Lecico Bathrooms has announced a new partnership with Propelair – designers and manufacturers of the world’s lowest water-flush toilet that works on existing drainage. From the start of this month, Lecico will become the exclusive UK distributor of Propelair products – assuming responsibility for sales, marketing, and operational functions for Propelair in the UK.
Lecico says the importance of climate change and water scarcity within the UK construction industry has been evidenced recently by consultations with the UK Government on water labelling, changes to Part G of the building regulations, and challenges related to recent water shortages. Propelair toilets are the highest performers under BREEAM’s water efficiency guidelines, using an average 84% less water than standard toilets. The proven technology, which can be retrofitted to existing drains, has been adopted by over 200 customers, and over 4,500 units are now installed across a wide range of commercial buildings. Engineered specifically for commercial, public, and heavy footfall premises, the Propelair system connects conveniently to existing plumbing systems.
Antony Thompson, MD at Lecico Bathrooms, commented: “We are very excited by the opportunities the partnership with Propelair will present over the coming years, and it highlights our commitment to addressing the sustainability challenges faced by our industry.
“The Lecico Bathrooms team are looking forward to continuing to build on our recent success and we are certain that the addition of the innovative range of Propelair water-saving toilets into our growing portfolio of bathrooms products will accelerate our growth.”
David Hollander, CEO of Propelair, added: “As sustainability continues to become an essential strategy for businesses in the UK, we have partnered with Lecico to meet the growing demand for our hygienic, water-efficient toilet. Propelair has seen growth in our installed base in recent years. A UK partnership with Lecico, an established bathroom manufacturer, was a logical next step to ensure we provide excellent service to current customers in the UK, while also satisfying increasing demand from new customers.
“Internationally, Propelair will continue to grow its presence in South Africa and the Gulf, selling directly to customers and working with select distributors.”
Leading supplier HiB has unveiled the new ‘Sound cabinet’, which brings the latest music technology to the bathroom.
Using integrated speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, users can enjoy their best-loved music, podcasts and audiobooks with ease. Boasting fantastic sound quality and simple operation, the ‘Sound cabinet’ enhances bathroom entertainment effortlessly.
Charging devices is also easy, thanks to integrated USB and 2 pin charging sockets, located inside Sound’s soft-close mirrored doors, which offer stunning LED illumination and include heated pads to reduce condensation on the mirrored surface.
Ash Chilver, Sales Director at HiB said: “Sound offers the perfect blend of clean, elegant design and technology that customers are looking for. Being able to listen to music in excellent quality whilst the bathroom is a real advantage, there’s no need for wires or additional speakers.
“Sound also has a clean, minimalist design that really showcases LED illumination at its finest. The lighting is operated using a touch switch on the side of the cabinet and because of the mirrored surfaces, the cabinet will suit any bathroom aesthetic.”
To maximise storage, Sound features adjustable glass shelving, to accommodate most everyday essentials. The cabinet is available in three sizes 50cm, 60cm and 80cm with the larger options featuring a central divide to enhance useability even further.
The natural power of water has always inspired Acquabella’s collections, and for the 39th visit to the show Acquabella made the special element the focal point.
The Spanish company’s 200-square metre stand was aptly named Underwater, with enveloping blue hues that embraced the rooms to create a fascinating aquatic vibe.
Underwater was created as a tribute to the powerful meaning of water and its symbolism of continuous change and boundless freedom. These characteristics are central to Acquabella’s philosophy.
The stand also celebrated texture with a range of innovative, bold and minimalist new products.
Cersaie was the platform chosen by Acquabella to introduce the brand’s environmental commitment. Acquabella’s new ESG philosophy introduces the use of eco-friendly polyol in manufacturing. This ingredient is made partly from plastic bottles and generates no VOC emissions, paving the way for even more sustainable business development.
UK export manager, Rob Heredia, says, “it was great to see the show so busy and the positive reaction to our Underwater theme. Last year’s Resort theme was hard to beat but I think we managed it! There are some stunning products in our new collection and I can’t wait to showcase them to our UK and Irish customers
The rain is pouring down as I write, making the hot and dry summer a fading memory. With all this rain, it’s easy to forget this year’s droughts unless you still face hosepipe bans, as many still are. Water conservation has never been so critical for the UK.
As part of the government’s 25-Year Environment Plan to reduce personal water use, Defra recently launched a consultation for a UK-wide mandatory water efficiency labelling for products such as taps, toilets, urinals etc. The labelling aims to inform and encourage consumers to purchase more water-efficient products for domestic and business use.
