European bathroom manufacturer Coram Group has announced the appointment of Peter Huizing as its new CEO. The Group’s strong brand portfolio includes Impey, Sealskin, Duka, Geesa, Tiger and Coram Showers. Huizing will focus on sustained international brand growth and integration, advancing the ‘One Coram’ strategy.
Peter Huizing, 53, has more than 20 years of leadership experience at international level with FMCG companies, such as Heineken, Diageo, The Coca-Cola Company, Sodiaal and Friesland/Campina.
An international leader, with experience across four continents, Huizing’s role with Coram will focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. Renowned for his goal-oriented, pragmatic, and empathetic leadership approach, combined with global engagement experience Huizing will work with the Group’s senior leadership teams to take the business to the next level.
Coram has offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the UK, Poland, and Norway, and has gained high regard as a market leader in the design and production of shower glass, enclosures, wetrooms and bathroom accessories. The Group’s UK manufacturing facility in the Midlands is the home of market-leader Impey wetrooms and a recent high-profile launch of Sealskin duka enclosures has proved to be a huge hit with the high-end bathroom design market.
Steve Huntly, managing director, Coram UK: “Peter is a seasoned leader putting the customer at the core of everything we do as a business. With an engaging approach Peter has demonstrated tangible results at the heart of his career. We are very excited to work with him on this next phase of innovation and brand development, continuing to create a shared culture within Coram and elevating our brands within the UK marketplace and beyond.”
Peter Huizing, incoming CEO at Coram: “I very much look forward to working with the team at Coram to further shape Coram’s growth. It is a company with a long history, strong family values and a wonderful and relevant brand portfolio. I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion in the areas of people, brands, innovation, design and international expansion, to further build Coram.”
The Unified Water Label Association has urged the industry to respond to a government consultation on introducing compulsory water labelling for fittings and water-using appliances sold across the UK, by reinforcing their commitment to the Unified Water Label.
UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill says, “Whilst we welcome the government’s commitment to reducing water waste, we do not believe that a mandatory label imposed by Government is the best solution.
“We do not consider it necessary or cost effective to develop a new labelling system when one is already in place. The Unified Water Label that has been identified within the ISO Standard 31600:2022 as best practice, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (DEFRA), has stated in the consultation document that their approach is based on this standard.
“The Unified Water Label is robust, already established and growing. It is supported by the industry and has gained significant traction over the last twelve months, with retailers and merchants giving it greater visibility. It is the only label worldwide that covers 14 differing product categories. The database includes 14,000 individual products, which is regularly accessed by 10,000 architects and specifiers. The label has also been used on 150,000 building or refurbishment projects internationally.
“We believe that a mandatory label will be significantly more expensive for the industry than a voluntary one and that a mandatory system will take away the flexibility that the industry now has to operate a system that meets their needs. They will also be exposed to an enforcement body that will have the power to impose sanctions, under the proposed mandatory scheme.
“We are asking the members and supporters to work with us for the benefit of the industry, and respond before the consultation closes in three months’ time on 25 November.
“The consultation policy document can be found here.”
Sustano is Duravit’s first recyclable DuraSolid® Nature shower tray. The shower trays feature a flat, rimless design for installation flush with the floor in conjunction with the integrated, flush outlet cover, they also come in a wide range of dimensions.
Additionally, the range has an attractive entry-level price and is offered in six colours making it especially suited to renovation projects.
DuraSolid® Nature
Created from recyclable mineral material, DuraSolid® Nature is low weight, adaptable and easy to cut on the construction site. The UV-resistant tray also has anti-slip properties built in to the matt surface versions.
As it is easy to install it is ideal for renovation projects where every millimeter matters in the installation of shower trays. With their extremely low installation height of just 30 mm, the self-supporting Sustano shower trays enable flush-mounted installation even in renovation projects with a low floor height.
Alternatively, they can be installed in floor-mounted or semi-recessed applications. Sustano boasts flexibility since 100 mm can be removed from each side of each shower tray, even on the construction site, making it simple to modify when necessary. Their low weight makes the Sustano trays easy to handle on the construction site, allowing them to be installed by one person.
Sustano shower trays are made from DuraSolid® Nature and have high surface hardness and density, making them durable and comparatively impervious to damage or soiling. A soft cloth with warm water or standard cleaning agent is all that is needed for cleaning.
The porefree surface creates a pleasantly warm, appealing feeling on the skin. The versions in matt colours feature a velvety surface, with a somewhat smoother surface feel than the glossy colours. The flat, easy-to-clean outlet cover with a lattice structure in the same colour as the shower tray integrates into the trays unobtrusively, in both visual and tactile terms. The cover is also optionally available in stainless steel.
Maximum safety and accessibility
The material’s special surface texture means that Sustano shower trays with a matt surface attain anti-slip class C with no additional coating. This is the highest classification for wet (barefoot) areas, like shower rooms, and thus guarantees maximum safety.
