M2M View 01 Fixed Panel in brushed nickel with grey glass by West One Bathrooms
M2M by The Shower Lab is a dedicated fully customised service available to all retailers and installers.
The unique service is offered with any product in the View Collection. Consumers can choose the shower space, style, colour and configuration of their dreams, leaving The Shower Lab to customise and create, whatever the demands, limitations of space, peculiarities of size or general constraints.
Common requirements include shower spaces for small bathrooms and constricted areas, oversized enclosures and solutions for larger areas, recesses, steam rooms, sloping ceilings, floor-to-ceiling configurations, steam rooms, uneven floors and ceilings, notches, and half-height walls.
All of the M2M By The Shower Lab shower spaces come with a 2-year Installation Warranty as standard.
The Shower Lab Bespoke 3-D printer
Pictured top: M2M View 05 in black with clear glass by Aqua Bathrooms
The British bathroom world was very different 30 years ago when Levent Giray and his team brought VitrA to the UK. According to VitrA it was one of the first European manufacturers to break into the market – which was dominated by British names – thanks to its quality manufacturing, strength in domestic market leadership and innovative production capabilities.
When VitrA entered the UK market in the early 1990s, the company already had 30 years of experience in ceramic manufacturing, ten years of experience in brassware manufacturing, and an enviable portfolio of products.
While VitrA brought new design styles into the UK, products were always produced according to UK plumbing systems. VitrA also designed products explicitly suited to the British market, such as the Chelsea and Chartwell ranges. The company was also one of the first non-British manufacturers to become a member of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, reflecting its sense of duty to the UK industry.
VitrA says appearances at shows such as ISH and Interbuild, showing innovative, quality products, won VitrA support early on among independent retailers. Ranges like VitrA’s Riva, Pluto, and Berwick are still remembered by retailers who built their business on these and other ranges. VitrA has played a key role in pivotal bathroom design developments, including wall-hung pans, which the brand has manufactured since the late 1980s.
VitrA also claims to be one of the first to introduce an affordable, good-looking shower toilet option into the UK market. Not only is the popular V-Care shower toilet priced incredibly competitively, but it’s also virtually indistinguishable from a regular wall-hung toilet.
VitrA has always had a strong focus on innovation. In the early days, according to the brand, it brand pioneered advanced manufacturing technology, including the integration of CAD software. In 2011, VitrA opened the Innovation Centre. This state-of-the-art research and development centre produces and trials new products and technologies for international markets, specifically for the UK market, considering the UK demands for plumbing, water variations and space requirements. Several unique solutions, such as VitrA Rim-ex rimless technology and VitrA Hygiene ceramic glaze, have originated from the Innovation
Continuous investment over the thirty years allowed VitrA to lead manufacturing processes and remain hugely flexible in logistics and supply. In the UK, this was enhanced by building relationships with the strongest British distributors – early on with Scorpion and later Barwick and Davroc.
Over the years, VitrA has worked hard to build retailer relationships and introduce the brand to the British public. VitrA started the Showrooms of Excellence programme in the late 1990s, which continues today as an integral part of the sales strategy. These longstanding and effective partnerships form a network of retail experts that keep VitrA close to the marketplace. Building on the success of the retail market, VitrA started to supply to the commercial market over 20 years ago. Within the first five years, the company won the contract for the new Heathrow T5 terminal and created the K basins specifically for this project. VitrA has also nurtured relationships within the hospitality sector, including IHG & Hilton, leveraging the company’s global presence.
VitrA has also built longstanding relationships with architects, developers and housebuilders in the residential contracts market. In the early 2000s, VitrA started working with Urban Splash on projects including Moho, designed by shedkm, and Chips, designed by Will Alsop. Recent residential projects for VitrA include The Cocoa Works apartments by Latimer and the Phoenix apartments by Capital and Centric.
VitrA has developed a reputation for outstanding design. In the early 2000s, VitrA launched a collaboration with Welsh designer Ross Lovegrove.
Levent Giray, retiring Managing Director (end of July 2022), says, “It is fair to say we have come a long way in three decades. Brands pre-eminent when we arrived have largely disappeared. Internet sales and the IoT are pervasive, with companies interacting directly with consumers in ways unimaginable back then. The future is exciting. Leaving VitrA after 30 years is bittersweet, but in the skilful hands of Steve Breen and the team, I know that VitrA will continue to build on its reputation for good design, high-quality products and top customer service.”
Managing Director Steve Breen says, “I’m delighted to be leading VitrA through this next chapter. VitrA is in fantastic shape with a great team of staff and management. The foundations built over 30 years mean we are well placed for the next 30.”
