Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Unidrain is selected for top chef’s new home

September 6, 2022

Jesper Koch, one of the key judges for Masterchef Denmark and the driving force behind the top restaurant Syttende, has designed and constructed his dream home. Located in Sønderborg, and surrounded by both the beach and forest, he has ensured the essence of these amazing surroundings reverberates inside the house. T

This unique and bespoke project has been curated by interior designer Kira Staugaard, owner of Kira Design: she worked with the family to create a house full of quality materials and exciting solutions – not least the elegant Unidrain products.

“It was important to incorporate nature into the home, which is why the surrounding landscape has been invited inside with materials such as marble, brass, linoleum, and lots of wood. With its warm tones, the wood features throughout the house, and the brass details in the bathroom really catch the eye.

The vision for the bathrooms, were quite specific, as with the rest of the house any of the installations must enhance the overall look and should not just be functional. As such each item was carefully selected to blend with and enrich the house’s overall style.

“In the bathroom, the brass elements were selected to create a delightful contrast to the muted colour scheme. The golden tones are present in the linear drain and shower shelves by Unidrain.”

The installations visually meld and blend together adding to the overall appeal and elegance of the space; when you step into the bathroom, you enter a serene environment enriched with exclusive details whose overall appearance calms the mind,” says Kira Staugaard.

The bathroom is equipped with several brass-coloured Unidrain elements, including their luxurious HighLine floor drain, blending well with the large tiles and creating a contrast without being too ostentatious. The shower cubicle includes the stylish soap shelf from the Reframe Collection with an accompanying magnetic shower wiper. For this project the warmth of brass shone through, however, the complete Reframe Collection of accessories including shelves, towel hooks and toilet brushes all exquisitely crafted are available in five different colour options to enhance any bathroom setting.

For Jesper Koch and his family, it was important to incorporate nature into the home, and the surrounding landscape has been embraced inside by including materials such as marble, brass, linoleum, and lots of wood. Wood features heavily throughout the house, but for Koch the statement in the kitchen is the beautiful green marble countertop.

When designing the interior, the emphasis was definitely on creating a wow factor, no matter what room you were in. It was about providing a unique experience, but this also needed to embrace a quiet indoor environment for a family with busy lives: “The home has been designed in a way that is both calming and stimulating. The natural materials and the bright but subdued tones create an atmosphere where there’s room for tranquillity and relaxation, which is important for a busy family. At the same time, the home is packed with exciting solutions and bold choices, such as a steam oven and a meat-ageing fridge, hand-built furniture and exquisite yet practical bathrooms,” concludes the interior designer

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Duravit appoints a new sales director

September 6, 2022

Duravit UK has announced the appointment of Gary Matthews to the newly created position of sales director. Gary will be working very closely with Duravit’s network of showroom partners, bringing new products to market, and developing the existing product portfolio.

Gary has gained extensive experience within the bathroom industry with brands such as Grohe, Multi Panel & Ideal Standard.

Martin Carroll, managing director of Duravit UK comments “As part of Duravit UK’s business expansion and investment into the sales structure, I am absolutely delighted that Gary will be joining us and bringing his extensive market experience and knowledge to Duravit”

Gary Matthews, sales director, comments ” I am hugely delighted and excited about joining the Duravit team in the UK. During my 32 years within our sector, I have admired the growth of the brand and the innovation, design ethics and quality in the product portfolio. It will be a privilege to establish myself as a brand ambassador with the
responsibility to help shape the future plans of the business.”

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room2 Chiswick – Kaldewei delivers Luxstainability – sustainable hotel design

September 6, 2022

room2 Chiswick hometel is a new property that uses 89% less energy per m2 than most other UK hotels; and renewable energy is maximised, with on-site solar panels and ground source heat pumps converting 100% of the energy needed for heating, cooking, and hot water. Additional energy comes from wind, solar and hydro, which is sourced offsite. room2 Chiswick is the world’s first hotel that accounts for its entire carbon footprint making it ‘whole life net zero’.

