiative that means employees will ‘always’ be clear on company direction, but more importantly understand how their role supports this and what and where their career path will take them. ELSA reinforces this commitment by offering employees training opportunities to progress and develop in their careers, at a pace that is convenient to them.”

Content on the ELSA learning and development platform includes PJH videos and structured lessons, as well as real-world scenarios. Quizzes and ‘on-the-go’ problem solving, with users being able to search for answers, offers an interactive and engaging interface with face-to-face support supplementing the learning journey.

For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh.uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

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VitrA’s Smart Panel Flush Plate

October 11, 2022

The VitrA Smart Panel flush plate uses the latest digital sensor technology to create the most hygienic and efficient WC flush available.

As the digital home evolves, VitrA has combined smart technology with water-saving design in a modern and elegant flush plate. Made in glossy black glass, the panel features an anti-fingerprint finish making it easy to wipe clean.

The smart panel system can be synced to the owner’s mobile phone through VitrA’s app: V-Care Smart Panel (compatible for IOS and Android devices), allowing the user to flush using the app remotely.

From the day of instalment, the app begins to record usage data and has regular reporting features, allowing households to see their weekly water usage and identify how they can be more efficient. The app also relays local water announcements and power updates to aid better management of flushing systems.

VitrA’s Smart Panel has three flushing options: a full flush, half flush and a periodic flush, allowing the user to have control over water usage. Designed with hygiene in mind, the new periodic flush mode can be set to regularly wash out the bowl, minimising the risk of dirt and stains accumulating and keeping waste pipes clean. An auto-flush mode is also available, supplying the optimum volume of water according to each flush. For families, the smart flush plate can be locked as a safety precaution for children.

The VitrA Smart Panel’s eco-conscious intelligence and sleek design makes it a must-have for all bathroom design.

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Burghotel Falkenstein: relax at an altitude of 1,250 meters

October 10, 2022

At an altitude of 1,250 meters, the Burghotel Falkenstein nestles at the foot of Germany’s highest castle, a complex that bears the same name. The gourmet hotel boasts award-winning cuisine and unmistakable interior design, Duravit as a complete bathroom provider features in the hotel with design series such as Luv, White Tulip, and C.1.

Free-standing bathtubs with a spectacular view

17 rooms and suites have been designed with a keen eye for detail. Each room is unique and has its own charm. For example, the bed in the “Ludwigstraumsuite” affords views of the starry sky over the Alps.

A real highlight is the “Schlossblic ksuite”, where guests can enjoy a view of Schloss Neuschwanste in from the freestanding Luv bathtub. “We were impressed straight away both by how the Luv bathtub looks and feels” This is the verdict of hotelier Simon Schlachter.

“As a high-quality free-standing bathtub, it blends perfectly into the living space and creates a perfect feel-good experience for our guests,”

Designed by Cecilie Manz, the bathtub’s surprisingly velvety feel sets it apart from the crowd. The material DuraSolid® allows for an amazingly thin bathtub rim and a spacious interior.

Haute cuisine – unique location and culinary delights

The hotel’s culinary prowess is demonstrated by the Michelin Star awarded by the Michelin Guide in 2020. The team serves captivating modern cuisine as a “reinterpretation of classic dishes”.

This same approach was taken when designing the hotel with its unique sense of space plenty of charm, a touch of cosiness, and sophisticated design.

Most exacting requirements in the hotel environment

The family-run business renovated the hotel in the spring of 2022. Duravit products were selected for the remodelling of the Burghotel.

“As a hotel operator we place a lot of value on exclusive design and durability. Bathroom products need to look good – that’s a given – but at the same time they need to meet the highest standards in terms of hygiene and ease of care.”

Organic above-counter basins, sophisticated faucets White Tulip combines these requirements. With an extravagant design by Designer Philippe Starck, the above-counter basins of the series lend uniqueness to the washing area, and the shape is inspired by the silhouette of a blooming tulip. The innovative material DuraCeram® makes delicate shapes with extremely thin wall thicknesses possible hygienic, easy to clean and consequently highly robust, anti-wear, and scratch-resistant.

Additionally, C.1 faucets with a sophisticated look and design by Kurt Merki Jr. blend harmoniously into the high-class interior. C.1 faucets set the tone for the room with their unpretentious simplicity and create a perfect synthesis with the washbasin and bathtub.

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GROHE wins Wallpaper* 2022 Smart Space Award

October 10, 2022

GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen taps, has been unveiled as the Wallpaper* Smart Space Awards 2022 winner in the “Best Sustainable Step Forward” category.

“Sustainability is embedded in our DNA and Cradle to Cradle Certified® provides us with a framework to look at the life cycle of products in a new light” says Raj Mistry, Leader Marketing, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK.

“We’re delighted that our continued efforts to demonstrate that circular products can be commercially viable has been recognised by a voice as iconic as Wallpaper*.”

Standing for quality, technology, design, and sustainability, GROHE says it actively researches and actions methods of bringing meaningful products to market, while guaranteeing they leave behind a healthy planet for future generations. Four of its bestselling products are Cradle-to-Cradle Certified® at the Gold Level.

The products were assessed towards this global leading standard for safe, circular, and equitable products, across the performance categories of Material Health, Material Reutilization, Renewable Energy & Carbon Management, Water Stewardship, and Social Fairness. This certification confirms that GROHE has manufactured these products with the potential to be re-used endlessly, offering a whole new take on the concept of recycling. The Cradle to Cradle Certified® approach to product design enables GROHE to drastically reduce the use of new resources, as a product is designed and manufactured with the intent of using its components in its end-of-life-phase for the creation of new products, resulting in the ultimate sustainable solution.

Cradle to Cradle Certified® products from GROHE

GROHE’s bestselling taps, GROHE BauEdge S-Size, GROHE Eurosmart S-Size, GROHE Eurosmart Kitchen and the GROHE Tempesta shower rail set are now Cradle to Cradle Certified® at the Gold level, meeting one of the certification’s highest requirements. In addition, the sustainable impact of GROHE BauEdge and GROHE Eurosmart basin mixer is enhanced with SilkMove ES technology, where ES stands for energy-saving. The technology prevents the unnecessary use of hot water by supplying only cold water with the lever in the middle position, while GROHE’s core water-saving technology, EcoJoy, is also integrated throughout the range, further heightening the sustainable credentials of all products.

About Wallpaper

Wallpaper* is a leading voice across design, technology, and innovative interiors. It describes the Smart Space Awards, which are now in their second year, as “created to celebrate and explore what’s new and emerging in product design, with a weather eye on goods that will go the distance and give good service and lasting pleasure.

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