The label that Defra proposes would be similar in design to the current energy efficiency label and show the water flow rate or consumption per cycle. The proposals outline that suppliers will need to assess the water efficiency rating of their products and include the label with the product and in marketing literature.
The crucial area to highlight is that retailers and merchants must make the label visible to the customer, including on showroom room sets, in-store or via the internet and catalogues. This retailer obligation is significant. They could face action from a national enforcement authority if they fail to comply.
The regulations to introduce mandatory labelling will be laid in 2023, with new obligations, particularly on retailers, by 2025. The BMA is analysing the Defra proposals in fine detail and collaborating with its stakeholders to form a response that works for everyone.
Many consumers think sustainably and consciously buy products that save water and energy, particularly understandable with the current economic challenges. Consumers want the choice to live in sustainable and efficient spaces that are beautiful and functional. We really can have it all, and BMA members have engaged in significant R&D in this area to bring a range of easily affordable devices to market to meet water-reducing ambitions.
The Unified Water Label, run by the independent Unified Water Label Association (UWLA), has been adopted by many bathroom manufacturers. This voluntary label echoes the water efficiency sentiments contained in the latest proposals from Defra, proving the growing chorus of support for consumer choice within the sector.
It should be remembered, however, that using water-efficient products alone will not solve a water-scarce future. We need a collaborative effort to educate and inform all consumers to change water-using behaviours, and we need water companies to play their part in fixing leaks and investing in adequate infrastructure for a better water supply.
Regardless of the seasons, we must be more aware of water scarcity and protect our precious supply.
October marks the launch of PJH’s Autumn/Winter Bathrooms to Love Collection, which is packed full of stylish new product updates, representing the very latest trends in the bathroom sector.
The refreshed portfolio also incorporates many new price reductions, which is great news for Bathrooms to Love stockists, with welcome price drops across categories such as enclosures, baths and screens.
Ranges are illustrated with aspirational lifestyle photography, practical product information and design ideas. Available from stock and on PJH’s Next Day Delivery service, the furniture, sanitaryware, washbowl, bath, shower tray, mirror, lighting and accessory collections all welcome new launches, spanning a range of price points to appeal to many.
Taking prime spot on the brochure’s front cover is a new premium design, ‘Texture’, an elegant, fitted bathroom furniture range boasting an ultra-modern fluted finish, available in Graphite Grey or Matt White. In fact, colour and texture play a big role in this season’s Bathrooms to Love furniture launches, with some beautiful new shades introduced across both fitted and modular. From a Matt Deep Blue in the ‘Statement’ range, to Matt Sage Green in ‘Benita’ and ‘Lambra’, as well as a whole colour palette of shades in the new ‘Elements’ family – Antique Rose, Conifer Green, Sea Green and Indigo Blue, to name just a few. And with more handle choices available, in finishes such as brushed brass and matt black, design options are very flexible.
New sanitaryware options are also perfect for teaming up with the furniture ranges, including a brand new family, ‘Lily’, characterised by its luxuriously sculptured form. Semi-recessed basins, Comfort Height WCs, concealed cisterns and coloured vessel basins all join the new collection too.
Keeping with the colour theme, a stunning free-standing bath in Matt Blue is a real statement piece as well as perfect for eye-catching displays. And the bath category also welcomes a family of ultra-strong solid bath panels, frequently requested by retailers. ‘Linear’ is a luxurious new range of slim 25mm wetroom-look trays, and to complete the picture, there are many stylish additions to lighting, mirrors and accessories.
Many new products can also be viewed via Bathrooms to Love QR codes, giving access to Augmented Reality and the opportunity for consumers to visualise products within individual bathroom spaces, to help encourage sales. All new lines are available to order from the PJH Partners Portal™ e-commerce platform.
Design London returned last month (21 – 24 September 2022) as the largest contemporary design fair of the London Design Festival. Located at Magazine London in the newest design district, Greenwich Peninsula, the show’s second edition reported a total of 12,686 visitors – from both the UK and overseas – over the course of four days. The organisers have also announced the 2023 dates which are set to be 20 – 23 September.
Marlon Cera-Marle, Director of Design at Media 10, said, “We’re very pleased with what we achieved this year – not only because this was only our second edition, but also because there was a real sense of excitement and optimism from our industry as a whole, seeing products and reconnecting with our peers in person.”