Ideal Standard has been recognised by the international Red Dot Awards for Product Design 2022 collecting four awards, for three ranges in Ideal Standard’s Atelier Collections and the new Ceraplan iX mixer.
The first of these products, Joy Neo, is Ideal Standard’s most recent addition to Atelier Collections – a classic yet contemporary range of taps. Available in two different finishes, a variety of models and two handle styles, Joy Neo encourages creative expression.
Next to be recognised by the judges was the Linda-X collection – a timeless and elegant range of basins, vessels and a bathtub, celebrating the iconic Linda collection first launched in 1977. The fine, curved lines of the Linda-X range are achieved with Diamatec®, an innovative material that pushes the boundaries of ceramics to offer thin, yet extremely strong and durable pieces.
The Atelier Collections striking Tipo-Z basin was the third product to be awarded. Carefully sculpted as a single, fluent piece of fine ceramic, this unique washbasin features a monolithic silhouette and smooth flowing surfaces, making it an elegant standout feature in any bathroom.
All three collections have been designed in partnership with Italian design studio Palomba Serafini Associati.
Ideal Standard’s innovative hybrid basin mixers, Ceraplan iX, also won an award – taking the total to four. The tap’s advanced technology combines the flexibility and control of a single lever basin mixer with the hygiene and water-saving benefits of a touchless tap. Specifically designed to bring no-touch technology to residential homes and the hospitality sector, the Ceraplan iX collection achieves a beautiful balance of innovative technology and stylish design, answering the needs of modern life. The new range was exclusively showcased at this year’s Salone del Mobile in Milan and will launch later in 2022.
Jan-Peter Tewes, Joint-CEO at Ideal Standard, said: “We are delighted that Ideal Standard’s design excellence has once again been recognised by Red Dot. Our Atelier Collections, in particular, are aimed at fostering the process of creation by bringing together high-performance technology and innovative design to enable the realisation of timeless projects.
“It’s an honour that our products impressed such esteemed judges and to win four awards is an exceptional achievement.”
The popular selling Kstone slip resistant tray range, manufactured by Kudos, is now available in a slate grey colour. This new range, with matt black waste available to order, comes in 40 model options, which includes rectangular, square, quadrant and offset quadrant shapes in multiple sizes.
Kudos Kstone trays are a slim design at only 45mm high and have a structured resin bonded stone filler for increased stability. The Slip Resistant (SR) models feature the latest development in surface material which exceeds all EU standards for barefoot bathing. The SR properties are embedded in the material, rather than a coating on the surface, meaning it can not be removed and is comfortable to stand on. These options are now available in both white and slate grey models.
Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbrian facility since 1999. Their portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.
Please call on 01539 564040, email to marketing@kudosshowers.co.uk or visit their website at kudosshowers.co.uk.
VitrA, a leading bathroom manufacturer, has expanded its sales team with two more members of staff.
Anne-Marie Newman joins as a contracts manager for the Southeast and London region. Responsible for the residential and new-build sector, Anne-Marie brings a wealth of experience having worked for Vado for nine years in a similar role.
“My brief is to drive sales whilst providing the top customer service VitrA is so well known for. I am really looking forward to learning about the VitrA brand and culture and being part of a growing team.”
Scott Anderson joins VitrA as sales manager for Scotland. Scott brings over 20 years’ experience of the bathroom industry including several years with Villeroy & Boch.
“I have always been impressed by VitrA’s products and service. It’s great to now be part of a growing, design-led brand. “
Darren Paxford, national sales manager for VitrA. “Attracting such experienced team members to the VitrA family is key to supporting our reputation. I am delighted that Anne-Marie and Scott have joined us. VitrA is celebrating 30 years of success in the UK this year, I am sure they will be part of the success for the next thirty.”
In recent years, the boom in staycations here in the UK has revolutionized the tourism sector and the more unusual the accommodation and the location, the more de rigeur the venue becomes. Many need a pumped waste solution and Saniflo has supplied a range of products for glamping pods, cabins, caravans, boats, campsites, festival venues and portable WC and shower cabins.
Recently, Saniflo provided a number of Sanibest Pro macerators and a Sanifos 280 lifting station to Hampshire- based MDL Marinas – a multi-service leisure business running marinas, boatyards and holiday centres in the South of England – for its new marine lodges overlooking the stunning Badnam Creek on the River Hamble.
The challenge for pontoon supplier, Intermarine and lodge manufacturer, Trojan Timber, was to work out the most efficient waste discharge from the bathrooms and kitchens with least possible disruption to customers and marina staff. Pumps were always going to be needed in the lodges themselves, but collection and storage was the biggest stumbling block and ideas such as manual collection with a waste trolley or a separate floating tank were considered but rejected.
