Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

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.

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IFA under new dual leadership

May 25, 2022

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.

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Virtual Worlds brings 4D Theatre to the UAE

May 25, 2022

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

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Lakes bolsters its board of directors with strategic new appointment

May 25, 2022

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.

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Easy & accurate product planning with the new Bette Configurator

May 25, 2022

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.

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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.”

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Opening today at #CDW2022 – the Tokyo Project by TOTO

May 24, 2022

TOTO, a leading Japanese sanitary ware company, has announced a new exhibition at its Concept gallery space in Clerkenwell, London. THE TOKYO TOILET Project (an initiative of The Nippon Foundation) will feature 12 exemplary projects by leading architects and designers including works by Tadao Ando, Shigeru Ban, and Kengo Kuma. This unique project will be exhibited at TOTO Concept Gallery in Clerkenwell as part of CDW 2022.

TTO tell us Japan is one of the world’s cleanest countries. Even public toilets have a higher standard of hygiene than in other places. Nonetheless, people try to avoid using them as many are considered dark, dirty and scary. To dispel these misconceptions, the city government in Shibuya – one of Tokyo’s 23 districts – started working with the Nippon Foundation in 2020 to build new public toilets or renovate existing ones. The 17 small structures were designed by 16 renowned architects and designers. They all feature modern, inviting architecture and hygienic, accessible sanitary facilities. This is also an expression of Japan’s world-renowned hospitality culture or Omotenashi – in this case, people think about ensuring that the toilet is clean and fresh for the next person to use. As Japan’s leading manufacturer of sanitary ware, TOTO is contributing its expertise to suggest fixtures and layouts in each toilet.

THE TOKYO TOILET Project wants visitors to enjoy a friendly, clean public toilet at any time or day or night. TOTO supported the creative minds on the project to explore what would make using a public toilet safe, simple and hygienic. Ensuring maximum accessibility was also important: All people should be able to use public toilets at any time, whatever their gender, age or physical limitations. It’s also important to ensure the highest possible standard of hygiene with the appropriate products and regular cleaning.

Extensive research

When working on the new concepts, TOTO explored what would make using a public toilet both safe and comfortable for people.

All inclusive

An important aspect was ensuring that people with disabilities could use public toilets easily, including the consideration that those in wheelchairs need extra space. At the same time, bathroom stalls that are too large can be uncomfortable for the visually impaired. The studies also took into account the needs of parents with small children as well as the elderly.

Hygienic

TOTO provided information about regular maintenance and cleaning, including details about sterile, antibacterial fixtures. By November 2020, seven of the 13 planned projects had been completed – including ones in Ebisu Park (architect: Masamichi Katayama Wonderwall), Jingu-Dori Park (architect: Tadao Ando) and Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park (architect: Shigeru Ban).

“We hope that the project will give international visitors the opportunity to experience a sense of Japanese hospitality. We also hope that we can introduce the culture of clean, comfortable toilets created by TOTO to the rest of the world,” read the statement from Satoshi Shirakawa, Executive Vice President and Representative Director TOTO Ltd.

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Formica launches European flagship showroom in Clerkenwell

May 23, 2022

Formica Group, a leading manufacturer of laminates, has announced the launch of its European flagship showroom, based in Clerkenwell, London.

The showroom is a hub for architects, designers and specifiers to immerse themselves in Formica Group’s diverse and innovative range of laminate solutions for everything from doors and work surfaces, to furniture, wall panelling and washrooms.

Tracey Hopkins, head of specification & business development UK and Ireland explains: “We’re delighted to officially open the Formica Group showroom in time for the Clerkenwell Design Week in May. It will serve as a vital destination for customers to experience Formica® laminate first hand, learning more about the versatility and many benefits of incorporating our laminates into their interior design and commercial projects, and to have one-on-one time with our experts.”

Situated in a prime London design location, the Formica Group showroom invites those wanting to view the full spectrum of colours, woods, patterns and metal laminates to book an appointment with the showroom team.

Visitors will also enjoy Formica Group’s own time tunnel – charting the company’s history and rich pedigree in interior surfacing innovation, and a samples zone that displays the Formica® Collection, including the newly launched ‘Colors’ and ‘Woods’ ranges for 2022.

A breakout area, presentation room and area showcasing the wide range of Formica® worktop solutions comprise the lower floor, completing the showroom’s multi-functional and interactive offering.

