Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Grand Designs Live celebrates innovations at Birmingham’s NEC

September 6, 2024

Grand Designs Live, a UK home design and innovation exhibition, returns to NEC Birmingham from October 2nd to 6th, 2024, marking the 25th anniversary of the iconic Grand Designs TV show. This milestone event promises an inspiring showcase of design excellence across four key sectors: build, kitchens and bathrooms, gardens, and interiors, featuring expert-led talks and exhibitions.

Highlights include the “Grand House,” an immersive, eco-conscious home that demonstrates the latest in low-carbon and renewable technologies. Visitors will explore beautifully designed rooms by leading architects, showcasing sustainable materials and innovations for green living.

Key attractions include:

Iconic Builds: A special feature on famous Grand Designs houses over the past 25 years.
Live Talks: Insights from industry experts, including renowned host Kevin McCloud.
Ask an Expert: One-on-one consultations with specialists in architecture, construction, and interior design.
Sustainability Showcase: Featuring cutting-edge exhibitors like REVR Pty Ltd (electric vehicle retrofits), bioMATTERS (eco-conscious tiles), and Mill (innovative food waste recycling).

Kia UK, the event’s major sponsor, will present its award-winning electric vehicles, further highlighting the event’s focus on design and sustainability.

Grand Designs Live 2024 offers professionals and enthusiasts a wealth of ideas and solutions for eco-friendly, future-proof homes. For more information, visit the official website.

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New Saniwall Pro Up Style with stylish panels

September 5, 2024

Saniflo has expanded its Saniwall Pro Up range with a new model, bringing the lineup to three core options: glass, tiles, and wall panels.

The new Saniwall Pro Up Style features two contemporary panel designs in grey concrete or Carrera marble patterns to complement any bathroom décor. These panels are stylish and practical, lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. Constructed with a polyethylene core and two aluminium layers, they offer a robust blend of flexibility and strength. Installation is straightforward with no preparatory work needed, and the panels are fully waterproof. For maintenance, the panels provide excellent access: the bottom panel slides out after removing the WC pan, and the top panel pops out after removing the flush button.

The Saniwall Pro Up Style is a concealed unit ideal for bathrooms or shower rooms where gravity-fed plumbing is impractical or costly. Its innovative frame supports all types of wall-hung WCs and incorporates Grohe cistern technology. The unit includes a macerator pump with a dual flush system, capable of pumping waste up to five metres vertically and 100 metres horizontally. It also features four inlets for a complete shower room installation and adjustable feet for varying pan heights. The unit comes with an extended five-year warranty.

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Pennsylvania Dutch farmhouse undergoes timeless transformation

September 5, 2024

A simple bathroom has been transformed into a tranquil haven within a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch farmhouse. It blends historic charm with modern luxury and is an inspiring example for bathroom designers.

Owned by a prominent American set designer with decades of scenic design experience, the interior reflects the artistry found in theatre production. The owner’s career highlights include work at the Metropolitan Opera and a Tony Award nomination for the musical “Grey Gardens” in 2007. The farmhouse, dating back to 1814, is a stunning representation of Pennsylvania German architecture, originally featuring three rooms per floor – a layout evocative of Andrew Wyeth’s paintings, with Wyeth himself having lived just 50 minutes away.

Over 17 years, the home has been carefully renovated to blend historic integrity with modern comforts. A two-storey extension added a spacious reception area and a luxurious first-floor bathroom, marking the home’s evolution from a weekend retreat to a permanent residence. With a focus on maintaining the home’s architectural heritage, a working fireplace visible from the bathtub creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, a feature bathroom designers may wish to explore in their own projects.

In collaboration with Joe Hammes of Red Oak Restorations, careful attention was paid to the proportions and layout of the extension. Material choices were equally thoughtful, with White Oak used for both ceiling and flooring, harmonising with the original structure. An antique Pennsylvania Day Bed was sourced, echoing William Morris’s Arts and Crafts movement, and placed before the fireplace to enhance the room’s rustic character. Plates depicting Richard Wagner opera scenes were also incorporated, adding personal flair – a nod to the owner’s passion for theatre. These were originally purchased from the Bayreuth Festival’s gift shop in the late 19th century.