Saniflo was approached by Tony Goodman of Trojan Timber for advice and a technical engineer from the company visited the site to meet the stakeholders, assess the options and present a workable solution. This was in the shape of a Sanibest Pro macerator fitted in the bathroom of each lodge and a Sanifos underground lifting station to collect and pump away the waste to a landside drain.
Waste is discharged through a pipe out of each lodge which connects to a run of pipe installed under the service cover along the main pontoon. This then runs for 20m to meet an adjacent jetty where a Sanifos 280 lifting station, built in to an anti-corrosion black metal box, is installed out of sight under the edge. It is activated when a certain fill point is reached and the waste is then pumped into discharge pipes under the water, up the wall of the quay and across to the mains drain.
Karl Decaux, from pontoon supplier, Intermarine, was delighted that the solution recommended by Saniflo enabled the waste to be discharged landside;
“Thanks to the innovative method of connecting the Sanibest Pros into the Sanifos, the whole waste discharge process happens automatically and makes use of the mains drains on the site and that means no manual emptying – a real bonus. We couldn’t be any more impressed with the support we received from Saniflo and there are plans to add more lodges in future. We will know from the outset how to plan the drainage using their recommendations.”
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.
When designing a bathroom it can often be difficult to integrate and harmonise products when specifying from multiple manufacturers. This can be even more challenging if including more specialist items such as a shower toilet, a statement piece, or even those ever-desirable pops of colour. One way to combat this issue is to source from manufacturers that offer a wide range of options in terms of style, material and colour.
In this feature, we look at the latest designs to reach the market and consider ways to create a mighty yet empathetic composition, without compromising choice.
Queuing up colour
Colour has always been a potent part of the design toolkit, whether used for accenting or fashioning a statement. Selection requires careful consideration, however, as too much visual weight is startling and may be difficult to coordinate cross-brand.
Adam Teal – head of sales at Kaldewei UK, agrees, “The concept of colour in the bathroom continues to be a growing trend, and when creating a dream bathroom, it’s all in the detail. Often interior designers will focus on a key element and work the design around this – it may be a colour or specific product such as a statement freestanding bath.
“Creating this perfect space is a little like compiling a jigsaw – you must search for the key pieces but when it all comes together the result is spectacular. “
Kaldewei has an extensive portfolio of over 600 shower surfaces, bathtubs, and washbasins, in a wide coordinated colour palette, including a range of dark and warm grey tones, classic shades and numerous variants of warm beige.
Sitting pretty
Utopia’s deck-mounted basins
Countertop or deck-mounted basins deliver cat-walk style and are an enduring consumer favourite. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, architects and designers can choose from sharp, angular designs to delicately rounded shapes to suit any style. If selecting a statement design, early coordination of the basin with brassware and furniture will help establish a style and colour hierarchy.
Helen Clark, head of marketing for Utopia, comments: “From humble origins the basin is now one of the stars of the bathroom. Statement sit-on styles are currently hugely popular in all shapes, sizes and colours with suitably dramatic complementary brassware.”
As a key part of its recent product launch, Utopia has increased the number of deck-mounted basin solutions to give consumers more choices in shape, colour and finish. Utopia also offers a range of furniture options that go hand-in-hand with its basins.
Time for recess
Acquabella recessed basins: Infinity 2 in Arabba
Recessed basins deliver a more practical, streamlined look and can be selected in muted shades to pair beautifully with similar desaturated shower trays and statement baths. The generous basin size and integrated towel rails and storage units sit well with this leading trend. Recessed basins are also easy to clean thanks to their large surface area and lack of joints.
Belén Lopez, marketing manager for Acquabella, tells us: “A trend that has been consolidated and will continue to grow is use of extra-large basins for the bathroom to maximize the room’s functionality. Statement basins stand out for their smooth and rounded edges, following the trend of curved lines that is so popular in interior design.”
Selecting a recessed basin also means two basins can be incorporated without compromising space.
Lopez agrees: “For an even more striking look, to take the area to the next level, include two identical washbasins instead of one. In addition to the possibility of sharing the space, the symmetrical effect is stunning.”
Acquabella also offers a selection of countertop basins, baths and shower trays and delivers stylish design options to suit a variety of layouts and styles. Acquabella delivers a huge choice of shapes, colours and design options in this range to help with blending.
Clean and fresh
i.life
Shower toilets are growing in popularity in the UK and are desirable for future-proofing and hygiene. No longer big and bulky, manufacturers are delivering chic, innovative styling that complements most bathroom schemes. If combined with a traditional bathroom, a partition or accent wall to help nullify the contrast.
