With almost half of European Union land currently under a drought warning or a more severe “alert” level, water efficiency can no longer be ignored, says UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill.
“Our water efficiency message has never been more critical,” says Yvonne. “This week the European Commission confirmed that the continued drought is hampering agriculture, energy production and water supplies across Europe.
“With more extreme hot weather predicted, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a heat-health alert for this week, and hosepipe bans have come into effect in parts of England from three Water Authorities, with more set to follow.
“People have to start taking on board our message to use water wisely, if we are to have any impact and reduce the hardship that will result from severe water shortages.
“We hope that people can now see that the dangers of warming our planet are no longer something distant, it’s here and now and affecting every region in the world.
“The Unified Water Label, is a smart tool which can help us make the necessary changes. When it is displayed on products it clearly identifies how much water and energy each product uses, prompting consumers to make more informed choices.
“Innovation in our industry has delivered products that use less water and energy, without any loss of performance, making it easier for consumers to make environmentally friendly choices.
“The Unified Water Label Association is committed to driving home the water efficiency message, encouraging everyone in the supply chain to support us by highlighting the label and the products that carry it, to ensure more of these products are used in the home.
“We would urge all of our European partners to support the Unified Water Label, so that we can help consumers understand the issues around water scarcity, the link with energy and carbon emissions, and collectively make a positive difference.”
Those interested in finding out how they can become involved by supporting the UWLA or joining our campaign can find out more by visiting the website www.uwla.eu
RAK Ceramics showcased RAK-Valet in collaboration with French designer Patrick Norguetduring CDW 2023.
The new collection includes washbasins and accessories and was available to view at RAK Ceramics Design Hub, located at 100 St John Street, in the heart of London’s design quarter. Created for designers, architects and developers, it is one of the largest in the area, with 7,276 square feet over two floors.
RAK-Valet goes well with some of the most successful collections proposed by RAK Ceramics, such as their brand-new bathroom fittings and RAK-Joy Uno mirrors.
The RAK-Valet collection is composed of functional elements – available in matt and glossy finishes – that serve as veritable valets and hand us the objects of our daily wellbeing via functional surfaces and stylistic solutions of great visual impact: decorative forms with slender profiles for the washbasin.
Norguet puts on stage a dialogue between light and shadow, between volumes and lines, between elements, forms and materials. A delicate balance that is never disrupted, as each element becomes functional to the user in this ongoing, harmonious exchange. Everything is in the service of the person who experiences the space, everything centres around the dialogue, bearing witness to something magical and unique.
The collection is rounded off by a rich choice of accessories, such as legs and towel holders made of metal, or the practical but extremely elegant ceramic surfaces also designed by Patrick Norguet.
About Patrick Norguet
After completing his design studies at the ESDI, Norgguet was commissioned to design the display windows of two major players in the luxury industry: Yves Saint-Laurent and Louis Vuitton. From these experiences, he gained an understanding of brand identity and the way of showcasing it. Designing Renault’s event stands helped him to hone and apply his synthesis skills to ephemeral architectures.
In 2000, his Rainbow Chair, noticed and produced by Giulio Cappellini, gave him visibility that quickly spread thanks to the international media. He then opened his studio in Paris. His early furniture collections for Bernhardt, Artifort, Offect, Capdell or the French companies Alki and Tolix validated and established his presence at international shows. In 2010, designing one McDonald’s restaurant in France gradually led to a collaboration with McDonald’s Global.
Patrick Norguet has become an emblematic figure of French design. Alias, Arflex, Artemide, Cassina, Emu, Ethimo, Glass Italia, Kristalia, Lea Ceramica, Pedrali, de Padova, and Tacchini quickly recognized his talent and authority and fully involved him in the production process and strives to create long-lasting collections.
Leadingbathroom manufacturer, Ideal Standard, has expanded its range of built-in thermostatic shower valves.
The new Ceratherm Navigo® collection includes Navigo® technology so water flow and temperature can be precisely adjusted and levels can be pre-set for optimum comfort.
Round or square options
Available in square and round variations, the shower mixers complement Ideal Standard’s wider offering and feature four finishes: chrome, magnetic grey, silver storm and brushed gold. The slim 10mm faceplate has discreet shower option symbols located on the control knobs.
Ideal Standard’s Singular™ approach means there are also a number of matching Idealrain shower accessories available, including rain showers, hand sprays, hoses and wall fixations for a complete end result.