Large Italian tiles were chosen for the shower, offering a grout-free, low-maintenance alternative to marble while maintaining the aesthetic balance between tradition and modern functionality. The trim was painted using Fine Paints of Europe’s Watermark to further enhance the room’s period-appropriate appearance. At the same time, Farrow and Ball’s James’ White Estate Emulsion was selected for the walls.

The bath, vanity, and brassware were sourced from Drummonds, reflecting the owner’s fondness for historic English plumbing. A polished cast iron bath, reminiscent of antique pewter, and solid Drummonds taps and shower mixers were chosen for their durability and timeless design – a perfect choice for designers seeking a combination of elegance and authenticity.

This remarkable renovation, a collaboration between the owner and skilled craftspeople, showcases how period homes can be sympathetically updated to provide luxurious, modern living spaces. It serves as a source of inspiration for designers aiming to create bathrooms that are both functional and steeped in historical character.

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HiB announces key promotions in the National Sales Team

September 5, 2024

HiB has announced the promotion of two key team members, marking an exciting new chapter in its national sales strategy.

Steve Wortley has been promoted to the position of national sales manager. Having dedicated over 14 years to HiB, Steve previously served as the regional sales manager for the North. Steve will manage the area sales managers and lead the Installations and Sales Administration teams in his new role.

Steve commented on his promotion: “I have been a part of the company for over 14 years, and it is truly rewarding to now represent HiB as national sales manager. This is an exciting time to be part of HiB, especially with the launch of the new sanitaryware earlier this year and more product releases planned for the autumn launch. I am looking forward to seeing what this new role brings and helping the company achieve even greater success in the future.”

With the company’s presence expanding across the UK due to a growing customer base, HiB has created a new role to support their key retail partners. Richard Chmiel has been promoted to the newly created role of National Key Account Manager. Richard, who has been with HiB since April 2017, was the Regional Sales Manager for the South before his new appointment. In his new position, Richard will focus entirely on managing HiB’s National Accounts and Buying Groups, ensuring that key retail business partners continue to receive the highest level of service and support.

Richard discusses his new role, stating: “I am grateful for this opportunity to continue developing our key retail business partners as part of my new role at HiB. The company’s commitment to design, innovation, and customer service is exceptional and with some exciting new developments in the pipeline, I am excited to start working with my new account base.”

These promotions are testament to HiB’s culture of developing talent and enhancing its leadership team. As the company continues to grow and innovate within the bathroom industry, HiB has made these two key appointments to help drive its future growth plans and is confident that both Steve and Richard will contribute significantly to the company’s ongoing success.

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VitrA showcases Rameshwari Jonnalagedda 3D printed ceramics at LDF 2024

September 5, 2024

Bathroom brand VitrA is presenting the Minimal Matter project, created by up-and-coming designer Rameshwari Jonnalagedda, at this year’s London Design Festival. Hosted in VitrA’s Clerkenwell showroom, Rameshwari’s innovative exhibition explores the potential of minimal surfaces in providing adaptive and forward-thinking solutions within the built environment.

The Minimal Matter project delves into geometries that enhance structural efficiency while minimising material usage. By experimenting with minimal surfaces through 3D printing, Rameshwari aims to demonstrate how these forms can fulfil a wide range of architectural requirements. The exhibition will feature a collection of 3D printed ceramic pieces at VitrA’s showroom, showcasing prototypes of minimal surfaces with diverse geometric configurations.

Minimal surfaces are characterised by their high surface area-to-volume ratio and inherent cellular structures. These features offer lightweight yet robust frameworks, maximising material efficiency without compromising strength. Minimal Matter investigates how the porosity and cellularity of these surfaces can be manipulated to create adaptable designs tailored to specific environmental and functional needs. A key aspect of creating these structures is additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, which enables the production of complex forms. Sustainable materials, such as stone white clay and red earthen terracotta, were selected for their suitability for 3D printing and their ability to create the desired porous structures.

Above: Close-up of Rameshwari Jonnalagedda’s 3D printed ceramics, image courtesy of Rameshwari Jonnalagedda

The Minimal Matter exhibition features prototypes of minimal surfaces designed for a variety of uses, including façade panels that regulate heat, air, and light, improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort. These high-surface geometries also promote bio-receptivity by fostering microhabitats for small organisms and supporting plant growth. Integrating these designs into urban environments could significantly enhance biodiversity and support biophilic design, embedding living ecosystems within cityscapes.