Cera-Marle added, “This year we could not be prouder of our visitor numbers, and the quality of our overall programme. We also witnessed some of the most prominent, industry-wide issues being addressed at our show, from sustainability to waste and material innovation.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us in the last 12 months and made Design London another tremendous success. With my team, I very much look forward to planning our 2023 edition and welcoming the global design communities to our capital once again.”
Doubling its floor space with an additional exhibition area named the Showground, this year’s Design London presented over 150 exhibitors from around the world. These ranged from global brands including Adidas, HAY, Artemide, Karaca and L.Ercolani, to independent names such as Dare Studio, Wewood, OMK 1965, Christian Watson, Paul Kelley and Jonathan Coles.
The Relais Castello di Casiglio in Erba is a fascinating structure that speaks through its 700 years of history. It’s a true jewel located in a strategic position not far from Lake Como with its most famous destinations: Cernobbio, Tremezzo with Villa Carlotta, Bellagio with Villa Melzi, Lenno with Villa Balbianello and Varenna with Villa Monastero.
Relais Castello di Casiglio
The renovation of the 29 rooms of this ancient manor helped enhance all its charm, while at the same time re-evaluating its history and traditions. Concreta, the Valtellinese interior contractor with headquarters in Postalesio helped realise this project by architect Francesco Venzi. The intervention involved: 19 Standard rooms, 13 Superior rooms, 10 Classic Junior Suites, 3 Junior Suite SPA with private sauna in the room and 1 ‘Tower’ Suite in the Castle tower.
Concreta presented the first proposals for the renovation work in March 2021, modifying them according to the particular needs that gradually emerged while working on a singular structure like this castle, which was previously used as a hotel. The time span between the proposal and completion was about a year.
The main challenge in the project for Castello di Casiglio was to rethink and redesign 29 rooms out of 46 in total, in a structure that had unique specificities.
From a logistical point of view, the castle was completely different from a newly built hotel, in which hundreds of rooms can be configured in a repetitive and serial logic. Also following the specific request of the client, the peculiarity of this project was to create different rooms, not so much in the constructive logic but rather in the type of details.
The owner of the structure asked to diversify the rooms of the castle, taking into account the different typologies offered (standard, superior, junior etc …) by ‘shaping’ the furnishings within the irregular spaces typical of a structure like this, while respecting the architectural structural elements such as plasters, stones, wooden ceilings rather than plastered ceilings, existing fireplaces and terracotta floors, without however using different styles.
The answer was to develop a common path by function using the same architectural language and with the same design line. Each room has the specificities required by a structure of this type but, while maintaining identical materials, treatments and finishes, some details have been highlighted by varying the colour (such as the seat fabrics or the paintings), the model or the typology (for example of curtains and objects) as well as the size and shape of some fixed furnishings.
As architect Francesco Venzi states: ” We have also chosen to use a different wallpaper for each room, according to the type of rooms or the light, with the aim of differentiating the perception of the spaces designed in a common matrix, without creating contrast between the different settings. The idea that inspired this design path was for the customer – so that when he returned to the hotel the following year, and stay in a different room – the feeling of being in an environment that is not consistent with the previous one, but at the same time recognizing the same atmosphere.”
In this context, the role of lighting was crucial. The interiors of the castle are a succession of unusual and embracing settings and here the lighting project was fundamental in bringing out the design.
Architect Venzi had thought of a lighting layout capable of enhancing the design of the rooms and the architecture of the spaces, designing lamps specifically for this project or simply using LED systems chosen from mass production, modelled according to the space requirements; both solutions were built or supplied by Concreta partners with the right know-how in this sector.
With its 700 years of history, the structure of the Castello di Casiglio is itself rich in fascinating and characterizing details, with exposed stone walls, ceilings with exposed beams, terracotta floors and important furnishings. This made it unnecessary to add other important building elements or colours, it was preferred to emphasize the venue through a stimulating comparison between past and present in a constant dialogue among new elements of furniture, existing floors in terracotta, stone and wood.
The same wood was used both for the new floors and for the construction of the furniture. Everything was made to measure by the Concreta, creating a muted material with a chromatic contrast that fully respects the history of the manor.
Fabrics play a leading role in creating the charm of the settings. Matching furniture and materials were used, which differ only in some details, while curtains have been adapted from time to time to blend with the structure of the rooms.
Castello di Casiglio is 4 km from the Villa d’Este Golf Club. and an ideal location for meetings, conferences, team building activities, weddings or events. Romantic or themed dinners are served in the new Lècru Restaurant, located in the oldest part of the castle and also open to external customers.
