Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Saniflo has announced the appointment of two new members of the commercial sales team. Matt Watson joined as national sales manager in March 2022 with a remit to develop sales of commercial pumps and lifting stations. He joined the company after 12 years at Honeywell in business development and sales management roles and a decade in the bathroom and plumbing sectors prior to that. He’s excited to bring this expertise to his new role at Saniflo;

“Saniflo tends to be better known for its smaller range of pumps and macerators, but actually has a huge range of products that are highly suitable for a wide range of commercial applications. I’m looking forward to raising awareness of these in a number industry sectors.”

Joining him in the commercial team is Trevor Davies, technical sales engineer who started his new role in January. Prior to joining Saniflo Trevor worked in the pump hire market where he had a dual sales and technical role, dealing with construction, utility and industrial companies. His role specifying pumps for applications such as drain or sewer over pumping, flood alleviation – and even water pumps for the log flume at a theme park – stands him in good stead for his new role at Saniflo. He will be covering the north of the country.

House of Rohl officially launches in mainland Europe

The House of Rohl will officially launch in mainland Europe at the International Bathroom Exhibition at Salone del Mobile Milano 2022.

House of Rohl is the new family name for established luxury bathroom and kitchen brands, Perrin & Rowe (brassware and sanitaryware), Victoria + Albert (baths and basins), Shaws (fireclay sinks) and new brassware brand, Riobel. House of Rohl’s collective expertise and support will help designers, architects, specifiers and consumers create their perfect bathroom and kitchen spaces.

David Cole, channel marketing manager EMEAA at House of Rohl stated: ‘The official European launch of House of Rohl is something we have been working towards for a long time and we are delighted to finally share it with the European design industry. The acquisition of these four brands places House of Rohl in a unique position at the top end of the market, acting as an industry authority on everything from sanitaryware and taps, to the latest bathroom and kitchen design trends. Most importantly, it brings the investment and long-term support that a Fortune 500-listed can offer to four extremely special artisan manufacturers and their customers.’

Taking a floor area of 200m²in Pavilion 22, the House of Rohl say its stand will feel like a luxury showroom dropped in from Via Montenapoleone or Bond Steet. Showcasing exciting new products from Perrin & Rowe and brilliant new colour palettes from Victoria + Albert, the stand will also launch Riobel into Europe.

Founded in French-speaking Quebec, Canada’s largest and most distinctive province, Riobel’s designs are inspired by this meeting place of cultures and ideas. Mario Bélisle, a plumber from a family of plumbers, wanted high performance taps that were easy to fit and easy to maintain.

The stand itself is a remarkable design, with large glass windows to resemble a fashionable boutique. Seven inspirational bathroom displays are on show, each combining the individual brands within the House of Rohl family. The four companies in the House of Rohl have their own heritage and independent spirit, but the different products seem to work together naturally. It makes it easy to specify a luxury bathroom.

RAK Ceramics unveils new global Design Hub in London

RAK Ceramics PJSC (Ticker: RAKCEC: Abu Dhabi), a leading global ceramics brand has announced the opening of its first global Design Hub in London.

Located at 100 St John Street, in the heart of London’s design quarter for designers, architects and developers, the RAK Ceramics Design Hub is reportedly one of the largest in the area, with 7,276 square feet over two floors.

The space allows visitors to explore design possibilities for their projects and showcases a wide range of RAK Ceramics bathroom ranges, kitchen taps, and brassware. The location also offers meeting facilities and a dedicated area showing the brand’s extensive range of tiles, including mega slabs, which can be used for cladding, tiling, surfacing, and as unique decorative pieces.

The RAK Ceramics Design Hub is an interactive and immersive environment designed to inspire creativity and includes a working kitchen display, working tap display, Virtual Worlds 4D Theatre and a Grab and Go sample area.

Abdallah Massaad, group CEO, RAK Ceramics said “London is the obvious choice to launch our first global Design Hub concept. The UK is an increasingly important market for RAK Ceramics, and London is home to many of the world’s leading designers, architects, and project specifiers. The RAK Ceramics Design Hub is a unique concept where the design community can experience the innovative possibilities of our products.”