VitrA’s V-Care Prime is sleek, compact, and available in wall-hung and back-to-wall models. Designed in collaboration with Arik Levy, V-Care Prime combines a standard WC’s functionality with a bidet’s personal cleaning properties and integrates the latest bathroom technology. VitrA also offers an extensive range of complementary sanitaryware and furniture.
Ombre days
House of Rohl
Creating a statement using a more subtle colour means your selection cooperates without causing collateral damage. The trend for an ombre effect within the home lets designers build in the wow factor whilst retaining a minimalist scheme. An ombre-painted wall works well with clean white sanitaryware, whilst ombre furnishings will play nicely with neighbouring components thanks to its finespun nature.
Emma Joyce, House of Rohl brand manager for bathrooms, agrees: “With interiors trends changing all the time, many of us are looking for new and unusual ways to transform our interiors with a stylish and eye-catching aesthetic. The trend for ombre-effect in the home is particularly on-trend right now and is a great way to experiment and inject colour into an interior.”
Victoria + Albert has recently developed the stunning new ombre-effect Amiata bath and basin designs in collaboration with 2LG Studio. Each piece provides a standout statement to any interior scheme.
Although this design is, for now, a one-off, Victoria & Albert baths are available in over 200 RAL colours, in both matt and gloss finishes, responding to increasing demand for personalisation in the bathroom.
House of RohlAmiata basin with ombre House of Rohl
For the latest kitchen design features – visit Kitchens Review
Victoria + Albert Baths have recently developed the stunning new ombre-effect Amiata bath and basin designs in collaboration with 2LG Studio. Each piece provides a standout statement to any interior scheme. Working effortlessly within both bold and minimalist interiors, these outstanding designs offer the utmost in a statement design.
This Victoria + Albert Amiata bath with a blue ‘ombre’ effect was created especially for the WOW!House exhibition at the Design Centre in Chelsea by designers Russell Whitehead and Jordan Cluroe of 2LG Studio.
Part of their ‘Cave of Wonders’ theme, the aim was to create a magical sanctuary away from the stress of modern life. Although this design is, for now, a one-off, Victoria + Albert baths are available in over 200 RAL colours, in both matt and gloss finishes, responding to increasing demand for personalisation in the bathroom.
Homeowners can select from a large and small single lever pillar tap, a discreet and elegant wall mixer tap, and a stunning free-standing bath filler with shower attachment.
All models are offered in a choice of classic chrome, brushed brass or a matt black finish with an on-trend, minimalist profile that adds a touch of understated luxury.
Antonella taps are manufactured from high-quality brass and feature easy-to-clean surfaces. Each tap delivers ultra-smooth movement and precise water flow control, and comes with a matching pop-up waste.
Furthermore, Antonella taps are effortless to install, and are suitable for high pressure and combi systems. Every model is backed by a five year guarantee from the premium British bathroom manufacturer, and the full range complies with Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) criteria for quality*.
The Antonella collection will be available from premier bathroom showrooms from the end of July 2022. For pricing and more information, showroom partners can contact the Elisa Customer Support Team on 01959 560003.
Kaldewei tell us as a brand with a strong ethical and ecological conscience, and a pioneer in the field of sustainability it continues to search for ways to improve and expand its offering. We take a look at how the sanitaryware and shower tray manufacturer successfully builds Luxability into its collections.
Bluemint steel
As of last year, Kaldewei use Bluemint steel, to manufacture its sanitaryware which reduces its carbon output by 70 percent. The change in the manufacturing process does not alter the quality of its products as Kaldewei still produces luxurious, sustainable bathroom solutions; which has coined the term Luxtainable – a perfect example of how the highest standards of sustainability, quality and aesthetics can merge flawlessly into exciting and desirable products.
Sustainable design
Sustainability is a key to Kaldewei, but elegant design and trendsetting style are equally as significant. Colour is an important feature in the bathroom and as such Kaldewei offer a bi-coloured baths variant in three of their freestanding bathtub models: Centro Duo Oval, Conoduo and Ellipso Duo Oval. These produce a dramatic impact within the bathing area and are available in alpine white, alpine white matt, black gloss, and lava black matt – providing an eye-catching combination for today’s modern bathroom.
Kaldewei baths – available in a range of colours
The importance of colour
In fact, Kaldewei has an extensive portfolio of over 600 shower surfaces, bathtubs, and washbasins, in a wide coordinated colour palette, including a range of dark and warm grey tones, classic shades and numerous variants of warm beige. All of which enables Kaldewei to provide perfectly coordinated solutions for projects large or small, including those moments that demand a bold pop of colour. The elegant lines and bold jewel tones provided by the Miena washbowl may be just what you need to bring a bathroom to life!