The surface of the glossy White variant is comparable to Duravit’s acrylic shower trays. The 1200 x 1200 mm flush-mounted Sustano model is also suitable for accessible bathrooms, even for wheelchair uses.
Versatile design options
The Sustano can be installed flush with the floor, semi-recessed, or on the floor tiles depending on structural factors and personal preference. The flush-mounted application is particularly impressive, as it lends itself to a seamless spaciousness. The elegant, calm design language of the shower tray is perfectly attuned to the contemporary bathroom.
Featuring 21 sizes, the ideal solution can be found for almost any new-build or renovation project. With five attractive matt colours – White Matt, Matt Crème, Matt Light Gray, Matt Greige, and Matt Dark Gray as well as a glossy White, Sustano offers a range of options to match the colour scheme of any bathroom.
Sustainable, recyclable material Duravit is mindful of the responsibility it bears when it comes to the environment, its employees, and future generations. A complete bathroom solutions provider, Duravit is committed to treating resources with respect and supplying products that are especially long-lasting and sustainable. “We live and breathe sustainability along our value-creation chain, with a clear focus on the four dimensions of water, resources, climate, and social commitment.
“Our actions – in all strategic areas – are being reviewed and optimized from the perspective of sustainability,” said CEO Stephan Tahy.
Thanks to their low weight, Sustano shower trays are lighter to transport, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Even more important is the material’s durability and recyclability following the usage phase.
After the end of their useful life, Sustano shower trays made from DuraSolid® Nature can be returned either to Duravit or to a local recycling center to keep within the life-cycle principle. The recycled materials can be reused to manufacture new shower trays or can be applied to industrial use, e.g. the manufacture of pivot bearings.
The Valesso Fitted Furniture range from Bathrooms to Love, one of the brand’s best selling furniture collections, has introduced a new finish to its family of fitted units; a bold new MATT INDIGO BLUE colourway.
Joining the current Valesso range which includes three high gloss finishes (Onyx Grey Gloss, Pearl Grey Gloss and White Gloss), this new inky blue matt option is a welcome addition to the range offering Bathrooms to Love stockists another on-trend choice to entice the consumer. What’s more, it satisfies the growing popularity of the use of the many shades of blue in contemporary bathroom design.
A fitted furniture range, Valesso features an integrated handle, which when combined with a flush fitted arrangement of both floor and wall units, boasts a clean, streamlined and extremely slick look. The tactile super matt tones of the Indigo Blue finish complete the design, pairing up perfectly with bright white ceramics and brushed brass taps and accessories.
Available in a range of standard and space-saving slim units (222mm reduced depth), offering plenty of flexible storage solutions, the Valesso Indigo Blue range includes Basin, Drawer, Tall, Wall, Base WC, Toilet Roll and Mirrored units. All come complete with Hettich soft-close door and drawer fittings, and are colour coordinated throughout.
All base units can be teamed with a range of worktops from the Bathrooms to Love collection, available in wide choice of stylish finishes, such as this slim White Slate High Pressure Laminate (12mm thick). The bathroom specialist also offers a large choice of complementing ceramics, such as the Amyris semi-recessed basin and back-to-wall WC, as shown.
Proud to be ‘Made in the UK’, the stunning new Valesso Fitted Furniture range in Matt Indigo Blue, is manufactured to a high specification so comes complete with a 5-year Guarantee.
For further information or to order this range, contact Bathrooms to Love at PJH on Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99; or visit www.partners.pjh.uk.
Carbon neutral Dekton® is suitable for any areas which require surfacing – from walls, floors and ceilings, to wash basins, worktops and splashbacks – offering limitless interior and exterior design options.
The latest collection from its leading ultra-compact brand has been designed alongside international interior design powerhouse, Nina Magon, creating a one-of-a-kind surfacing collection.
Inspired by marble patterns and immersive living, the stunning series showcases eight daring and luxe colours: Awake, Lucid, Somnia, Neural, Trance, Vigil, Daze and Morpheus, which embody sustainability, forward-thinking innovations, and timeless elegance. Onirika represents a powerful journey where boundaries between dreams and reality become blurred.
Dekton Somnia
Nina Magon said of the creation of Dekton® Onirika, “When working with the product development team, we realised we’re not attempting to mimic any existing natural stone. With Dekton technology, we are able to create our own colours and structures, bringing to life something that is unique, beautiful and irreplaceable. The purpose of Onirika is to showcase the versatility of Dekton. We want all designers, architects, and people around the world to see that the product is not only a book matched worktop with a waterfall, but can also be used on walls, ceilings, facades, outdoor spaces, and more”
Dekton Lucid
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, such as floors, wall and furniture cladding, kitchen and bathroom worktops and splashbacks, shower trays and washbasins. Available in various thicknesses and large format slabs, Dekton® is the perfect solution for any home project.
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
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.”
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.
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.comwww.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
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.