Built-in safety features
Ceratherm Navigo® also features a temperature safety feature that automatically adjusts the flow of hot or cold water if pressure spikes or is lost. Meanwhile, the Cool Body technology works like a protective shield, keeping the controls and body cool to the touch despite the interior flow of hot water.
Energy-saving cartridge
Ceratherm Navigo® is powered by Ideal Standard’s Firmaflow Therm® cartridge. Extremely durable, this ceramic cartridge disc ensures target temperatures are reached quickly and lasts twice as long as the industry standard. The cartridge also saves on energy consumption and helps to limit the amount of water dispensed without compromising on performance.
Easy installation
Ceratherm Navigo® is straightforward to install thanks to Ideal Standard’s improved and re-designed built-in unit, the Easy-Box. Compatible with any Ideal Standard built-in shower mixer, Easy-Box simplifies the installation process and eliminates the need for specific tools.
Ashley Smith, residential brassware at Ideal Standard International NV at Ideal Standard, said: “The Ceratherm Navigo® collection has been expertly designed with industry leading technology on the inside and a sleek design on the outside.
“With Ceratherm Navigo®, end-users will be able to control and customise temperature and water flow with ease, whilst the minimalist look and variation of finishes make it perfect for any bathroom.”
After a three-year absence, the Kinedo van is out on the road again following requests to attend roadshows and trade mornings at plumbers’ merchants and retail showrooms up and down the country.
Kinedo, part of the SFA Group, is one of the leading shower brands in Europe with a comprehensive range of shower cubicles, enclosures and trays. The company has taken the opportunity over the last year to refurbish the van and kit it out with the latest products, so customers and sales teams at the merchants and showrooms are fully up to date with the Kinedo brand. This includes a range of shower trays such as the Kinemoon, the Kinerock Evo and the Kineline – all of which are manufactured to resemble natural stone. The popular black crittal all-in-one shower cubicle, the Brooklyn Factory, is fully assembled and installed in the van along with the Smart Design and Fast 2000 enclosures. The flexible ranges include sliding and pivot doors, single panels and folding panels – examples of which are on display.
The first of a number of road shows took place in Pochins in Long Eaton, Nottingham. As Kinedo is sister brand to Saniflo, the merchant requested a dual demonstration of both brands to maximise the opportunity. Several displays, including a working set up of two macerators, were showcased to the public and during the day the whole of the merchant sales team was able to take advantage of full product training from the Saniflo team members present. Pochins reported increased sales of all manufacturers’ products that attended the event, as well as increased product knowledge of the depot team.
Ann Boardman, Head of Marketing and Product Development, oversaw the renovation of the van and is very happy to see it back out on the road;
“It’s been a long 3 years since our team headed out on the road with the show van and they are really enjoying the face-to-face contact at these trade days.
Any retail showroom or merchant interested in booking the show van for a trade morning (or day) can check availability by emailing: Annette.moore@saniflo.co.uk “
Neoperl introduced FSG on/off flow controls to tap and shower manufacturers in 2018, they are valves that allow for a simple open/closed water flow operation at the press of a button. Their latest development, the FSG D8 Volume Control (VC), now offers an intuitive push on/off control plus variable adjustment by the rotation of the knob to control the flow rate.
Tap and shower manufacturers across the globe can now choose to insert Neoperl’s high-grade FSG controls into their products. They can be fitted into a tap or shower or behind the wall plates that control them, and the activation is smooth whatever the line pressure. The valves function on a purely mechanical and hydraulic basis so they require neither a power connection nor battery for operation.
The components are made of stainless steel and engineering plastics that can withstand high thermal and mechanical loads and as such meet international hygiene standards as well as important mechanical requirements for their use in taps. All models are marked with Neoperl’s manufacturer code 7880 and a series number.
This latest additional feature in the VC model, allowing for a variable flow rate, enables the manufacturer to utilise the function across a wider variety of applications. It assists manufacturers in offering a much simpler, minimalistic control to the user and it’s forecast to facilitate a revolution in tap and shower controls.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that the iconic five-star luxury establishment Park Hyatt Milano opens its doors today after two years of extensively reimagining its spaces, while staying true to the property’s unmatched, historic character.
Strategically positioned in the heart of Milano, the exclusive hotel and its recent enhancements provide the perfect backdrop to discover authentic Italian luxury. The 106 guestrooms and 25 suites, as well as the common spaces, have been preserved to reflect the property’s historical identity. Elements of contemporary design combined with classic interiors in a delicate and neutral palette evoke a feeling of understated Milanese elegance, delivering guests a refined, home-away-from-home.