“Rameshwari Jonnalagedda’s Minimal Matter project demonstrates the vast potential of minimal surfaces in shaping sustainable and functional architectural designs, while igniting essential discussions around the future of building design and its environmental implications,” said Ruth Davies, Marketing Director of VitrA UK. “VitrA is thrilled to support Rameshwari’s innovative work as part of our ongoing commitment to championing sustainable design and fostering dialogue among emerging designers.”

For more details on VitrA’s sustainability initiatives, please visit https://www.vitra.co.uk/about-us/sustainability/.

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ISH 2025 unveils event lineup & highlights technology trends

September 5, 2024

ISH 2025, a world-leading trade fair for HVAC and water, will return to Frankfurt from 17 to 21 March 2025. The event will showcase the latest innovations in building-services technology and focus on sustainable solutions and global climate protection. It will include a full lineup of congresses, lectures, and special presentations designed to offer valuable insights into the industry’s future.

Under the theme “Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” ISH 2025 will feature cutting-edge topics such as achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 (clean water and sanitation for all), the Paris Agreement’s goals, and urban climate improvements through facade greening. Visitors can expect a multifaceted program that includes:

Key events and highlights:

International Water Conference: Organised with “Handelsblatt,” this conference will bring together experts from the sanitation, real estate, and housing industries to discuss innovations in water management and hygiene.
Building Future Conference: Leaders from politics, local government, real estate, and energy sectors will explore sustainable construction strategies to address climate challenges.
Real Estate Forum: This forum will delve into intelligent building control and digitalization in property management, offering practical case studies and networking opportunities.
Design Plaza: A hub for interior design trends and innovations in the sanitation sector, featuring lectures and panel discussions.
Special Areas: The fair will feature dedicated spaces, such as the “SPAs, Pools & Wellness” area, which will showcase wellness trends, and the “Green Roofs & Facades” area, which will focus on climate-friendly urban solutions.

Awards and Recognition:

Designplus Award powered by ISH: Celebrating innovative designs in the sanitation and HVAC sectors with new categories for sustainable exhibition stands and young innovators.
ZVSHK Product Award: Highlighting outstanding products, including the “Bathroom Comfort for Generations” design prize.

Networking and expert insights:

ISH will also offer numerous opportunities for professionals to connect through guided tours, expert presentations, and the “Meet the Experts” sessions.

As a premier platform for industry professionals, ISH 2025 promises to set new standards in building-services technology, providing solutions for a sustainable future.

For more information, visit the ISH 2025 website.

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Utopia welcomes John L’Erario to sales team

September 3, 2024

Utopia has welcomed John L’Erario as Business Development Manager with responsibility for the East Anglian region and surrounding area.

With a strong background in sales, John’s most recent role was with Kinedo where he spent nine years in sales and technical support roles.

Gary Matthews, Utopia Sales Director, comments “John’s strength as a customer-focused, skilled communicator will be invaluable in developing existing and new relationships in this key area. We welcome John to the business and sales team and know he will flourish in this role.”

Commenting on his new role at Utopia, John said “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining this award-winning British company and look forward to being part of the team taking this leading brand to the next level.”

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Merlyn unveils bold range of coloured wetroom panels

September 2, 2024

UK shower enclosure manufacturer Merlyn has unveiled some trend-setting colour options in their stunning collection of modular wetroom panels. As well as the colour finish options these versatile 8 mm panels include 17 components and various fitting options to create a very individualised bathroom space.

Homeowners embracing the enduring trend for coloured bathrooms can now elevate their spaces with the new range of panels, including the striking bracing bar—a true standout feature in our range. Available in five stunning finishes—Standard Chrome, Brushed Brass, Matt Black, Brushed Gun-metal Grey, and Brushed Bronze—the bracing bar, along with matching caps and profiles, allows for a bold expression of style. Whether it’s seamlessly integrated or used to create a striking contrast with showers and faucets, this prominent feature ensures that every bathroom reflects the buyer’s unique taste

These panels, with a generous height of 2015 mm, and versatile widths from 300 – 1600 mm, are available in clear glass and on-trend low iron consistency fluted glass, both with Mershield protective coating. Not only are the consumer-friendly Wetroom Panels aesthetically pleasing, but they are also extremely robust and durable, with an exceptional industry-unique service lifetime guarantee and a commitment to using only the very highest specification materials with a quality finish that excludes the use of PVC.