Metal, gratings, drains, black, silver, brushed steel and brass are not on your average shopping list but if you are looking for a ‘softer’ industrial silhouette for your bathroom this could be just the inspiration you need.
The 1950s saw the start of the industrial design movement; beginning in New York where large warehouses were re-invented and became the ultimate in spacious, stylish avant-garde living. Iron beams, naked brick and bare wooden floors, the look went initially from open plan living through to specific rooms first to the kitchen and now industrial design has found a new home for inspiration in the bathroom.
The focus is on strong, tough materials, less sleek and shiny, more brushed metal, brass, copper, steel or even black. Other elements that are synonymous with this look are aged woods with a slightly tarnished look and polished cement.
Fusion Studio TIFF File
Industrial design is based on contrast, a mixture of light and shade combining textures and tone in fixtures and fittings, for some this can be a little too harsh.
So, you may decide to opt for a soft industrial style; still using some of the key characteristics of an industrial bathroom but toning them down. A bare brick or cement wall might be too much but using a darker design style and including brushed metallic elements may be more acceptable.
One way of introducing darker tones is with a black frame shower screen, such as Unidrain’s GlassLine. The colour is perfect adding just the right touch of industrial style; as the black frame itself hints at the large, framed windows in a New York apartment.
The black framed GlassLine shower screen is 10mm of clear tempered glass, available in three sizes it can be mounted to the left or right and is installed discreetly and securely without any visible display of fixings, screws, fittings, or joins. The screen is lowered into the Undrain uniquely designed ShowerLine drain located under the bathroom flooring, before being attached to the wall, creating a secure, stable, and watertight showering space.
The black frame sits against the wall covering any edges and generating a smooth finish. For an additional industrial touch install the screen with Unidrain’s colour coordinated black HighLine frame and panel.
Metals are a key factor in industrial style, but getting the right finish is essential. Smooth, shiny metals such as chrome don’t offer the rugged and raw look needed for an industrial bathroom, copper and brushed brass finishes have a slightly warmer tone and suggest a more rustic look.
This different shade can be introduced both in the shower drain and, in the accessories used in the bathroom, from towel hooks and shower shelves to toilet roll holders and toilet brushes. All are part of the Reframe Collection and add a hint of colour to a room which could otherwise be quite dark.
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.
In this feature, we consider some of the options available to architects and designers, from crafty solutions that hide the accessories we would rather not see, to designs that add finesse to future-proofing.
Alternative endings
Ritmonio ELEMENTA
Planning accessories early on in the project is a safe way to ensure design clarity and continuity; however, this is not always foolproof, as change is inevitable in design evolution. Even the firmest of resolutions are subject to revision, which will impact each aspect, from surfaces to accessories. Selecting a range with a variety of finishes is one way to ensure leeway at any stage of the game.
HiB Atto Range
Ash Chilver, sales director at HiB, agrees: “Perhaps the most notable development of bathroom accessories over the years is the rise in popularity of alternative finishes. Though still a staple choice, chrome is no longer the only option and many designers and consumers are opting for alternatives such as black and brushed metals to enhance their overall look. This trend is set to continue with further options currently being developed.”
Options such as HiB’s Atto range are available in chrome, black and brushed brass finishes, offering versatility applicable to various trends. Pieces in the range can be matched with brassware and mirrors with the same finish, creating a consistent style throughout the space.
Ritmonio’s ELEMENTA collection (pictured very top and above) has also been created to deliver a ‘made-to-measure’ approach for design flexibility. Available in 19 finishes and various materials, including stainless steel and acrylic stone, the clean design means individual elements can be combined to create unique compositions for countless types of accessories.
Geo style
Scavolini Jemoetrica collection
Selecting products that will outlive current trends is key to creating design with longevity. Accessories that stand the test of time may be considered in terms of shape and colour. One option is to build in geometric styling; this centuries-old style plays well with a wide range of surroundings delivering elegance and flair.
James Sketch, country manager of KEUCO UK agrees: “Now more than ever before project managers and specifiers are looking for elements that have a practical aspect, and a design style that will last, and ensures the bathroom maintains a contemporary look for many years to come.”
Scavolini’s Jemoetrica collection(pictured above) is a perfect example of this. Created in collaboration with world-renowned designer Luca Nichetto it is heavily influenced by three iconic 20th-century designs: Ellsworth Kelly’s Sculpture for a Large Wall, Gio Ponti’s multifunctional wall units and Donald Judd’s three-dimensional structures. The wall panel accommodates a series of holes onto which shelves, containers and small accessories can be attached and moved as required.
