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Clever storage and energy saving options for the bathroom

Niva bath Vasco

Whatever the size of your bathroom who can say no to additional storage space? The Niva Bath from Vasco, is a steel designer radiator that only uses 4 litres of water enabling it to provide a rapid and powerful heating source plus additional storage space, discretely hidden behind the radiator.

The radiator is set 325 mm further away from the wall, than a traditional radiator. This distance allows more than enough space for fitted shelves, perfect for towels and other accessories plus a rail where shirts and robes can be hung to be aired or warmed before use.

The radiator is available in 55 colours, whilst the shelves are available in standard in black (RAL 9005), or white (S600) so this practical radiator ticks every box in terms of interior design, sustainability, style and of course storage.

The Niva Bath is just one of the extensive ranges of steel designer radiators and accessories from
Vasco each providing the perfect ambient temperature for any room.

Niva Bath Vasco
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Virtual Worlds Training Academy maximises design knowledge

Virtual Worlds Training

Ensuring retailers and designers get the most out of the latest design software technology, Virtual Worlds has launched a new academy, offering in-person and online training to its network of customers.

The Virtual Worlds Academy offers training sessions tailored to the differing needs of the candidates – from small family businesses wanting to use Virtual Worlds to produce high-quality renders quickly, to showrooms that deal with high volumes and need fast design tricks and manufacturers looking for basic training to see how their products are displayed in the software.

Three levels of training are available, from beginner to experienced user, with each session designed to enable Virtual Worlds customers to build up their knowledge of using the software gradually, coming away with a host of tips and tricks to enable them to create designs faster and maximise the potential of investing in the market-leading 3D and 4D design technology. Retailers also learn how to use Virtual Worlds to upsell clients, so that each completed sale generates the best possible margin.

Training can be delivered to groups of up to 10 people, either at the Virtual Worlds head office in Milton Keynes or on site, with 1to1 online training sessions also available.

Kick-starting the Academy, Virtual Worlds has launched VW Academy shorts, a series of free online sessions focusing on a different topic each week. Each sessions lasts just 30 minutes, providing retailers with the perfect way to enhance their Virtual Worlds knowledge during a coffee break.

Nathan MacLean, managing director of Virtual Worlds, comments: “To really get the best out of the latest design software, even the most seasoned of designers should have some form of regular training at least once a year, hence the launch of the Virtual Worlds Academy.

“Not only will this mean they can experience new features of the software and ensure they are up to date with the best features of the system, it will make otherwise time-consuming procedures in CAD a thing of the past, so a designer’s time can be better spent on the most valuable aspects of the job.”

 For more information on Virtual Worlds call 01908 663 848 or visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk

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Saniflo provides a new CPD offering

Saniflo CPD

Saniflo UK – part of the SFA Group and a leading designer and manufacturer of pumps, macerators and lifting stations – has a new CIBSE-approved CPD offering for Public Health Engineers, Mechanical Consultants, Architects, Mechanical Installers and Specialist Resellers. The hour-long talk, which can be supplemented with a two-hour session of pump curve training if required, is designed to discuss and offer technical training on macerators and lifting stations for commercial and domestic buildings. This CPD is part of wastewater and drainage in the public health sector/mechanical engineering.

By the end of the presentation, attendees will understand the challenges of gravity-fed drainage systems, be able to identify where and when to use a macerator or lifting station, be able to navigate critical installation requirements and considerations, understand some of the key differences between the lifting station technologies, and be able to use pump curves to help specify the correct pump.

To book a CPD for your organisation, call 020 8842 0033 or email marketing@saniflo.co.uk

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UK Bathroom Warehouse partners with Ideal Standard

Ideal Standard

Ideal Standard has strengthened its relationship with UK Bathroom Warehouse, following the launch of two new dedicated retail areas within the stockist’s Wallingford and Oxford stores.

The partnership will see UK Bathroom Warehouse become a flagship showroom for Ideal Standard, one of only a handful of locations in the UK to host Ideal Standard’s premium Atelier Collections – a range of expertly designed bathroom products from renowned Italian design studio, Palombi Serafini + Associati (PS+A).

To celebrate the new spaces, UK Bathroom Warehouse will host a launch event on 23rd November 2022 at its Oxford showroom. The event will provide the opportunity for architects, designers and consumers to experience the new design-led products first hand.

