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Nestling in a hilly forested area in Shizuoka, Japan, PHASE DANCE is an impressive architectural work by Takeshi Hirobe Architects.

Duravit’s presence in the unconventionally shaped weekend retreat appears in the form of a Vero washbasin. Vero was launched in 2001 and since then has found great popularity, especially among architects, thanks to its iconic rectangular character.

Text description provided by the Duravit: The sloping location posed a range of challenges – not least the question of how the building should be positioned on the site. To avoid an excessively large and deep foundation, a third of the floor space of the building was designed as an overhang, reducing the contact area with the ground. The basic structure from the basement to the ceiling of the second floor consists of reinforced concrete covered with wood.

Duravit phase Dance

Further, the architects noticed an orangebark stewartia tree during their site visit. Calculations taking account of building-spacing regulations and other restrictions indicated that the tree stood at the center of the area in which construction was possible. They decided to leave the tree intact and to design the structure of the building around it – as a tribute to the importance of nature.

Duravit PhASE Dance

While Takeshi Hirobe Architects understood the tree to be central point, they were careful to avoid a symmetrical design with uniform angles in order to create unique, generously sized rooms. With that in mind, the architects sought to lend each room a cozy and playful air.

In the bathroom, the clear formal language of the Duravit washbasin from the Vero complete bathroom range blends perfectly into the overall ambience – as elegant as it is durable.

Large windows that follow the uneven contours of the walls afford expansive views of the green landscape and bring natural light into the interior.

The upper floor serves as a library and reading area. It has the same floor plan as the lower floor and includes a triangular roof. Although the roof is subdivided into multiple sections, it gives the impression of being a single piece that covers the building.

During the continuous decision-making process, Takeshi Hirobe Architects likened their reactions to the various phases and aspects of the project to a dance – and dubbed the project “PHASE DANCE”, inspired by the dynamics of the song of the same name by guitarist Pat Metheny.

An apparent lull in the COVID-19 proceedings gave the events industry just enough breathing space for a new hotel design exhibition to take centre stage. HIX took place at the Business Design Centre on the 18th -19th November and promises to be an annual event that celebrates and brings together the people that represent the hotel interior supply chain.

Of the 3,202 visitors, 89% came from the UK. 130 exhibiting companies showcased projects, products and new concepts for hotel design, including some of the world’s leading FF&E suppliers, such as Carl Hansen & Son, Laufen, Burgess Furniture, Panaz, BETTE, KEUCO, Chelsom, Hansgrohe, GROHE, Case Furniture, Ligne Roset Contract, GUBI, Morgan, Fredericia, L.Ercolani, LEDS C4, Wall&decò plus many more. A sense of delight permeated the hall, summed up by Tom Dixon, Creative Director Tom Dixon Studios who commented ‘It’s buzzing, people are happy to be here!”

Central themes included wellness and sustainability. Among the many stand-out moments during HIX were the HIX Talks, featuring Tom Dixon, whose message on the issue of sustainability and materiality was simply to make less, to re-use and recycle more and to be more selective about the choice of materials when designing.

As Ilker Hussain, Global Projects Director, ROCA Group summarised: “HIX is now the spiritual home of the hotel community.”

SIX T O P   P I C K S   from HIX

Keuco Plan care

Keuco presents Plan Care removable shower seat

KEUCO demonstrated their Plan Care removable shower seat at HIX.

Roca Roy Ohtake

Roca showcased its latest launches at HIX

Located in front of the main staircase, the Roca stand had sustainability as its guiding ethos, reflected not only through the products on display but also in the […]

Hansgorhe Axor One

Hansgrohe’s latest innovations take the stage at HIX

Hansgrohe presented its latest ranges, including Pulsify, RainDrain, Finoris, Vivenis, AddStoris and AXOR One.

VitrA Tom Dixon

VitrA showcases its new bathroom ranges

VitrA will exhibit Liquid, the new bathroom range created in collaboration with acclaimed British designer, Tom Dixon.

BetteEve

Bette presents new type of anti-slip for shower trays and baths

Bette launched a number of products at  HIX, including its almost invisible anti-slip surface.

Grohe

GROHE exhibited new Cradle to Cradle Certified® products at HIX

The globally recognised Cradle to Cradle (C2C) design approach was first developed in the 90s to drastically reduce waste and therefore the drain on new resources.

