Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

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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Thomas Crapper expands facilities as business grows

September 1, 2022

Recent growth in business, people and product portfolios has led to a £100k investment which includes a new 850 sqm warehouse in Huddersfield. Administration facilities have also been expanded to house the expanded administration teams and services.

Paul Dwyer, Thomas Crapper’s Managing Director, comments, “We are delighted with our progressive development over the past few years. The Thomas Crapper brand is synonymous with quality and style – and is equally loved by designers, installers and homeowners. We have expanded our facilities so that our customer service levels remain at optimum levels.”

For further information on the Thomas Crapper range, please visit www.thomas-crapper.com.

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Kudos Showers strengthens customer service team

September 1, 2022

Gemma Burns has joined the team at Kudos Showers as Customer Service Manager. She brings many years of customer facing experience to the position from a variety of different industries, which has helped her settle quickly into the role.

“I was looking for a role that utlised my sales and service skills and the Customer Services Manager position at Kudos suits me perfectly. It’s an exciting time to join the business, the company is thriving and we have lots of exciting products being launched. I have had some fantastic support from peers since I joined; I am enjoying a great team culture at Kudos.” Said Gemma.

Gemma is based at the Kudos facility in Holme, Cumbria and reports to Head of Finance for the business, David Jones, who adds; “Gemma has had a really positive impact on the team at Kudos, her dedication to customer services is there to be seen. In her short tenure we have recieved a wealth of positive feedback from our customers for the quality of her customer care and her friendly, calm approach. We wish her all the best in this position.”

Kudos was established as a UK manufacturer of shower products in 1999. Their product portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens and wet-room solutions sold via bathroom showrooms and merchants across the UK. Check them out at kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk or gemma.burns@kudosshowers.co.uk

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Yvonne Orgill to take part in ‘Valuing water and energy savings’ workshop

September 1, 2022

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill will participate in an online workshop, hosted by The European Energy Network and ADENE, the Portuguese Energy Agency.

The EU Sustainable Energy Week partner event takes place on September 27^th from 11.30-13.00. It will be based on the preliminary results of the European survey and study, which is still ongoing, by the European Energy Network (EnR), designed to understand consumers’ needs, motivations and willingness to choose labelled water use products, fixtures and equipment.

Yvonne says, “I am delighted to be part of this important European event that provides an opportunity to discuss and explore how labelling schemes can improve water-energy performance in the taps and showers market.

“The need to conserve water and energy has become more critical in the current climate emergency and unstable energy security contexts.

“Water efficiency is key if we are to adapt to water scarcity, which is increasing given the drought conditions that affect more than 50% of the European territory (according to the latest map of the Combined Drought Indicator 47% of the EU territory is in Warning conditions and 17% is in Alert conditions). At the same time, energy savings have become even more important, not only due to the fundamental carbon neutrality commitments to respond to climate change as urgently as possible, but also to address the geopolitical context of the war in Europe and energy security.

“This is a conversation that can no longer be ignored, and I would urge everyone to contribute to the survey, and work together to take action and facilitate change.”

Participation in the online workshop is Free, the registration form is available here

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Bathroom adaptation for form and function

August 30, 2022

Today we talk to Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, about the need to include accessible design as standard.

Much of our existing housing stock is woefully inadequate for an ageing population. Millions of homes have steps to the entrance, and few have an accessible downstairs toilet. Even parents trying to navigate a pram through a household will experience challenges.

While I believe the accessible, adaptable design standard set out in Building Regulations should be a mandatory baseline for all new homes, the home improvement sector needs to be ready to adapt and retrofit to meet our changing needs.

Most people want to live in their homes for as long as possible, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that most adaptations are made in the bathroom when mobility challenges arise. Changes to the WC are the most common, where the seat and height require adjustment with the addition of a grab rail. And while we have traditionally been a nation of bathers, level-access shower adaptations are a mainstay of any bathroom redesign.

However, redesigning bathrooms to meet changing needs does not mean abandoning attractive design. Yes, the adaptation must meet the user’s basic requirements to continue daily living activities, but we at the Bathroom Manufacturers Association firmly believe that form and function are achievable outcomes. Bathroom manufacturers’ in-depth knowledge of adaptations means that products are functional but also desirable and luxurious.

Most people are proud of their homes, designing them in line with their personalities and design tastes, so why stop when mobility challenges arise? Even small changes to a bathroom can make a world of difference and enable people to spend later life in their homes, avoiding disrupting and upsetting potential moves into residential care.

Specifiers, designers and retailers should know that creating accessible bathrooms is not a niche endeavour. And as the population ages, it will become more commonplace. There is an opportunity for us all to challenge the idea that functional equals ugly or utilitarian.

For those looking to make adaptations, the first port of call is often the means-tested Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). Not all applications to this fund are successful, however. According to the Independent Review of the Disabled Facilities Grant, around a quarter drop out because they have to contribute to the costs.

We want to see the DFG easily accessible to those in need and provide more choices to the end-user. After all, it’s a win-win outcome whereby people can stay in their own well-designed homes for longer while avoiding the rising costs associated with residential or hospital care.

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Wilsonart UK appoints new product manager

August 30, 2022

Wilsonart UK, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-pressure laminate surfaces, has appointed Chris Johnson into the role of Product Manager, as it looks to bolster the value proposition of its leading range of bathroom panels.

With a career spanning 14 years in product and category management across the building products industry, Chris will be responsible for the development of the business’s long-term product strategy with the aim of solidifying the Mermaid brand’s status as the number one choice among bathroom installers.

Providing a vital link between sales and manufacturing, Chris’s role will also see him manage product lifecycles and channel strategy as the Mermaid brand looks to build on the early success of its flagship Elite range.

Since starting his career as Assistant Product Manager at Howdens in 2006, Chris has worked in similar roles at Travis Perkins, Saint-Gobain Weber UK and most recently Plumbase, where he was Plumbing Category Manager for five years.

On joining Wilsonart, Chris said: “Having spent much of my career on the distribution side of the supply chain, I’m excited to bring an in-depth understanding of the installer market into my new role with one of the industry’s best manufacturers. I was already familiar with the Mermaid brand and its products having worked closely with the business during my time at Travis Perkins, so am looking forward to building on this by maximising the value we can offer to our customers.

“In our Elite range, we have a shower panel solution which has a legitimate USP in its 100% waterproof core, which gives us some really solid foundations from which we can build our product strategy.”

Chris’s appointment comes soon after Mermaid joined the Made in Britain membership campaign as the brand looks to support retailers and installers alike with a growing range of products manufactured here in the UK.

Neil Horton, Sales Director at Wilsonart, added: “Our decision to appoint Chris into the role of Product Manager puts us in a fantastic position to maximise our appear to bathroom installers with an unrivalled product range. Chris’s knowledge of the market and understanding of what installers need from their products will be a real asset to our business we push to grow our market share.”

For more information about Wilsonart UK and the complete spectrum of bathroom surfaces available, or to order a sample, visit www.wilsonart.co.uk.

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