Kaldewei was selected as a sustainable partner since the business is also committed to helping the environment. All Kaldewei products are manufactured from 100% recyclable steel enamel and last year the company took another step towards becoming a carbon neutral business; when it started manufacturing with bluemint® Steel, balance-oriented CO2-reduced steel which will lessen emissions by 70 percent.

Alongside the sustainable and energy efficiency aspects, the hometel takes its design inspiration from the Arts & Crafts movement and rebellion against the homogenization of design. room2 Chiswick offers guests something that feels real, a space that ditches plastic veneers in favour of stonewashed linen, reclaimed timber, natural recyclable products, and handmade touches crafted by local artisans. Every facet of the hotel, from the furniture, fixtures, fittings, and carpets, has been selected because of its sustainability, attitude towards the environment and carbon footprint.

The rooms are both quirky and stylish, functional yet friendly, a mixture of hand-crafted combined with state-of-the-art energy-saving elements. There are 86 bespoke bedrooms and the ensuite in each is fitted with Kaldewei’s Cayonoplan shower surface plus waste system with matching cover. The Alpine white surface works perfectly with the elegantly designed bathrooms. The finish is extremely durable and can only be scratched by a diamond and stains can be easily removed.

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Compusoft + 2020 acquire Logicom, owner of Virtual Worlds

September 5, 2022

Compusoft + 2020, a leading global provider of end-to-end software and content solutions to the spaces for living industry, has completed the acquisition of Logicom, the owner of Virtual Worlds (“Virtual Worlds”), a leading bathroom and kitchen software provider in the UK.

The move follows the recent merger of Compusoft and 2020, the two industry-leading software providers for residential and commercial spaces successfully united in a merger of equals to create one company in December 2021.

Virtual Worlds offers innovative solutions tailored to bathroom and kitchen retailers and manufacturers. The company has over 20 years’ experience in design, visualisation, quoting and invoicing software. The company continues to be a pioneer of the industry with 4D technology-led solutions to provide consumers with a fully immersive buying experience. This is underpinned by an extensive manufacturer catalogue offering and exceptional customer service.

The acquisition strengthens Compusoft + 2020’s offering for the kitchen and bathroom market and will enable the combined group to provide customers with the most complete solution in the space leveraging the broadest range of manufacturer catalogues and pricing content. Virtual Worlds, as part of Compusoft + 2020, will benefit from a world-class global platform across research & development, customer success and go-to-market functions.

“We are entering an exciting new chapter in the Virtual Worlds story where the kitchen and bathroom industry will benefit greatly from the combined expertise, vision and passion of these outstanding businesses. In being part of Compusoft + 2020 my team and I look forward to realising our full potential in shaping the successful future of the industry,” says Nathan Maclean, Managing Director of Virtual Worlds.

CEO of Compusoft + 2020 Joerg Jung added, “Our vision is to make spaces for living amazing and Virtual World’s solutions enable this through immersive consumer experiences. I am delighted that Virtual Worlds will become a part of our fast-growing group and will bring with it a rich history, deep understanding of customer needs and continued focus on innovation. I am excited for what the future will bring.”

About Compusoft + 2020
Compusoft + 2020 is a global software powerhouse with 2,000+ employees and 70,000+ customers across 100+ countries. The company provides specialised visualisation, sales, manufacturing and content solutions for customers creating spaces for living. Today, the company operates in the kitchen, bathroom, furniture, windows, doors, glass and flooring markets and covers the entire value chain across designers, retailers and manufacturers. The company has operations in North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific and Africa.