Joel Butler HIX

Joel Butler, Co-founder – HIX

HIX was all about bringing the hotel design community back together after two years of being separated. HIX’s 130 exhibitors created stands with narrative, inspiration and a sense of journey, and our bathroom suppliers excelled in delivering experience and memories along the way. So much of hotel design, whether it be guest room, public restroom or spa is about wellbeing, and the bathroom is at the heart of this.

“We’re honoured to have support from such a stellar list of global manufacturers, they’ve already committed their support for 2022 and we can’t wait to experience their stories.

Margaret Talbot, Marketing Manager – VitrA

VItrA Margaret Talbot HIX
Margaret Talbot – marketing manager for the UK & Europe – VitrA

Vistors to HIX were upbeat despite the challenges of the last two years.  Demand for stunning, high-quality bathroom products remains strong, with visitors seeking stand-out designs.   

“VitrA dedicated the entire stand at  HIX to Liquid, VitrA’s latest designer collaboration with the world-renowned British designer Tom Dixon. Liquid combines Tom’s ‘expressive minimalism’ with a contemporary and timeless design that evokes a sense of permanence. The gloss black brassware chimes with the generous curves of white ceramic to create bathrooms that will not date.

“Visitors appreciated the thoughtful design elements like the ceramic stool, which acts as a bridge between interior furniture and the bathroom space, and the hand shower that attaches to the shower column through a magnetic connection.  The response to this striking range was tremendous and exciting for us here at VitrA, as Liquid is unlike anything currently available for bathrooms in the UK. “

HIX will be back – November 17th – 18th 2022

In recent months GROHE has been able to open twelve new training facilities where its internationally accredited GIVE Programme is offered to aspiring plumbers.

One success is the inauguration of the first GIVE Programme school in Northwest Africa, in Ghana’s capital Accra, which took place on 11th November 2021. GROHE has reported over 75 students recently started their training at this location, supported by five teachers who will guide them through the curriculum, thereby enabling an easier start to a more prosperous vocation and lifestyle.

In total, the brand says it is already supporting 41 plumbing schools in the EMENA region with the GIVE Programme. In doing so, GIVE empowers the training institutions to provide a uniform concept with modern equipment and training material and offers the trainees the chance to receive a recognised international certificate.

To ensure a state-of-the-art education, GROHE has developed a fully functional training environment where trainees can benefit from the global brand’s extensive expertise.

“In our partnering institutes, we provide a fully functioning training rack with a wide range of our GROHE products where the students can test and improve their installation skills in a learning environment designed specifically for them,” says Christopher Penney, Leader GIVE Programme LIXIL EMENA.

“We are also currently upgrading all training racks with a tablet and a TV screen so that we can stream live from our GIVE video studio at one of our German training centres in Lahr. In addition, we plan to use a specially designed training truck which is fitted with the same training equipment as our partnering schools. This will allow us to attract even more schools around the world,” states Timo Kurz, Leader Training LIXIL EMENA.

“In the future, companies and customers globally will be able to rely on the practical expertise of the trained students and easily integrate them into their operations. This is especially valuable in times where skilled workers are hard to find.”

The recent HIX show presented KEUCO the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their Plan Care removable shower seat; an aesthetically pleasing shower seat that can be added and removed at will. 

The sleek lines of the most elegant designer bathroom can incorporate this high-quality shower seat from KEUCO.  The seat is available in a variety of colours including an elegant grey and chrome combination, which provides a comfortable and practical solution for anyone who finds difficulty standing in a shower or those with restricted movement. 

The shower seat is used in combination with the KEUCO PLAN CARE rail system, the chair is fixed in place by simply hanging it over the rail without any form or mechanical fixing!  It’s sturdy backrest and folding design means it can be kept neatly in place and removed completely when not in use, making it ideal for both multigenerational use in homes and in hotels, as it provides a stylish installation for any contemporary bathroom.

Manufactured in Germany under TUV Nord certification this practical and comfortable tip-up seat can accommodate weight of up to 110kg and comes in shades of dark and light grey or white on chrome of aluminium finish.

Keuco Plan Care Removable Seat

www.keuco.com

More news and product stories from KEUCO

Located in front of the main staircase, the Roca stand had sustainability as its guiding ethos, reflected not only through the products on display but also in the fabrication of the stand itself. Materials used include recycled copper, acrylic and plastics. Parts of the stand will also be repurposed for future events, to ensure its longevity.