Many signature products are displayed, including a new collection from world-renowned fashion designer ELIE SAAB along with products from designers Maurizio Scuttella, Debiasi & Sandri, and Patrick Nourget.

Commenting on the design hub concept, Leonardo De Muro, VP of marketing & communications, RAK Ceramics said: “The RAK Ceramics Design Hub is a unique concept in our retail portfolio which allows us to bring together the design community, showcase unique products, and create a brand experience that is both inspiring and informative.”

The official launch of the RAK Ceramics Design Hub took place on May 24, 2022, during the Clerkenwell Design Week. To celebrate its opening, designers Maurizio Scuttella, Federico Sandri, and Patrick Nourget hosted a series of special talks. 2022.

Commenting on the opening, Alvin Biggs, managing director, RAK Ceramics (UK), said: “We are proud that London has been selected as the location for RAK Ceramics’ first global Design Hub, and we look forward to welcoming the international design community to showcase RAK Ceramics’ global product innovations.”

Sento – VitrA’s Scandi style bathroom range is perfect for small and large bathroom spaces

Sento, the Scandinavian inspired bathroom range from VitrA Bathrooms, includes a striking Matt Fjord Green and a stylish Matt Grey finish. The new matt finishes complement existing matt palettes of Anthracite and White. The VitrA Sento range features delicately rounded profiles, with Oak accents in sizes and furniture combinations that can be tailored for small bathrooms and scaled up to suit the largest.

Sento furniture units can be mounted with or without oak legs, and there is the option to mount one of the storage units onto a stylish oak console table. Washbasin vanity units are available in different widths (50cm, 65cm, 80cm, 100cm) and a double washbasin unit (130cm). The washbasins have deep bowls, a large vanity area and back rim features. LED sensor lighting under the washbasin units adds to the feeling of space and creates a reassuring glow at night. Non-slip mats complement soft close drawers that fully extend in all drawers and glass shelves throughout the range. Stylish storage options include a tall unit, laundry unit, wall cabinet and mid unit.

In addition to the wall-hung WC, there are close-coupled and back-to-wall WC options. The slim WC seats and cistern lids add elegance and clean lines. WC pans with Rim-ex technology are available within the range, which helps prevent the spread of germs thanks to its easy to clean design.

VitrA Sento is available from Showrooms of Excellence.

For more information tel. 01235 750990 or visit www.VitrA.co.uk

RAK-Cloud: The multiple faces of design

May 26, 2022

RAK-Cloud from RAK Ceramics is a collaboration with Italian designer Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà that brings maximum comfort and luxurious styling to the modern bathroom.

RAK-Cloud is a range of back-to wall, or wall-hung sanitaryware, elegant freestanding bathtubs and washbasins, softly curved bowls or wall-hung solutions. While the RAK-Cloud WCs feature rimless technology for maximum hygiene and ease of cleaning, the washbasins, which include a beautifully elegant floorstanding piece, are available in two shades of white – Matt White or Glossy Alpine White.

A centrepiece of the collection is the RAK-Cloud freestanding bath, made of RAKSOLID, a durable material composed of a mixture of natural minerals and resins. The elegant matt white finish is pleasant to the touch and provides anti-slip safety, while the bath’s exterior can be chosen in White, Greige, Cappuccino, Grey and Black.

About Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà

Giuseppe Maurizio Scutellà was born in Alcamo, Sicily. An industrial designer focused on and sensitive to the entire range of significant design and artistic currents of the past century, his designs are technical and artistic at the same time. Taking both the “Form Follows Function” and the “Function Follows Form” approach to his work, he boasts a significant technical background. For 12 years he was a Senior Project Tech Designer of die-casting and plastic moulds and designed equipment and moulds for companies including Kawasaki, Ducati, Artemide and Mercedes. For Artemide, he designed his “Pirce” collection of lamps in 2008 (Good-design 2008, Red Dot Award 2009, IF Design Award 2010) and “Alcatraz” in 2011.

