Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Red Dot Award for D-Neo and White Tulip

April 1, 2022

The two complete bathroom series D-Neo and White Tulip plus the associated faucets have won this year’s Red Dot Award for Product Design. “All the products we entered in the competition won an award,” said Stephan Tahy, CEO Duravit AG, “which is a testament to the outstanding design work of our teams.”

In March 2021 Duravit first unveiled D-Neo – a complete bathroom range by Belgian designer Bertrand Lejoly – to the public. D-Neo stands out with its straight-lined and geometric forms. Thanks to the range’s attractive entry-level price, new target groups can enjoy Duravit products. The design series as a whole and the faucets in particular have already won the German Design Award.

With White Tulip, the French designer Philippe Starck has created a holistic bathroom collection. From bathtubs, washbasins and furniture, toilets and bidets, to matching mirrors and a complete collection of faucets, the exceptional form of all the components within the series echoes the organic silhouette of a tulip in bloom. The monolithic, free-standing ceramic washbasin is particularly eye-catching.

The Red Dot Award “Product Design”, which can trace its origins back to 1955, seeks out each year’s best products. True to the motto “in search of good design and innovation”, a jury – around 50 strong – evaluated the products individually as originals.

The expert committee only awards the internationally renowned quality seal to products with an impressively high design quality and that satisfy additional stringent evaluation criteria. These include degree of innovation, functionality, formal quality, ergonomics, and durability.

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PJH goes for gold!

April 1, 2022

Happy Birthday PJH, one of the UK’s largest KBB distributors is marking its 50^th Golden Anniversary of when the company was established back in 1972, by its founder, Peter J Hopkinson, whose ‘PJH’ legacy lives on today.

To engage all its partners in the celebration, PJH has unveiled a new 50^th Year Anniversary logo to remind customers, staff, suppliers and all of PJH’s partners, what a landmark achievement this is, and to highlight the importance of this historical company milestone.

Over the last fifty years, the industry has changed significantly and with it, PJH has grown, evolved and enjoyed enormous success in supplying and distributing products to the UK’s network of retailers, merchants and housebuilders.

It all began with Peter J Hopkinson, trading as ‘Hopkinsons Fourways’, who started off supplying the local plumbers of Bolton with plumbing fixtures, fittings and of course the famous ‘three-piece bathroom suite’ in an array of pastel colours (now back on-trend!). From this humble but ambitious beginning, the determination and clear vision of the company has seen PJH lead the way in distribution to become one of the UK’s largest suppliers and distributors of bathrooms, appliances, sinks and taps, as well as part of a global organisation.

Commented Richard George, CEO, PJH: “This is a fantastic achievement for our business which has changed considerably over the years. Turning 50 for any company is a marker worthy of note but for us, it highlights just how established, enduring and successful the business is within the KBB distribution sector.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support, efforts and energy of everyone who has played a part in this 50-year journey and on behalf of the company I would like to thank all the loyalty and dedication given to the business. We continue to have ambitious and exciting growth plans for the years ahead and we head forward knowing we are in the best place possible to chalk up another successful 50 years!”

For further information on PJH, visit www.pjh.uk , www.partners.pjh.uk or call, T: 0800 8 77 88 99.

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Demand for tradespeople up by 50% in just two years

March 31, 2022

New research from the find-a-tradesperson platform, Rated People, has revealed homeowner desire for home improvement went through the roof in 2021.

As nearly half (49%) of UK residents improved their homes in the last year, demand for tradespeople increased by 32%. Almost two in three tradespeople (62%) say last year was ‘the busiest year they’ve ever had’. In fact, compared to the start of the pandemic in 2020, demand for home improvement has gone up by 50%.

The findings are taken from a 2022 Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report, and the study shows that 77% of UK tradespeople experienced increased customer demand in 2021. Carpenters/joiners are the trade that’s reported to have experienced increased consumer demand the most, with almost nine in 10 (89%) saying demand went up in 2021.

While the surge in demand since the start of the pandemic brought huge opportunities for tradespeople, they’ve also been hit with a series of challenges – almost 9 out of 10 tradespeople (89%) say their costs increased in 2021, 84% experienced materials supply issues and just under half (44%) had workforce shortages. As a result, 4 in 5 tradespeople (83%) had to increase their prices and almost two thirds (62%) had to delay or cancel jobs.

This year, 9 out of 10 tradespeople (91%) expect their costs will increase, and 82% say they will need to put their prices up in 2022. 97% of builders and 89% of plasterers say they’re planning to increase their prices this year. And when looking at the top 10 trades most likely to charge higher prices, a minimum of 77% of each trade say they will need to put their prices up in 2022 to remain profitable.