Sustainability aspects came into play during the restoration of the building’s foundations – while equipping the house with new water pipes and modern air conditioning units as well as focusing on FSC® certified materials for many of the refurbishments.
“The reinvented atmosphere of the new Park Hyatt Milano combines well-beloved and unexpected touches to a deeply personal, luxury offering,” said Monique Dekker, area vice president, Hyatt. “Being able to make such an investment during a critical time for the hospitality industry is reassuring and, I know our team in Milan is thrilled to host local and international guests again.”
The reopened AQVAM Spa – which features a Turkish bath, multifunctional showers, and a jacuzzi bath adorned with an intricate gold mosaic – offers a selection of treatments utilizing the 111SKIN treatment line. The urban wellness oasis and the gym, equipped with latest generation Technogym equipment, round out the property’s refreshed offering.
In the bathrooms, elegant medici pebbles on the floors and marble vanities combined with hand-blown glass light fixtures represent a traditional interpretation of Italian luxury. Among others, artwork from Stefano Meriggi, Matteo Boato and Luca Brandi adorn the rooms.
The four Terrace Suites, the Presidential Suite and the Duomo Suite with their unbeatable panoramic terraces each overlook the city skyline. Warm-toned durmast oak parquet and original light travertine marble from Breccia Mdicea quarries reference the neutral color palette of the Duomo of Milan and are used for the custom furnishings designed by Venetian Uno Contract.
Park Hyatt Milano’s common areas have been revisited with great attention to detail. Located next to La Cupola and illuminated by the natural light coming from the nearly 30-foot-high (nine-meter-high) glass dome, the new fine dining restaurant Pellico 3 Milano attracts both travelers and locals. With its unique culinary experience, the menu sources ingredients and taps into the culinary traditions of France, Spain, Greece and Italy to awaken all five senses while respecting each product and its unique seasonality. The bright space, designed by architect Flaviano Capriotti, features a color palette inspired by the ingredients: warm chestnut brown, urchin yellow, a cool artichoke green with orange and purple tying in pumpkin and saffron. The ceiling and floor reflect the magic of the sky and the productive capacity of the earth, setting the perfect scene for Chef Guido Paternollo’s haute cuisine.
The term “Hyatt” is used in the release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
Acquabella’s Miowa countertop. is a stunning product which received great interest at Salone in June. The simplicity of the design makes it a style statement, which Acquabella say, carries more weight than other more flamboyant or extravagant products.
The pure white countertop is made from Acquabella’s unique soft-to-touch Dolotek anti-bacterial surface and comes with a practical integrated towel rail. Miowa conveniently comes in four different sizes (810, 910, 1010 and 1210 mm wide) to deliver consumers flexible options.
Pictured: Moon mirror 80 cm, price £ 595, Moiwa countertop 121×46 cm, price £ 820, Show furniture 80 x 42 x 29.5 cm, price £ 105
We’ve heard plenty about the importance of ergonomics when it comes to working from home and sitting at a desk, but how vital is it in other areas of the home? GROHE looks at the topic and offers advice on how to build longevity into your bathroom design.
With an increasingly ageing population [1], and a growing need to be more sustainable when it comes to updating our homes, there are a number of key considerations for the future when it comes to designing a new bathroom, advises leading global bathroom and kitchen manufacturer, GROHE.
“There is immense opportunity to future-proof homes when designing bathrooms. Whether we are considering long-term solutions for ourselves or creating a space on behalf of an elderly family member, there are clever ways to add additional comfort and safety without relinquishing a sense of independence or personal style,” says Elina Enqvist-Twomey, Leader, Product Management UK, LIXIL EMENA.
The bathroom is a vital room within the home, not only offering daily hygiene but also a space for wellness and relaxation. In a shower study conducted in 2020, we found that 58% of respondents use the shower as a method to relieve tension and stress, with another 40% noting that they use the bathroom as their ‘me-time’ to escape external hustle and bustle and life’s stresses. The shower is a place where independence and personal dignity is essential, therefore accessibility and ease of functionality is a pivotal design consideration for now and for the future.
Essential Independence The bathroom is a vital room within the home, not only offering daily hygiene but also a space for wellness and relaxation. In a shower study conducted in 2020, we found that 58% of respondents use the shower as a method to relieve tension and stress, with another 40% noting that they use the bathroom as their ‘me-time’ to escape external hustle and bustle and life’s stresses. The shower is a place where independence and personal dignity is essential, therefore accessibility and ease of functionality is a pivotal design consideration for now and for the future.