2020 Technologies was established in 1987 and Compusoft was established in 1989. The two companies united to create one group in 2021, bringing together 65+ years’ of collective industry experience to deliver more value for our customers through an expanded portfolio of end-to-end solutions. Our combined global presence allows us to provide world-class support and sales with a local touch, providing the best possible customer experience. www.compusoftgroup.com www.2020spaces.com

About Virtual Worlds
Logicom, owner of Virtual Worlds, provides 3D CAD, manufacturer catalogue and AR/VR software solutions to professionals, retailers and manufacturers in the interior design industry. The offering caters to processes across the customer buying journey including design, visualisation, quoting and invoicing. Virtual Worlds has consistently been recognised as a best-in-class software by winning a range of industry awards, including the Best Software / CAD brand at the BKU Awards in 2021.

Logicom was founded in 1981 and Virtual Worlds was launched in 1997. The company now has 73 employees operating predominantly from its office in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
https://www.virtualworlds.co.uk

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Utopia announces the sad passing of Liz Green

September 5, 2022

It is with the deepest sorrow and immense sadness that Ian Hall, Joint managing director of Utopia Furniture Ltd, has announced that Liz Green passed away on 2 September aged 58.

Liz, one of Utopia’s three founding directors and also Ian’s sister, was diagnosed with cancer in late 2021 and retired at the end of the year.

Famous throughout the industry for her tremendous energy and infectious sense of humour, Liz was passionate about the company and the bathroom sector and was exceptionally popular with colleagues and customers alike. Liz was central to the growth and success of Utopia, holding key roles within sales, marketing and customer services.

Paying tribute to his sister, Ian Hall comments: “We are all absolutely devastated to lose Liz after her short but courageous battle with cancer, and it seems particularly unfair that she was robbed of her retirement years and all her plans to travel. Her intuitive grasp of the bathroom sector and lively personality made Liz a genuine force in the industry. She leaves a massive hole in all our lives both personally and professionally and will be so dearly missed.”

Further details will be announced shortly for those who wish to remember Liz.

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Dekton® launches Kraftizen – a new carbon neutral collection of surfaces

September 5, 2022

The Cosentino Group, a leader in the production of surfaces for the world of architecture and design, has announced the launch of Kraftizen, a new colour collection and part of its ultracompact and carbon neutral surface, Dekton®.

Dekton® claims to be the first large-format material of its kind and is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, as well as outdoor applications thanks to its durable technical qualities.

Kraftizen boasts a series of five versatile, beautiful colours with rich, deep textures: Umber, Nacre, Argentium, Micron and Albarium. Reminiscent of Venetian stucco, these colours are rooted in minimalism and versatility, bringing serenity into any space.

The Dekton® Kraftizen Collection reinterprets craftsmanship perfected over the centuries using the latest digital craft technology. Each trowel stroke from yesteryear transfers onto canvases made of millions of pixels, becoming part of an image and a reinterpretation which will stand the test of time.

Kraftizen Umber

Umber is a timeless colour with its own personality and a special charisma. The terracotta is warm and cosy, an earthy colour closely connected to nature.

Kraftizen Nacre

Nacre is a colour with plenty of movement to engage all senses. Trowel marks bring the colour to life, while the subtle interplay of light and shadow accompanies every inch of the design. The silky finish is pleasant to the touch. Meanwhile, the scattered gradients are highly decorative and reminiscent of sea waves.

Kraftizen Argentium

In ancient times, silver was considered a gift of nature created by the influence of the moon. This legend lives on in Argentium, a perfect matte grey that can be combined with both warm and cold tones. Its trowelled structure, typical of lime plastering, provides a bold design option to the range.

Kraftizen Micron

Micron is elegant and minimalistic. Its markings and trowelled texture give it depth. This deep, dark grey conveys a comforting sense of calm and serenity.

Kraftizen Albarium

Albarium is a peaceful, powdery white colour, reminiscent of marble dust. The subtle trowel achieves a rich continuity that makes it easy to apply on large surfaces. Albarium captivates with its fine, elegant texture and the refinement and light it brings to the spaces where it is used.