Adrienne Minster, CEO of Rated People, commented: “The last two years have been challenging for many reasons, but it’s great to see just how much homeowner demand has increased for all things home improvement and renovation. The volume of work completed in 2021 is a testament to how well tradespeople and homeowners worked together, because in a COVID and post-Brexit landscape, material supply issues, cost increases and labour shortages affected home improvement work across the UK.”

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GROHE tackles plastic crisis with partner & customer help

March 31, 2022

Consumers increasingly want to contribute to the global fight against climate change by choosing a more sustainable lifestyle, with the support of eco-friendly product solutions.

In a representative study* conducted by YouGov on behalf of GROHE, 54% of respondents stated that
a new product should support them in saving plastic in their daily life – before saving waste (53%) and
energy (51%). Living spaces such as the kitchen is the focal point of consumers’ daily lives. Kitchen
studios and installers are in a unique position to support customers reduce their plastic usage by offering

GROHE, a global brand for complete bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, is offering its retail partners a product line suitably equipped to reduce end-users’ plastic footprint.

“We can only tackle this crisis together. As a brand of the LIXIL family, it is essential for GROHE to
ensure we protect the resources mother nature has given us. One organisation or brand alone cannot
achieve what needs to be done and so we want to enable consumers and partners alike to create a
more sustainable future together,” says Jonas Brennwald, Leader LIXIL EMENA and Co-CEO Grohe
AG.

“With innovative products like the GROHE Blue water system, we support our B2B partners in
joining us on this journey with an innovative, high-quality product portfolio that allows them and their
customers to make a real difference.”

Solutions with a direct impact
Products such as GROHE Blue offer a tangible solution for a more sustainable everyday life. In addition
to enabling consumers to avoid plastic bottles, GROHE supports the reduction of already existent plastic
waste. Since 2019, the brand has been joining forces with everwave, an environmental non-governmental organisation that uses innovative waste collection boats to collect plastic waste before it damages marine ecosystems.

As part of GROHE’s “Made for your water” campaign, consumers were given the chance to make a direct contribution towards a cleaner environment. For every GROHE Blue purchased between 1st August and 31st December 2021, GROHE and everwave committed to collecting one kilo of waste with the help of everwave’s “CollectiX” boat. Thanks to these contributions, the joint clean-up mission has removed a total of 30 tons of waste from the Bočac Reservoir in Bosnia and Herzegovina throughout February 2022 – this equals the weight of over one million 1.5l PET-bottles.

The collaboration with everwave is part of GROHE’s comprehensive sustainability efforts: It is one of
three important pillars of the brand’s Less Plastic Initiative which was launched in 2018. Besides offering
innovative water systems, such as GROHE Blue, the brand also works towards eliminating unnecessary
plastic in product packaging

Clemens Feigl, CEO & Co-Founder of everwave, explains: “GROHE’s ‘Made for your water’ campaign
highlights how to balance commercial and sustainability goals. We are proud to have a partner in
GROHE who shares our vision of a better, plastic-free future and with whom we can raise awareness
for the prevailing plastic crisis and drive concrete action. We are looking forward to many more projects
to come.”

The latest study by WWF anticipates the plastic waste mass in our oceans is to quadruple by 2050.

*Survey with 1.000 citizens from 7 European countries: Germany, Italy, Russia, France, The Netherlands,
Pictured L-R:

Image top and middle: The Bočac Reservoir in Bosnia and Herzegovina before, during and after the GROHE and everwave clean-up activity in February 2022

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Bette selected for Graduate Hotels’ reincarnation of Randolph Hotel

March 29, 2022

The recently launched, Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels in Oxford, has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment since its purchase by owner Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners, with Bette glazed titanium-steel shower trays featured in the hotel’s 151 rooms and suites.

The hotel joins the new Graduate Cambridge, to launch as the first UK hotels in the collection, which also includes 30 hotels in university cities across the United States.

An Oxford landmark in the heart of the city, the design details for the Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels include bold hues and architectural elements inspired by the hotel’s heritage, and locally inspired art which tells the stories of Oxford’s past.

The extensive renovation included all of the common spaces, the lobby and guest rooms, including a spa with treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.

The bathrooms feature BetteUltra shower trays from Bette. They are made from fully recyclable, durable and easy to clean glazed titanium steel. Available in a wide range of sizes from 700 x 700 mm to 2000 x 900 mm and 1800 x 1000 mm, they were selected in 14 different sizes to suit the individual bathrooms at the hotel.

The BetteUltra shower trays feature flush-mounted waste covers, are available in numerous colours and come with a 30-year warranty. They are pre-fitted with sound-insulating mats, to ensure more acoustic comfort when showering, and no additional work for installers. The BetteUltra shower trays at the Randolph were also selected with a Bette anti-slip surface.