Coloured ceramics

A highlight on the stand, Roca exhibited its Beyond, Inspira and Ruy Ohtake basins, available in unique colours and finishes, and designed with organic lines and a timeless aesthetic in mind. The result: beautifully sculpted exclusive basins, to transform any hotel bathroom into an elegantly completed space.

On-trend brassware

In addition, Roca launched two new finishes to its stunning Insignia and Naia ranges. Complete with Everlux finish, the two new additions are now available in stylish rose gold and brushed titanium black.

Also on display on Roca’s stand at HIX was the Carelia, Pals and Cala brassware collections in chrome, offering unique and stylish design options.

At the forefront of hygiene

A modern hotel bathroom not only stands out for its state-of-the-art technology, it also offers functionality, comfort and a stylish design aesthetic.  The new In-Wash® In-Tank® toilet meets all three requirements and also provides state-of-the-art technology, without compromising on its main function.

David Bromell, Head of Marketing, Roca comments:

“We’re delighted to have been part of the much-anticipated HIX event. We showcased some of our latest products, including our innovative In-Wash® In-Tank® Smart WC, which combines the personal hygiene functions of In-Wash®, with the unique integrated cistern of our In-Tank® technology. These innovations sit alongside collections which embrace the latest possibilities in materials and colours, to support the design process through significant customisation options, and include our award-winning basins collection designed by Ruy Ohtake.

“HIX was a wonderful opportunity for the industry to reconnect and it was a pleasure to welcome visitors to the Roca stand and introduce them to our latest portfolio.”

NAIA Rose Gold
Naia Tap in Rose Gold

For more information on the products above, visit www.uk.roca.com

Gainsborough has relaunched in the UK with a line-up of nine electric shower models, and a rebranding across its entire shower range.

The latest electric models include Gainsborough Slim Mono 8.5kw and 9.5kw in Polar White with three power settings, Gainsborough Slim Duo 8.5kw, 9.5kw and 10.5kw in Polar White with three power settings and multi-mode spray head.

In addition, there is the Gainsborough Slim Duo 8.5kw and 9.5kw in Piano Black with three power settings, multi-mode spray head and soap dish, plus Gainsborough Slim Duo 8.5kw and 9.5kw in Titanium Grey with three power settings, multi-mode spray head and soap dish.

All the Gainsborough SLIM shower range models have been designed to replace any brand of electric shower, with four (SLIM Mono) or eight (SLIM Duo) multi-fit options for maximum versatility.

The range has been updated with three colourways to complement all bathroom interiors and styles.

Gainsborough electric SLIM range

Tim Creedon, sales director for Gainsborough, commented, “With its powerful heritage of almost 50 years in the showering industry, Gainsborough is a respected and trusted British brand, and we are pleased to be reintroducing it with a dynamic new line-up of electric models to suit all bathroom environments.

“Designed for today’s modern bathrooms, ensuites and shower rooms, the new Gainsborough electric shower collection is perfect for home owners, property developers and landlords looking for a dependable, energy-efficient, space-saving shower that offers exceptional value and contemporary looks. Effortless to install and maintain, the multi-fit options make this range an ideal replacement or new fit solution.”

The range will be supported with a broad trade marketing campaign across all digital channels including a new website, video content, influencer initiatives, an advocacy programme and social media activities.

A dedicated training programme is available for installers, retailers and all trade partners, managed and run by Gainsborough’s knowledgeable UK training team.

Furthermore, the entire Gainsborough product series will be updated with a new contemporary brand design and refreshed packaging style.

The SLIM Mono and Duo showers are backed by a two year guarantee and Gainsborough’s expert Customer Support and Service teams.

For further details on the Gainsborough range, please visit: https://www.gainsboroughshowers.co.uk/

Hansgrohe presented its latest ranges, including Pulsify, RainDrain, Finoris, Vivenis, AddStoris and AXOR One. For some of these products, HIX represented the first time they were available for viewing at an event in the UK.

Hansgrohe comprised its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, to showcase its latest innovations in bathroom design. With working water displays and its latest products on show, visitors were welcomed to the stand. As one of the founding sponsors of HIX 2021, Hansgrohe sponsored the talk, ‘Quietness with Attitude’, in partnership with Hotel Designs at the event.