Keuco REVAKeuco REVAKeuco REVA
Another alternative is KEUCO’s REVA accessories series; the collection has been crafted as a clear geometric shape – ideal for various styles and living environments, regardless of fashion trends.
Attention to detail
KEUCO REVA Shower Shelf
However necessary (and beautifully designed) accessories are, they must work hard to look good. Creating clean lines and an uncluttered feel can be difficult once you add shelving and accompaniments.
One way to combat this is to build in recesses or to include accessories that hide away. A squeegee will always be a little awkward, yet, KEUCO’s shower shelf (pictured above) has a hidden extra that remedies the problem – a glass squeegee is invisibly integrated into the design, a detail that is both creative and practical.
Unidrain’s REFRAME collection is also packed full of cleverly engineered designs. It has been created with keen attention to detail to guarantee the ultimate user experience. For example, the newly launched soap dispenser has a robust construction with a non-slip base which keeps it upright and stable, but the most noble design feature is the angled nozzle. This has been crafted to dispense a specifically measured quantity of soap and due to the angle, the soap lands in your hand and not on the washbasin.
HiB support barHiB foldable shower seatHiBshower shelf
Bathroom accessories are, by default, hands-on, and we know haptics play a significant role in our sense of well-being. This makes shape and texture a key consideration when planning accessories and is especially pertinent to future-proofing or accessible design; for example, a supportive, comfortable grab rail will deliver a heightened sense of safety.
HiB’s multigenerational accessories are an excellent option for families with many age groups living under one roof. Careful planning early on in the project is key when building an accessible design; products such as foldable shower seats can be a stylish but practical solution that aids mobility and access without imposing on the available space.
For the latest kitchen design features – visit Kitchens Review
Undrain has expanded its award-winning Reframe Collection of bathroom accessories with the launch of an exclusive new designer soap dispenser. The carefully considered design has been created with keen attention to detail to guarantee the ultimate user experience.
Key features of the soap dispenser are its robust construction and non-slip base which keeps it upright and stable, but the most noble design feature is the angled nozzle. This has been crafted to dispense a specifically measured quantity of soap and due to the angle, the soap lands in your hand and not on the washbasin.
It’s intelligent details such as this that are the hallmark of the entire Reframe Collection which incorporates an additional nine designer bathroom accessories.
Soap Shelf & Shower Wiper – magnets are hidden in the wall mounting, which ensure the safe and discrete storage of the silicone blade wiper, whilst the shelf above provides a platform for all your showering essentials. Both items are also available as individual units, making it ideal for an extensive range of projects.
Corner Shelf – corners; in reality tend to not be an exact 90-degree angle. The beauty of the corner shelf is that is both visual and practical as it adapts to the specific shape and dimensions of the individual corner. The shelf has an anti-slip barrier to ensure shower essentials do not slip when the shelf is wet, whilst discreet grooves enable excess water to drain away easily.
Towel Bar – place alongside your bath, shower, or washbasin, with its unique mounting design this bar keeps towels stylishly in situ.
Hooks – discrete and effective, these perfectly shaped hooks will prevent towels and garments from slipping.
Toilet Paper Holder – this keeps the roll in place with a magnetic removable part with carefully optimised friction properties, ensuring that the paper rolls off perfectly. This holder is reversible and can be positioned for your convenience. An additional element is the spare toilet paper holder, which can be positioned alongside ensuring all needs are met.
Toilet Brush – Sleek design, hygienic functionality. The toilet brush holder has an anti-drip function and for additional cleanliness an easily exchangeable brush head.
The 200 ml soap dispenser is 13.3 cm high and 7.7 cm in circumference, it is available as both a countertop model and a wall-mounted version, and like the other designs in the bathroom series, it is available in brushed stainless steel, polished stainless steel, as well as PVD-coated brass, black and copper.
The Reframe Collection is an exclusive high-quality Danish design bathroom accessory series, inspired by Scandinavian minimalism and quality, the Reframe Collection reimagines and develops well-known products to achieve the finest functionality in the bathroom.
“With the introduction of a new soap dispenser, the Reframe Collection is now even sharper. As an architect, plumber, or interior designer advising customers on their new bathrooms, you may want to suggest the Reframe Collection as a supplement to their line drains,” explains International Sales Manager René Risom.