Launched in 2021, the Atelier Collections are inspired by Ideal Standard’s rich design heritage, combining aesthetics and design philosophies of the past with modern aesthetics and technology. The result is an exciting collection of new statement pieces for the contemporary bathroom, including an exclusive range of ceramics, brassware and furniture – from the clean, pure lines of the Linda-X range, to the statuesque Tipo-Z basin and the geometrically inspired Conca collections.

The bold designs of the Atelier Collections work in harmony with pieces from across Ideal Standard’s ranges through the Singular™ philosophy – an innovative approach to specification, enabling customers, designers, and specifiers to easily combine products from across the manufacturer’s offering to create unique designs for their space.

Speaking on the new flagship showroom, Adam Evans, channel director (Retail) at Ideal Standard UK, said: “We’ve worked closely with UK Bathroom Warehouse to provide customers with the highest quality in bathroom products for the past four years, and the launch of these new flagship showrooms is an extension and strengthening of that partnership.

“We’re looking forward to joining UK Bathroom Warehouse in welcoming architects, designers and consumers to the launch event in Oxford and providing the chance for guests to immersive themselves in our design-led ranges.”

Steve Freeland, showroom director, at UK Bathroom Warehouse, added: “We’ve developed a great relationship with Ideal Standard since we began working with them and this launch event for the Atelier Collections showcases that partnership perfectly.

“It’s a great opportunity for guests to visit the Oxford showroom on the 23rd November and get their hands on the fantastic new pieces in the Atelier Collections as we continue to work with Ideal Standard to give our customers the best possible options.”

The launch event will take place on the 23rd November 2022, between 4.00pm and 8.00pm at the UK Bathroom Warehouse Showroom, 18 Pony Rd, Oxford OX4 2RD.

To register for the event please email: af@ukbathroomwarehouse.com

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Victoria Plum appoints Helen Skelton as first-ever brand ambassador

Victoria Plum Helen Skelton

Online bathroom retailer Victoria Plum has revealed TV and radio presenter Helen Skelton as its first ever brand ambassador.

Helen is known for hosting popular BBC TV shows Blue Peter and Countryfile and is currently starring in Strictly Come Dancing.

Her brand ambassador role will see Helen get involved in a range of activity including community and sustainability projects, content marketing, social media and events.

Speaking about the partnership, Helen said: “Making home improvements is something I’ve long had a personal interest in which means I understand the hopes and expectations of Victoria Plum’s customers.

“I also know it’s a progressive business that’s dedicated to providing a great customer experience and delivering a beautiful end result.

“It feels right for me to partner with Victoria Plum because I like the people, products and the way they successfully go about helping make customers achieve their dream bathrooms.”

Victoria Plum Helen Skelton

Established in 2001, Victoria Plum offers more than 13,000 bathroom products and uniquely for a UK online bathroom retailer the company offers a design and installation service to its customers.

Victoria Plum chief executive, Paul McClenaghan, said: “We have been considering appointing a brand ambassador for some time and Helen was always top of our list.

“Her down-to-earth nature, relatability and warm personality fits perfectly with Victoria Plum’s values and makes her the ideal person to partner with.

“We have lots of exciting plans with Helen and we can’t wait to get started on implementing them.”

To find out more about the company visit www.victoriaplum.com

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GROHE wins 2022 BMA Sustainability Award

Grohe BMA sustainability award

GROHE, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen taps, was announced as the winner of the Circular Economy Award at BMA Sustainability Awards on Thursday 3 rd November 2022.

Winners were announced in front of industry peers in a ceremony hosted by BMA CEO Tom Reynolds at Manchester’s iconic Lowry Hotel.

The Sustainability Awards are independently judged by journalists, industry experts, academics, and representatives from NGO. The Circular Economy Award recognises companies’ efforts in materials stewardship, reducing or removing waste, and designing products with repairability in mind. Helen Lord, founder and director of Used Kitchen Exchange Ltd, presented the award to GROHE, which was judged by Professor Sean Smith, Andy Davies, and Emma Hedges.

The judges said that GROHE’s winning entry addressed bathroom manufacturers’ problem regarding circularity. BMA stated how GROHE’s entry shows “this is far from a token gesture and that they’re going about this with commitment and rigour, setting new standards for the bathroom industry in the process and the built environment as a whole.”

Ebru Bircan, leader, marketing activation UK, LIXIL EMENA & GROHE UK says: “As a global brand we have put a lot of resources into research, testing, and funding our company goals to become a more sustainable and circular manufacturer, achieving the highest Cradle to Cradle standard possible for some product ranges. We are delighted with this acknowledgement from the BMA and hope it pushes the industry on in terms of sustainability and circularity.