IFA under new dual leadership

In advance of IFA 2022, Messe Berlin has appointed David Ruetz and Kai Mangelberger as the new dual heads of IFA 2022. This team replaces the previous IFA leadership of Jens Heithecker and Dirk Koslowski.

“IFA will be even stronger when it returns in September. Our preparations are well underway. The market’s expectations are high. As the world’s leading trade fair for consumer and home electronics, we are ready to give the industry the right platform for reopening business“, said Martin Ecknig, CEO of Messe Berlin GmbH.

“With David Ruetz and Kai Mangelberger we have appointed a strong dual leadership, who together with the IFA team will successfully manage the countdown over the coming months.”

As head of ITB Berlin, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, David Ruetz has a broad knowledge of developing successful global B2B projects. As an experienced international communications expert, he has been in charge of ITB at Messe Berlin since 2002. During this period he contributed to transforming the trade show into a global brand. During the pandemic, ITB was successfully able to drive forward digitalisation, and ITB.com created a main platform for the global tourism community.

As Senior Vice President of IFA 2022, Mr Ruetz will be the main contact for the market’s key players. “I will be able to rely on the expertise of the IFA project team. My colleagues have been familiar with this market for many years and in the past have repeatedly shown that Messe Berlin knows how to do live events. Here in the capital, we are offering our international visitors a platform for good business, networking and a good overview of trends.”

David Ruetz will share the team leadership role with Kai Mangelberger, Director of IFA 2022. Mr Mangelberger has more than 20 years of expertise in managing events. During this time he supervised the leading transport technology trade fair InnoTrans, most recently as its deputy director, before last year taking over as head of FRUIT LOGISTICA, the leading trade fair for the global fruit trade. In April, FRUIT LOGISTICA successfully reopened for business after pausing due to the pandemic. As the first large international event to take place live, it brought exhibitors and trade visitors from over 130 countries back to the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

Virtual Worlds brings 4D Theatre to the UAE

Expanding its reach into global markets and introducing its innovative 4D design software systems to new territories, Virtual Worlds is now available in the UAE.

Led by Leigh Townley who has recently been promoted to Country Manager UAE and Northern Europe, the Virtual Worlds team will be meeting with showrooms and suppliers throughout the region to introduce them to the market-leading design technology

The company’s first steps into the UAE region will be at the Index exhibition, held from 24 to 26 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The index is the largest and most significant international interior and fit-out trade show in the MENA region and welcomes thousands of visitors annually. Visitors to the event can explore the possibilities of designing with Virtual Worlds with live demonstrations of the virtual reality software throughout the three days.

“Virtual Worlds has revolutionised the design, purchase and experience of buying kitchens and bathrooms in the UK and now we’re set to replicate this in the UAE market,” explains Managing Director Nathan Maclean.

“This is an exciting territory, with interiors retail witnessing strong growth and we are already very pleased with the interest that is being shown in Virtual Worlds technology by many showrooms.”

For more information on Virtual Worlds call +44 1908 663 848 or visit www.virtualworlds.co.uk

Lakes bolsters its board of directors with strategic new appointment

Lakes Showering Spaces has bolstered its board of directors with the appointment of Chris Thain, who takes up the role of supply chain director.

Chris brings a breadth of experience to the role having worked in various sectors throughout his career, including steel manufacturing, Amazon distribution and home improvement companies. He has also been instrumental in setting up supply chains in the far east in many of his roles. His most recent role before joining Lakes was for a food company, supplying food to the NHS.

“I am delighted to be joining Lakes at an exciting time for both the business and brand,” commented Chris. “Having met with the board of directors it was clear that they are very passionate about this company and really want to drive the brand forward over the next few years. There are some exciting initiatives planned that I am really looking forward to helping to implement with the rest of the team.”

In his previous roles, Chris has been responsible for end-to-end supply chain, from sourcing and purchasing raw materials right through to delivering finished goods to customers. In his new role at Lakes, Chris will also lead the development and introduction of all new products.