Carbon neutrality has been achieved for the entire life cycle of Dekton®, covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3, from the extraction of the raw material and the calculation of the direct and indirect emissions from its production cycle, and those derived from its use, to the end of the product’s life.

Thanks to its unmatched hardness, strength and durability, Dekton® is perfect for use in both outdoor and indoor applications, including kitchen and bathroom worktops, table cladding, shower trays and washbasins. Available in various thicknesses and large format slabs, Dekton® is the perfect solution for any home kitchen or bathroom design.

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Elisa Intuition & Incite smart digital showers with app-control

September 3, 2022

Elisa Intuition and Incite smart digital showers both feature a ShowerMe Smart App so each member of the household can create their own profile. Seamless connectivity with smart home systems allows the showers to be voice-controlled with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

Personalisation settings also provide greater visibility of water usage to promote sustainable living. The ShowerMe Smart App means users have the ability to select the duration of the shower, helping to save water and energy, while an easy-to-use dashboard gives the homeowner a clear picture of individual usage and can monitor the volume of water being consumed by the family each day.

Elisa smart showers can be started remotely from anywhere via a Wi-Fi connection, meaning water is always guaranteed to be at the right temperature as the user steps in. Furthermore, a bath fill option ensures the bath is filled to the perfect temperature and level every time, without the need to watch and wait. Providing simple on/off operation, a convenient wireless remote control is included, and with Intuition, a motion-controlled proximity sensor activates the shower automatically when the user steps in.

Powered by Elisa’s SmartValve™ technology, Elisa showers offer a wealth of options for installation in any bathroom size, shape or configuration. The SmartValve also allows the maximum temperature of the shower to be set for added safety, and the flow rate switched to ‘Eco’ mode to reduce water usage further (by up to 33%).

An array of different options are available across the Intuition and Incite series, with a choice of fixed drencher head, adjustable handset and bath fill features. All models are fitted as concealed shower units for a discreet and elegant finish. Incite is available in a chrome colourway, while Intuition comes in a choice of chrome, matt black or brushed brass. Each model comes with a five-year guarantee, for full peace of mind.

Joe Brawn, head of product management for Elisa, commented, “Elisa has been an exciting journey for us to bring a bold vision to life. We have worked closely with our premium showroom customers and listened to installers and homeowners alike. We believe that the future of showering is not only powered by products that provide data to the user via digital technology, encouraging new routines to reduce showering times, but also products that are engineered to last. The serviceability of our showers provides homeowners with the opportunity to make a greater impact, and for the installer, the premium products they are proud to put their reputation to.”

For more information on the range, please visit: https://www.elisabathrooms.com/

Pricing and availability
For pricing and more information, please contact the Elisa Customer Support Team on 01959 560003.

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Scandic opens large new hotel in historic printing house in Helsinki

September 2, 2022

Today, Scandic Helsinki Hub opened its doors in the Finnish capital. Located in downtown Helsinki, the hotel is housed in an impressive 1920s printing house that has been transformed into a large 352-room hotel. Along with unique loft-style rooms, the hotel features inspiring event, meeting and coworking spaces along with a trattoria and bars. A gym, sauna, cold water bucket showers, and a yoga room are also included.

The principles of sustainable development have been the starting point for the hotel’s entire planning process. Many of the original elements have been preserved in the building and recycled materials such as plastic bottles and textile waste for furniture and carpets have been prioritized during procurement.

As at all Scandic hotels, sustainability is a central part of Scandic Helsinki Hub. The hotel is ecolabeled according to the Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s new, tough criteria where, among other things, ecolabeled products and chemicals and 100 percent renewable electricity, the absence of single-use disposables, reduced water consumption, a climate-friendly menu and reduced food waste formed the basis for certification.