Interior designer, Karen Van Eeden, director of Upperworth Studios comments:

“The refurbishment of the Grade II listed Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels in Oxford called for the guest bathrooms to be fully renovated. All bathrooms were changed to have walk-in showers instead of shower over baths. The team decided to use Bette shower trays due to their durability and high quality, important for any hotel specification. Although standardisation of sizes was our preferred choice, it helped that Bette shower trays come in so many different sizes, to suit every room type. Many thanks to Bette for continually providing great quality products.”

Bette_Shower_Tray_Graduate_hotels_Randolph

For further information on Bette: www.my-bette.com/en or telephone 0844 800 0547.

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Showerwall unveils new designs for 2022

March 29, 2022

Showerwall, designer and manufacturer of stylish wall panelling, has exclusively launched its latest collection of trend led designs for 2022, bringing its range to over 100 vibrant designs.

Reflecting the latest interior trends, its popular Laminate Collection includes four new marble designs, with each decor created to replicate organic materials. Also new is the Compact Collection, while the Acrylic range provides a unique offering with colour customisation available in a variety of colourways and solid coloured panels, which can be matched to a colour of choice.

The range draws inspiration from nature with delicate tiling details and some fun, funky and quirky designs. The range is also ideal for homeowners looking to create a sanctuary.

Taking inspiration from nature, Showerwall’s Acrylic Bromelia, Escape, Flower wall, Foliage, Plant Wall and Savannah prints create an outdoor haven indoors and Geometric designs, Deco tile, Grafito, Square Parquet, Starlight and Vertical Tile create a real wow-factor in the home. Finally, Showerwall has revealed its modern take on vintage designs with its Fern, Victorian Floral and Vintage China panel designs. Each of these designs come in a number of colours to ensure they complement a variety of styles and settings.

Showerwall also exclusively unveiled its new Compact Collection at the show, which is made from a strong solid composite material, embossed to create a tile effect wall. The range offers 3mm solid laminate panels that are quick and simple to fit and offer hygienic benefits as they are easy to clean and maintain.

The full Showerwall collection offers a comprehensive range of decors to suit all tastes, with panels available in sizes 600mm, 900mm and 1200/1220 x 2400/2440mm, backed by a guarantee of 30-years.

For further information visit: https://www.showerwall.co.uk/

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Utopia unveils show-stopping additions to its Roseberry Collection

March 29, 2022

Utopia has unveiled dramatic new additions to Roseberry, its premium solid timber range of fitted, freestanding and wall mounted bathroom furniture.

Key elements include luxurious curved timber units in both wall-mounted and freestanding configurations, designed to create a show-stopping centre piece, an extensive new collection of elegant washstands with authentic oak towel slats in multiple sizes and options, and an array of new freestanding vanity units with a choice of drawers or doors. Alongside this, a host of additional units has been added to the Roseberry fitted offering, including stunning curved unit options to provide an elegant end to a run of fitted units.

Complementing the new units is an extended choice of sit-on basins, new solid surface decors, new modern and traditional handles, and stylish brassware in chrome, matt black and brass options.

Designed to be sustainable and long-lasting, Roseberry is made from responsibly sourced timber and teamed with luxurious complementary materials.

Rich Shore, Utopia’s Head of Product Design, says, “Designing the expansion of an existing collection with such strong foundations was both challenging and liberating. Our new Roseberry 2022 collection needed to be fresh, bold and inspiring whilst sitting harmoniously with the existing collection and we strongly believe that is exactly what we have delivered.”

In eight paint shades, the new collection offers a truly comprehensive choice as the units are configurable to suit all tastes and styles, whether a light airy contemporary look or a twist on a traditional feel. The newly extended range of sizes also ensures that a Roseberry bathroom can be created in any room no matter what the shape or dimensions.

Commenting on the new Roseberry Collection, Helen Clark, Head of Marketing at Utopia, says “These strategic additions to Roseberry greatly increase the choice and versatility of this premium range. Alongside the inspired design, luxurious materials and quality craftsmanship, we have also paid careful attention to ease of installation as would be expected. In addition, attention to detail can be seen in such features as the craftsmanship of the curved units, the finish and quality of the solid timber, the silent and soft closing drawer box mechanism, the stylish Eton Oak internals and the new curved plinth detail. We are absolutely delighted to present this new collection and the feedback has already been absolutely overwhelming.”

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Coalbrook previews two new collections

March 29, 2022

Coalbrook, the newest brand from the UK bathroom distributor, Davroc, previewed its latest collections; Bank and Zurich, at kbb Birmingham 2022.

Following its inception in 2020 and the opening of its Clerkenwell showroom, The Market Building in 2021, kbb Birmingham represented its first exhibition as it showcased its Bank and Zurich collections.

Both collections include a selection of taps, deck and wall-mounted mixers and deck and freestanding bath fillers, and the Bank collection also includes shower products.