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Unseen risks: The health hazards of toilet plume

September 2, 2024

Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, draws attention to an often-overlooked issue in public health: toilet plume.

While a designer’s focus in creating bathroom spaces concentrates on their technical knowledge to achieve functionality and beautiful design, they will also ensure that safety and practicality are part of the brief. However, how many of us are aware of the risks of toilet plume or have even heard of the term?

Toilet plume refers to the microscopic particles and droplets released into the air when a toilet is flushed. These particles can contain various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, posing a potential risk to human health. Flushing generates a turbulent flow of air and water within the toilet bowl and can cause these microorganisms to become airborne, where they may linger and settle on surrounding surfaces.

Research has demonstrated that toilet plume can transport harmful pathogens such as staphylococcus, E. coli, and even the virus responsible for COVID-19. This airborne spread is particularly concerning in public and shared bathrooms, where multiple users increase the likelihood of exposure to these pathogens.

One of the most effective measures to reduce the spread of germs is to close the toilet lid before flushing. While not 100% effective, this simple action creates a physical barrier that can significantly reduce the dispersion of airborne particles, containing them within the toilet bowl. Maintaining proper bathroom hygiene through regular cleaning and disinfecting surfaces further minimises contamination risk. Aware of the dangers, bathroom manufacturers increasingly offer antibacterial glazed coatings that make cleaning easier, helping to reduce contamination of surfaces.

Ventilation also plays a crucial role in managing the effects of toilet plume. Adequate ventilation can help dissipate airborne particles more quickly, reducing their potential to settle on surfaces or be inhaled. Designers should take note and ensure that bathrooms can be well-ventilated, whether through windows or mechanical ventilation systems.

Given the health implications, increased awareness about the risks associated with toilet plume should be high on the agenda. A public information campaign is essential to educate individuals on the importance of proper bathroom practices, but designers can also help this effort. By raising awareness and promoting preventive measures through clever product selection, incorporating ventilation into design concepts, and educating clients, reducing the transmission of illnesses linked to toilet plume is possible.

It’s time we closed the lid on this unseen health hazard.

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Reels in Motion joins the BMA as an affiliate member

September 2, 2024

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has announced that Reels in Motion, a leading video production agency based in Stoke-On-Trent, has joined as an affiliate member

Established in 2004, Reels in Motion has built a reputation for creating compelling content for brands worldwide. It offers a range of services, from corporate videos and animations to broadcast and promotional films.

Renowned for their creativity and commitment to excellence, Reels in Motion has produced hundreds of award-winning films for prestigious clients, including the NHS, Jaguar, and Hilton. Their personalised approach ensures that each project aligns with the client’s vision, delivering exceptional results that resonate with audiences.

Reels in Motion’s dedication to quality has earned them a spot in the EVCOM Top 50 list, along with accolades such as Production Company of the Year and GOLD EVCOM Clarion Awards. The company also boasts a perfect 5.0 Google Review Rating.

Tom Reynolds, the BMA’s Chief Executive, expressed his excitement about welcoming Reels in Motion to the association: “We are thrilled to have Reels in Motion join the BMA as an affiliate member. We’ve worked with the company for several years, so we know well their track record of creativity and excellence in video production. They will be an invaluable asset to our members.

“In an increasingly digital world, their expertise in creating engaging content will help our members to better connect with their audiences and strengthen their brands.”

Matt Hubbard, Account Director at Reels in Motion, said: “We’re excited to partner with the Bathroom Manufacturers Association. Our goal is to share our expertise in video production and demonstrate its powerful applications in the manufacturing industry, including product demonstrations, virtual facility tours, and training videos.

“As part of this collaboration, we’ll offer exclusive discounts and special offers to BMA members, along with workshops, blogs, and valuable resources to demonstrate how members can harness the power of video.

“With over 20 years of experience producing high-quality video content for businesses like those within the association, I’m eager to work closely with members and drive impactful results.”

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