Scandic Helsinki Hub is strategically located at the crossroads of downtown Helsinki and the charming Helsinki south district. Vestiges of the former printing house have been elegantly preserved in the design throughout the building, and guests can choose accommodations that offer a variety of special features and unique experiences, including rooms with a private terrace overlooking the hotel courtyard and junior suites with large corner windows. The rooms facing Annankatu Street also offer views of the verdant Old Church Park.

“We are delighted to open a new hotel during a period when we’re seeing good development in the Helsinki region where activity levels have returned at our hotels. Scandic Helsinki Hub is a splendid addition to our existing hotel portfolio in the capital as both domestic and intra-Nordic leisure and business travelers are back in our hotels.” says Aki Käyhkö, head of Scandic Hotels Finland.

Scandic Helsinki Hub offers flexible meeting, event and coworking spaces. For larger gatherings, there is also a multi-level space with a 16-meter LED wall for larger, more extravagant happenings.

“We want to be a hub where people from all around the world can meet and spark new ideas. We’re opening with a close to 100-strong international team and I’m extremely excited to welcome guests from all over to this fantastic hotel and extraordinary building.” says Outi Hanhijärvi, general manager of Scandic Helsinki Hub.

The hotel’s restaurant, Trattoria II Centro, features Italian cuisine along with a selection of vegan dishes made with authentic Italian ingredients. Guests can enjoy these delights on the hotel’s atmospheric glassed-in terrace or at the bar that opens onto the courtyard.

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Ideal Standard achieves RoSPA Gold achievement level

September 2, 2022

Ideal Standard, provider of design-driven bathroom solutions, is celebrating the win of its eighteenth RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Occupational Health & Safety Gold award and receiving RosPA’s prestigious Order of Distinction. The Order of Distinction is awarded to companies gaining RoSPA’s Gold Achievement Standard level for more than 15 consecutive years.

Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as being world-leaders in health and safety practice. Every year, nearly 2,000 entrants vie to achieve the highest possible accolade in what is the UK’s longest-running H&S industry awards.

The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest running of its kind in the UK, but it receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for health and safety worldwide.

Julia Small, RoSPA’s achievements director, said: “This is a fantastic and well-deserved accomplishment. All our award entrants demonstrate their unwavering commitment and passion for keeping people safe at work. By receiving this recognition Ideal Standard join like-minded businesses and organisations worldwide, who represent the very best in their approach to health and safety. I would like to add my personal thanks for all the work that it has taken to secure this well-deserved award-congratulations to all those involved, who champion and drive up Health and Safety standards every day.’’

“Currently, around 7 million people are directly impacted by the RoSPA Awards, but the scheme’s global influence is even wider – with nearly 2,000 organisations from 46 countries represented this year.”

Mike Kelly, HR director at Ideal Standard UK expressed his pride at the achievements, saying: “This incredible result is only possible with the commitment, teamwork and involvement of everyone. We have achieved the Order of Distinction once again for our continued efforts to maintain the high standards of the Gold level over consecutive years, something we all should, and must, be proud of. This RoSPA Award is a great recognition and confirmation of our continued improvement by an independent organisation – well done to everyone involved.”

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The Atto range from HiB offers the complete accessory solution

September 1, 2022

Designing a bathroom with the finer details in mind has never been easier, thanks to HiB’s collection of stylish accessories.

The Atto range, which features a series of products including robe hooks, toilet roll holders and towel rings, is available in chrome, black and brushed brass finishes. The range of options allows designers to create a space with the complete look in mind, ensuring that accessories can be matched with finishes across the wider interior, including complementing mirrors, cabinets and furniture.

Among the key products in the range is the Toilet Roll Holder with shelf and anti-slip mat, which offers a stylish yet practical solution to device storage in the space.

Discussing the range, HiB aales director Ash Chilver said: “Atto is a particular favourite among our customers because it offers people the chance to match their accessories to their desired scheme. Alternative finishes to chrome are becoming more popular and to be able to offer a complete range of bathroom accessories in brushed brass, is fantastic.”

For more information about the Atto range, visit the website.

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