Tracey adds: “Laminate has kept pace with the evolving trends and expectations in cross-sector interior design. Now more than ever, with material shortages and increasing costs, it is an ideal material for architects and designers to include in their projects – from large scale hospitality to bespoke healthcare clinics and commercial offices – and we encourage people to come and see for themselves at our Clerkenwell showroom.”

Visitors to the upcoming Clerkenwell Design Week (24-26 May) can visit the Formica Group showroom as part of the prestigious festival’s participating showroom collection.

The Formica Group showroom can be found at: 5 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5PE

To book a visit, and view the new ‘Colors’ and ‘Woods’ introductions, visit: www.formica.com/ukshowroom

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PJH invests in a new marketing technologies suite to enhance the retail journey

May 19, 2022

KBB Distributor PJH has launched a suite of innovative new technology tools that are designed to support both its retailers and their customers through the ‘research’ element of the sales journey.

Embracing ‘try before you buy’, one of the key new technologies is Augmented Reality (AR). PJH’s AR tool is facilitated through QR codes on its printed brochures and sales literature that allows those with a smartphone or tablet to see not only additional product features and benefits but also visualise products in a real-world environment.

Also launched is PJH’s new Virtual Reality (VR) tool, which using a PJH VR headset transports customers to a ‘virtual’ environment where they can not only view products but also interact with them for the totally immersive experience of being in PJH’s vast showroom.

Speaking about the new technology marketing support tools, Sally Hough, PJH’s Multi-Channel Marketing Manager, said: “The benefits to our retailers are enormous; the AR and VR allows them to demonstrate more products than their current range of displays, it allows them to support consumers, now able to experience products in their own space, on their buying journey, and also easily demonstrate product features.”

Sally added: “The end consumer is extremely tech savvy and looking increasingly to new technologies as an integral part of their buying process, especially when researching product features and benefits where being able to get a ‘real-world’ feel for a product can help secure a sale.”

PJH invests in new marketing technologies

The new marketing technologies suite supports PJH’s existing marketing materials such as brochures, point-of-sale and its virtual showroom, which together forms part of its aim to allow both customers and the consumer to “Imagine, Experience, Realise” its portfolio of bathrooms, appliances, sinks and taps.

To find out more about PJH’s latest Marketing Technologies suite, contact the company on:- Tel: 0800 8 77 88 99 or visit the e-commerce site: www.partners.pjh.uk

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Duravit selected for Deichman Library in Oslo

May 19, 2022

As part of its sustainability concept, the Deichman Library selected toilets from the Happy D.2 range as well as electronically powered DuraStyle urinals from designer bathroom manufacturer Duravit in order to optimise water usage, hygiene, and shorten cleaning times.

Passivhaus standard

When viewed from the outside, the striking elements of the Deichman lLbrary are its sloping frontage and glass façade. Another truly outstanding feature is the fact that the building meets the Passivhaus standard, resulting in a saving of 50 per cent of emissions compared to similar buildings. This was achieved using an innovative façade structure, novel ventilation systems and cooling with seawater, as well as the use of recycled materials.

Library with a clear view of the fjord

Norway’s library is located centrally in the Bjørvika district between Oslo’s main railway station and the opera. It was designed by the architecture firm Lund Hagem Architekter AS in collaboration with Atelier Oslo and attracts millions of visitors a year. The building has six floors that are held in place by three towers, creating an open space in the center of the building that forms an atrium.

This openness, the elongated façade windows, and the lighting shafts generate an inviting ambience bathed in daylight with a clear view of the fjord.

Unique concept
The library is accessed via three central entrances in the east, west, and south. The exterior merges into the interior on the ground floor, where visitors are fluidly guided into the foyer. Diagonal light shafts that extend across all floors distribute additional light to the entrance zones.

At the heart of the design is the continuous central library room. Additional library rooms are located on the upper levels. The building also houses an auditorium, workshops, reading rooms, a cinema, offices, and various stacks.

The building’s overall concept generates a unique impression: in addition to the actual lending and reading of more than 400,000 books, there is a year-round program of concerts, fairs, workshops, and various courses for all ages. Visitors can while away some time in the restaurant and cafeteria with roof terrace, which offers not only food and drink but also a dash of hygge.

The Deichmanske Library is one of Norway’s most illustrious and largest public libraries. It can trace its origins back to 1785 following the death of the businessman and industrial pioneer Carl Deichman, who not only lent his name to the library but also bequeathed his collection of 6,000 books to the city and its residents, which still today form the foundation of the library’s collection.

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