Bank products feature an engineering-inspired cross handle design whist the Zurich collection was inspired by the Cresta Run in St Moritz, where every twist and turn is precisely mapped and thought through. The Zurich collection which features well-crafted levers was created with the same attention to detail, in an ode to Swiss precision and high-quality design.

In addition to Coalbrook’s signature four finishes; chrome, gunmetal, brushed brass and brushed nickel, the Zurich and Bank collections include gloss white and gloss black ceramic handles. The Zurich collection also provides the option to mix and match finishes, so that a two-tone look can be achieved.

Chris Dodds, Managing Director at Davroc and Coalbrook says, “These new ranges have been many months in the pipeline and we are excited to finally unveil them.”

www.coalbrookuk.co.uk

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Aqualisa appoints Mat Norris as chief executive officer

March 29, 2022

British bathroom specialist Aqualisa has announced the appointment of Mat Norris as chief executive officer. As part of a planned succession, Mat will replace Colin Sykes, who has held the position since 2018. Colin will remain as a non-executive director and strategic advisor to the business until December, focusing on the company’s international expansion, at which point he will semi-retire and focus on other non-executive roles.

With an extensive career in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, Mat brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles at high-profile organisations including Ford Motor Company, Philips and most recently, ventilation firm Titon Holdings plc, where he served as UK CEO. Mat will work closely with Aqualisa chairman Kevin Sargeant, and will lead a senior management team of eight specialist executives who have been recruited over the last three years as part of the company’s transformation.

In this role, Mat has ambitious plans and will spearhead Aqualisa’s product expansion and innovation strategy. As pioneers of the smart digital shower, he will work with his team to continue Aqualisa’s focus on transforming the smart bathroom sector, creating the ultimate experience for homeowners and installers alike. As part of the company’s ‘Aqualisa H2.0’ strategy, this focus will accelerate a new purpose-driven ESG programme.

Other developments will include the extension of the firm’s product portfolio to incorporate a premium, channel-exclusive brassware series under a new brand. This multi-brand strategy will complement the Aqualisa and Gainsborough brands, and further strengthen the company’s ability to offer its customers differentiated product ranges.

Kevin Sargeant, chairman of Aqualisa, commented, “Mat’s vast expertise from within the manufacturing and technical engineering industries, combined with his significant leadership track record and visionary approach, positions him perfectly to accelerate Aqualisa to the next level in its journey of growth.”

Sargeant added, “I would like to thank Colin Sykes for his significant contribution to the business over the last five years, and for his ongoing commitment and support through this period of transition.”

Mat Norris said, “Aqualisa has a strong heritage of innovating shower technologies, and the team clearly takes great pride in ensuring our customers enjoy the ultimate showering experience. I am thrilled to be joining our 260 dedicated team members at such a pivotal chapter in the organisation’s history, and I look forward to working with the outstanding management team that Colin has established at Aqualisa. My mission is to accelerate our innovation strategy, while ensuring operational excellence and the agility to meet our long-term growth, profitability and sustainability objectives. I am also eager to continue to build upon the valued relationships we have developed with our loyal customer, client and installer network in the UK, and internationally.”

Mat holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Exeter, and takes a keen interest in cars, technology and home renovations. He and his family currently reside in Cavendish, Suffolk.

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House of Rohl showcases its four brands at kbb

March 28, 2022

House of Rohl used its impressive 180sqm stand to showcase its latest product innovations from its four brands: Perrin & Rowe, Victoria + Albert Baths, Riobel and Shaws of Darwen. Visitors were also treated to cupcakes and a glass of fizz in honour of Shaws of Darwen’s 125 Year Anniversary.

Highlights included the first presentation of Riobel’s contemporary brassware brand to a UK audience and V+A Baths second colour collaboration with Wallpaper.

Victoria + Albert Baths collaborated with Wallpaper on three new colour palettes that add resolve and calm to any interior. Chosen by Wallpaper* editor-in-chief Sarah Douglas, the latest palettes represent three different architecture styles of the 20th century: Belgian Minimalism, Brazilian Modernism and American

Emma Joyce, brand manager at Victoria + Albert Baths, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing this new trio of colour palettes with Wallpaper*. Colour is now an integral part of the modern-day bathroom, adding exuberance and joy to a space. We believe paying homage to popular architectural styles through colour is the perfect way to reflect the way that bathroom design is headed, to more considered and conscious design.”

The new colour palettes join over 200 existing RAL colours, which can be applied across any of Victoria + Albert Baths’ baths and basins, in a gloss or matt finish. The company says that its colour offering is continually growing due to strong demand for bespoke colour finishes and that these new tones will help consumers to create a bathroom to reflect their individual sense of style.

House of Rohl

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