Jay Phillips, Managing Director at Hansgrohe UK comments: ‘Designing for wellness has never been more important. The mental and physical health impact of the last 18 months has opened up important conversations around personal and corporate wellbeing, so much so that designers and architects need to work increasingly harder to create spaces that calm, rejuvenate and cocoon its users.

“Whether through applying biophilic principles, using clever lighting and layouts, or simply harnessing the restorative power of water when it comes to bathroom planning, good design has the power to transform the guest experience. Hansgrohe, with its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, is delighted to be sponsoring this event where such an important topic is top of the agenda.’

Hansgrohe Pulsify

London Basin Company has launched a new matt black finish for their range of contemporary bathroom taps. Offering both modernity and beauty, the Jackson and Theo taps are now available in Brushed Brass, Polished Brass, or the new black finish, adding even more choice when it comes to bathroom interiors.

Perfectly in-tune with the demand for co-ordinated bathroom schemes, the black finish is also available on London Basin Company’s collection of vanities and mirrors, as well as their Finn wall bracket, bringing a contemporary edge to even the most compact of spaces.

Founded by interior designer Anna Callis and her daughter Nathalie, London Basin Company make richly decorated porcelain basins, reinventing a classic art form for contemporary bathrooms and cloakrooms. Designed to work as focus pieces, the designs are inspired by their travels, cleverly melding a modern aesthetic with several centuries of decorative art from around the world.

London basin Company

Mereway has announced the appointment of a new regional account manager for the North of England. Corrine Mill joined the Birmingham-based manufacturer on 1st November 2021. 

Corrine has a career in the kitchen and bathroom industry that spans over 30 years working at the retail, distribution and manufacturing ends of the sector for leading industry names, which include BA Components, Hurlingham Baths, Davroc and Jacuzzi. 

Corrine said: “I have always admired Mereway, having been both a customer and a supplier, and I am looking forward to working for a brand that I already know and respect.” 

MD Mark Mills said: “I’m thrilled that Corrine has joined us. She has fantastic sector experience and I know that she will be a great addition to our team. Customer care has always been a key focus for us, and by continuing to expand our team we’re ensuring we’re more accessible and central than ever.” 

VitrA showcased Liquid, the new bathroom range created in collaboration with acclaimed British designer, Tom Dixon, at the newly launched Hotel Design Interiors (HIX) show.

The Liquid collection, a full bathroom range, is ideally suited to hospitality settings and is the latest addition to VitrA’s portfolio of designer collaborations.

The comprehensive range includes sanitaryware, furniture, taps, tiles, shower systems, and accessories. All of the products are designed to be able to work together or as stand-alone pieces.

Tom Dixon drew inspiration from a variety of sources. From the “big chunky taps and fat tubes” of Victorian bathrooms to the round-edged aesthetics of his recent work, which is reminiscent of the work of Claes Oldenburg and Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog.

The functionality of the range is designed to be intuitive so that users instinctively understand how to operate the products, a facet of the collection which is particularly suited to hotel and hospitality environments.

Speaking about the need for this Tom commented “I wanted the collection to look like a kid’s sketch of a bathroom basin or a tap, displaying a clear logic and simplicity in looks and usage”.

Consciously choosing to offer only white ceramics, the range combines different materials including fluted glass and metal mesh for the furniture units. Taps and showers are available in chrome or for contrast, a new gloss black finish that is atypical in modern bathrooms. The range also includes distinctive wall tiles, available in five designs with colour options of white, black, grey, sage green and ecru.

The collection is perfectly suited for commercial projects where longevity is an important consideration. The collection can be combined in multiple styles to suit various purposes and environments, ensuring flexibility in a wide range of hotel and hospitality settings.

Levent Giray, Managing Director of VitrA UK, comments: “We are delighted to take part in the first ever HIX
event. It is the ideal setting for us to introduce the Liquid range to a commercial and hospitality focused
audience.

“Our extensive manufacturing, design and innovation capabilities have ensured that there is a unity to the breadth of the Liquid collection. At a time when there is a greater emphasis placed on the role of the
bathroom in hotel and hospitality settings, this cohesive range has a generosity of design that will sit
comfortably in many different environments.”

VitrA Tim Dixon Liquid bathroom ranges

www.vitra.co.uk

More news and product stories from VitrA