Over the last year, GROHE has made several notable actions when it comes to supporting sustainability and pushing for a circular economy, especially with their expanding range of Cradle to Cradle Certified® products.

GROHE counts four of its bestselling products as 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 Reutilisation, 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.

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Unic Slate tray from Acquabella

Acquabella Delia Zero Unic Slate

Acquabella is introducing Unic Slate; this latest innovation from the leading Spanish brand is a brand-new addition to its shower tray portfolio.

The soft curve of the tray’s interior allows water to flow smoothly into a choice of three design-led decorative wastes; the Deco, the Dune and the Drop. Images below.

Deco
Drop
Dune

The Unic Slate has an on-trend “chalkboard effect” texture, realistically created from Acquabella’s extremely versatile, stylish, anti-bacterial, anti-slip and durable patented material, Akron®.

The Unic Slate is showcased top with the Chrea bath tub and stunning new Delia Zero washbasin. The Unic Slate tray and Delia Zero washbasin are in the gorgeous Warm Navy colour, beautifully paired with the colour popping Light Mustard of the wall panels.

The Unic Slate and Delia Zero can also be ordered in any colour from the Standard, Naturally Made or over 2000 RAL/NCS colours.

Products in top image details: Unic Slate shower tray, with sizes from 70 cm x 100 cm to 100 cm x 200 cm with prices from £550.02. Delia Zero washbasin, 50 cm x 37.5 cm x 40 cm from £531. Artic cabinet, from 40 cm x 45.6 x 28 cm £596. Hera, Wall Panels, 250×120 cm from £901,25. Chrea bathtub, 168.6 cm x 74.1 cm x 61 cm from £3,700.  

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Hansgrohe UK&I announces multi-million pound investment

As part of an ambitious five-year growth plan to double the size of the business, leading manufacturer of showers and taps, Hansgrohe is investing more than £5m into its UK subsidiary.

The investment sees it focus on increasing employee numbers across all functions, enhancing marketing programmes and developing a UK specific product roadmap, culminating in the creation of a new, purpose-built head office in Warwickshire.

Having outgrown its existing facilities in Esher, Surrey, the move to the Tournament Fields development to the south-west of Warwick, plays a key role in the company’s growth plans and ambition to become a complete bathroom provider. The new head office is in excess of 40,000 square ft and is more than double the size of its existing facilities.

Expected to be fully operational from July 2023, the new location has easy access from the M40, making it ideal as a central hub for its office and distribution activities. It brings the business even closer to customers with more opportunities to interact face-to-face through a state-of-the-art showroom and training facility, supported by a customer services operation and strong stock availability, all under one roof.

The architectural and design community is already well-served through Hansgrohe’s contemporary ‘Water Studio’ in Clerkenwell, central London, and this facility will remain in place to ensure designers and specifiers have access to products and expert advice in the southeast too.

The new head office in Warwick will include almost 5000 square ft of dedicated showroom space to showcase its portfolio of high-quality, water efficient showers, taps, and accessories.

To strengthen its offering to the trade, the site will also see an expansion in training facilities for its installer customers, with the addition of an Installer Academy, providing enhanced access to technical expertise and hands-on, practical experience.

The company is providing roles for everyone who currently works at the Esher site and comprehensive support has been put in place to assist employees during the transition.

Jay Phillips, managing director of Hansgrohe UK&I, commented: “This is an incredibly exciting time for everyone associated with Hansgrohe UK&I. We have ambitious plans to take Hansgrohe forward in the coming years, and the investment in this state-of-the-art new head office is a vital part of making this a success.

“Having everything available under one roof, from a spacious showroom and training, to warehousing and distribution, will ensure we’re able to best meet the needs of our busy customers and support them with their business. This also reinforces our goal to be the ‘easiest to do business with’ partner and will further improve our already high levels of stock and service.

“Our people are a huge part of our plans and we’re looking forward to them joining us on this journey. We’ll continue to operate from our Esher site to ensure there are no disruptions to service during the transition period. We plan to be fully operational by summer next year with the showroom and Installer Academy designed and built specifically for the needs of the UK market.

“We have a great brand and products, and an amazing team here at Hansgrohe UK&I, and now we will have an ideal new head office we can all be proud to call our home.”