“Chris brings with him a diverse background of experience which means he comes to the table with a variety of different and valuable perspectives,” commented Bev Brown, Managing Director, Lakes. “It’s a great time for Chris to be joining the team and I am looking forward to working with him to drive our business forward.”

For Chris, one of his objectives in his new role is to develop and implement a sustainable supply chain strategy, something that is becoming increasingly important to customers.

“The customer is at the heart of every business decision I make,” continued Chris. “Ensuring the business has a sustainable supply chain that meets the demands of our customers both today and in the future is a primary focus for me moving forwards in my new role.”

Lakes is a leading manufacturer and supplier of showering spaces, including walk-ins and bath screens, selling exclusively through builders’ and plumbers’ merchants, and retail bathroom stockists.

Easy & accurate product planning with the new Bette Configurator

Bathroom product manufacturer, Bette, has added a new online product configurator to its website: my-bette.com/en to make the planning of its baths, washbasins, shower trays and shower floors easy and accurate. The configurator allows bathroom designers, installers and end customers to put together a product, add relevant accessories and view it from all sides in 3D in the desired colour.

Customers can choose from an enormous variety of bathroom products, dimensions, colours and equipment options using the new configurator, which can be found on each product page of the Bette website. It means that users can configure their product without having to worry about whether the selected features and accessories are appropriate, because the configurator only provides the options that are available and work together.

Individualisation

The user is shown which dimensions and colours can be selected, which accessories can be used, whether a Bette frame can be chosen and which sealing and installation systems fit. In the case of multi-part products, such as the BetteLux Shape bathtub, which sits within an exterior frame, the configurator allows the user to choose the colour of the bath and frame individually.

Once the configuration process is complete, the user receives a summary, including the final reference number, plus all features and selected accessories. The summary can be downloaded as a PDF, or sent by e-mail as a link, so that it can be shared for example with a retailer or designer. If the link is called up again at a later time, the configuration can also be edited again.

Benefits for bathroom designers, installers and end customers

For end customers, the new service means they can share their desired product configuration with their retailer, and this is made even easier as the retailer search facility is directly below the summary. Bathroom planners can tailor products on the screen for discussion with the customer, face to face. Installers can also benefit from the practical tool, as they can view and check possible product combinations. For example, the planning aid ensures that the correct fittings and installation systems are automatically preselected when the height of the finished floor is entered. Simple instructions on how to use the product configurator can be found at www.my-bette.com/en/service/configurator

Sven Rensinghoff, Head of Marketing & Product Management says: “The idea was to develop a tool with which bathroom products can be configured easily, accurately and quickly – without a lot of scrolling and without a lot of text. Bathroom planners, installers and end customers can quickly find the perfect product thanks to the intuitive controls. And for Bette, it’s another important building block in the digitalisation of our sales.”

For more information see my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

United Water Label launches primary school project to celebrate Water Saving Week

May 24, 2022

The Unified Water Label Association has launched a school project to celebrate Water Saving Week (23- 27 May).

A pilot project was run in two primary schools in Kent, earlier this year, with the results and feedback from this shaping the school’s pack, which will be available to download from the UWLA website, from 06 June.

The project pack includes templates and information to guide schools through their own project. Activities such as water-themed tasks, including a fun water survey that children can do at home. There is guidance on how to bring the results back to class, record and discuss. All tasks have been designed to link into the National Curriculum.

A short PowerPoint presentation on the origins of water is also available. This covers how water is used, and wasted with an explanation of the ‘Water Label’.

The pilot project also included a poster competition for Key Stage 2 pupils, with a theme of ‘saving water’. Prizes were awarded to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd places and all entries received a free UWLA water bottle. The winning posters are displayed in local shops and businesses.

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill said, “It is really important that we reach hearts and minds on water efficiency as early as possible. The school project will encourage children to learn about environmental issues and to think about the consequences of their choices and behaviours. By developing a greater understanding of the need to use water wisely and the link between water and energy efficiency, we can collectively make a difference for the benefit of the planet.”