Designed with ease of functionality and flexibility in mind, GROHE provides complete user control with the SmartControl shower system. The innovative system is controlled by push, turn buttons, allowing users of all capabilities to easily control the system, resulting in showering independence. The push-buttons provide a clear, substantial surface to interactive with, while the ProGrip handle is comfortable and secure to twist with ease.
Wellness and personalised design are also covered with the initiative system, with the SmartControl system available in a range of models and finishes, from statement golds to traditional chrome, to concealed and exposed fittings.
Forward planning The topic of shower toilets and support with personal care is one that is often postponed until it’s an essential requirement, with the installation often resulting in a large expense and invasive renovation work. However, cleansing with water is an age-old tradition that is still favoured in many parts of the world, and as modern society begins to recognise the benefits of shower toilets, there’s an opportunity to plan ahead.
Alongside personalised cleansing features, drying functions and a near self-cleaning system, shower toilets such as the GROHE Sensia Arena also offer eco-conscious credentials by significantly reducing the use of toilet paper.
The GROHE Sensia Arena is available with an automatic flush option and precise motion sensors, which prompt the lid to automatically open upon approaching and close when users leave, helping to improve both hygiene and ease of function, allowing individuals of all ages and capabilities to use the bathroom independently.
If installing a shower toilet without an essential need isn’t a viable option, there’s still scope to plan for the future. With GROHE’s Rapid SLX 3in1 flush frame for Wall Hung WCs, installing a shower toilet at a later date has never been easier. Designed specially to cater to future-planning, the Rapid SLX features a built-in electric socket and water connection ready for shower toilet installations, limiting the need for invasion renovation work.
The system is also equipped with various technologies, including GROHE Whisper which prevents sound travelling through walls making it an ideal choice for households where someone may be waking up numerous times throughout the night.
Easy functionality While we’re no strangers to seeing touchless taps within public spaces, they’re few and far between when it comes to residential homes. However, touchless taps are a great design addition with a consideration to the future, while also offering eco-friendly credentials and slim profiles for compact spaces.
Without a lever to manoeuvre, infra-red taps allow users of all capabilities and ages to use the tap and bathroom independently, while the sensor-activated system also supports with water saving, as the water is only dispensed when truly needed. The motion sensor means the water flow will also switch off automatically after the set time period, eliminating the risk of leaving taps running. The touchless interaction also offers additional hygiene measures by reducing the spread of germs throughout the home, providing a clean and healthy environment for all.
GROHE’s BauCosmopolitan E infra-red mixer tap combines desirable minimalistic design with ergonomically comfortable features for long-term use. The mixer’s body is made from durable composite polymer, which is approved for drinking water, and as the touchless technology uses low-energy electronics the batteries can last up to seven years. Finished in GROHE StarLight chrome and offering a sleek profile, the touchless design also makes cleaning and maintenance simple.
Family-run, independent online tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles has expanded its comprehensive portfolio with every range from handmade and reclaimed artisan tiles supplier Bert & May. This new collaboration means Hyperion Tiles now has access to all their new and existing collections for homeowners, designers, architects and specifiers.
Richard Skeoch, director at Hyperion Tiles, explains: “Our new Bert & May tiles collections enable us to provide you with even more opportunities to add individual character to any home design. From encaustic cement and reclaimed to glazed and terracotta tiles, there are distinctive colour ways, materials, styles and patterns or plains to suit your project.
“Our new Bert & May tiles offer all sorts of applications, from kitchen flooring and splashbacks to bathroom floors and walls and this versatility is matched by their super-stylish designs.”
Led by the trend for minimalism, one such tiles application could be a wet room. So, if you want to create a spa-like showering experience, tiling will form an integral part of your design. Showcased here are four examples where Bert & May tiles have featured striking designs to create individual statement wet rooms.
A recent flurry of appointments to the Kinedo sales team has culminated in the appointment of William Willcox to cover the North of England and Scotland.
William joined the business in April and quickly hit the ground running adding a number of new display showrooms in his territory to showcase the Kinedo brand of shower cubicles, enclosures and trays. His former experience as general manager of Smedbo, the upmarket Scandinavia bathroom accessories manufacturer, helped him with these early successes and stand him in good stead to develop the market further.
William is looking forward to developing a greater showroom base in the region and creating greater awareness and sales of the range of products;
“I am really impressed by the Kinedo products and looking forward to expanding the network of showrooms even wider. Those I’ve worked with so far really understand the benefits of the Kinedo range for their customers and appreciate the quality of the products. “