For further information on Hansgrohe and its wide portfolio of products visit
https://www.hansgrohe.co.uk/










“Having everything available under one roof, from a spacious showroom and
training, to warehousing and distribution, will ensure we’re able to best meet the
needs of our busy customers and support them with their business. This also reinforces
our goal to be the ‘easiest to do business with’ partner and will further improve our
already high levels of stock and service.
“Our people are a huge part of our plans and we’re looking forward to them joining
us on this journey. We’ll continue to operate from our Esher site to ensure there are
no disruptions to service during the transition period. We plan to be fully operational
by summer next year with the showroom and Installer Academy designed and built
specifically for the needs of the UK market.
“We have a great brand and products, and an amazing team here at Hansgrohe
UK&I, and now we will have an ideal new head office we can all be proud to call
our home.”
For further information on Hansgrohe and its wide portfolio of products visit
https://www.hansgrohe.co.uk/

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Sintered stone paves the entire wellness area of a private home

Lapitec

A few years after the completion of a residential building designed by the famous architecture firm Tsimailo Lyashenko and Partners, the architects of Blockstudio – led by the two siblings Natalia and Ivan Trofimov – have put their stamp on a nearby pavilion, commissioned by the same owner and dedicated to housing a swimming pool area with some spa facilities.

The dialogue between the two buildings is very close and the house elevations are an interplay of opaque and transparent glass, with fixed and openable portions, and a flat white roof. The new addition is detached from the house and positioned perpendicularly with large full-height windows and almost imperceptible uprights. Thin chrome-plated steel pillars support a clean white slab to create a feeling of lightness.

An area of about 95 m2 has been carved out for the new stainless steel-clad pool, it is deliberately narrow but a generous 18 metres long, meaning users can swim while observing the outdoor garden and nature.

It is surrounded by functional blocks, dedicated to the sauna, shower, changing room and toilets, and a floor made entirely of Lapitec in the Lithos finish and Bianco Assoluto nuance, which, thanks to its high friction coefficient, provides maximum safety after exiting the pool or shower. The latter is also made of sintered stone: flush with the floor, it features a few thin cuts that allow water drainage and give a glimpse of Lapitec’s full-body composition, identical in every point and used in the 12 mm thickness for this project.

Non-porous on the surface, usable in direct contact with water and unalterable (resistant to atmospheric agents, temperature changes, knocks and scratches), Lapitec is also used for the pool coping with slabs that – as in the case of the shower tray – are cut to accommodate the water recirculation system.

The optical whiteness of the material, the result of a mixture of 100% natural minerals, free of crystalline silica, inks or petroleum derivatives, defines the project and together with the rigorous geometries creates a precise continuity between horizontal and vertical planes, resulting in an essential envelope, where Blockstudio wanted to enhance the relationship between the inside and outside.

www.lapitec.com

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GROHE to exhibit premium design innovations at HIX 2022

Grohe Allure HIX

Leading supplier of complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings for hotels, resorts, and hospitality projects globally, GROHE, has announced it will be exhibiting at the HIX 2022.

Following on from the success of GROHE’s exhibition at the debut HIX show in 2021, GROHE is returning in 2022 to showcase its quality range of bathroom products, with particular focus on its premium ranges of Atrio, Allure and ICON 3D for spa-inspired bathroom design concepts.

GROHE will be inviting guests to immerse in the serene ambience of its spa-inspired room set as part of a new premium spa and wellness-focused concept currently in development. The space will be created with re-envisioned designs of its popular Allure brassware and the beloved Atrio range, alongside its industry leading ICON 3D collection which consists of uniquely innovative 3D printed taps, for a truly bespoke design.

To further emphasis the messaging around wellness, pleasure, and relaxation, elsewhere on the stand
GROHE will have a lounge area for guests to enjoy. Throughout the afternoon, GROHE will have a working barista for guests to enjoy complimentary hot drinks, followed by a mixologist in the evening serving cocktails and alcoholic beverages.

“We’re delighted to be returning to HIX this year, following last year’s triumphant debut show” says Ebru Bircan, leader, marketing activation UK, LIXIL EMENA and GROHE UK.

“This year we’ll be highlighting our premium product ranges, with emphasis on bathroom design concepts that evoke wellbeing, sanctuary, and relaxation. Concepts that provide an escapism and a place of refuge are crucial within the industry, and we’re continuing to create this immersive narrative within the hotel bathroom around wellness and health through water, providing innovative designs for a bespoke experience”.

GROHE can be found on Stand 5 at HIX on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th November 2022.

Grohe Atrio HIX
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