After six months of negotiations, Davroc has announced a new strategic partnership for nationwide distribution of the full Carron Bathrooms range.
Davroc has recently launched the Coalbrook brand, a range of design-led bathroom brassware products which are showcased The Market Building in Clerkenwell. Currently it distributes a number of well-known and trusted brands including Laufen, Bette, Roca, Aqualisa, Grohe, VitrA and more recently Alca and Drench.
Carron is a UK manufacturer of acrylic baths, based in Falkirk, Scotland, with manufacturing heritage dating back over 260 years to the Industrial Revolution. All baths are designed, manufactured and quality assured exclusively in the Carron factory in Falkirk. The product portfolio includes a range of rectangular and freestanding baths and whirlpools as well as a range of shower screens, panels and accessories.
Distribution by Davroc is due to commence from early December, with fast-moving product lines already in stock across their three warehouse and distribution centres in the UK. Davroc’s fleet of 36 vans and drivers means they are able to offer next day delivery service to the majority of the UK without the use of couriers or agencies.
Davroc has recruited an additional 17 team members within their office and distribution functions and is in the process of adding 6 more external sales managers to bring external representation to 18 nationwide.
Chris Dodds, Managing Director, Davroc comments “As a business, our partners are very important to us both in terms of their product, culture and most importantly their values. We have been in discussions with Carron for 6 months and we believe we have found a long-term partner who shares our goals of product quality and service. We are delighted to add Carron to our portfolio and look forward to working with James and the Carron team.”
James McMorrine, Managing Director, Carron Bathrooms Ltd comments “From our initial conversations with Davroc, it became apparent that our values were completely aligned in terms of product, innovation and service. With a commitment to offering the optimum customer experience in the professional bathroom sector, Davroc undoubtedly share the same goals as Carron. We are excited to be involved with such a respected partner and look forward to working with Chris and the team at Davroc”
Leading bathroom product supplier HiB has launched a new cabinet offering sleek design, precision illumination and ample technology.
The new Isoe cabinet has been designed to offer the complete package of form and functionality, needed for a quality bathroom cabinet. Soft curves and straight lines create an understated look that will complement a range of bathroom designs and styles, with the mirrored side panels and double-sided doors enhancing the overall effect.
Within the cabinet is a whole host of useful features, offering a practical solution for all users. From the innovative electric toothbrush charger and toothbrush head storage to the 2 pin socket and double USB charger, the Isoe cabinet offers a multitude of options to charge personal devices.
To improve hygiene, the cabinet has touch-free operation as well as a removable keep clean mat and heated pads to reduce condensation on the mirrored surface. This means that the cabinet can be maintained to look fresh and clean despite everyday use.
Talking about the new Isoe cabinet, Sales Director Ash Chilver said: “Isoe is a particularly versatile bathroom cabinet, thanks to its elegant and adaptable design and a multitude of features. For customers looking for a cabinet that will complement and enhance their bathroom style but also answer all their practical needs, Isoe is a fantastic choice.”
The Isoe cabinet is available in 50cm, 60cm and 80cm options.
Bright and open living spaces enhanced with calm interior design have made for a warm, characterful home, unique to the needs of the homeowners — a family of four who split their time between Asia and London.
The transformation involved completely gutting the interior to maximise space and light within the existing building envelope. Moving the stairway, which now doubles as practical storage, to the middle of the house has created a central timber-clad spine. This acts as a division between the kitchen and dining area and separate living area, maximising available living space while providing for a sociable, airy living space. The compact kitchen has the feel of a much larger home, allowing plenty of space for cooking and storage.
The bathrooms
In a property which is typically quite small such as a mews house efficiency in the way that space is used is essential. So in speaking with our clients about what was important to them it became clear that ways of maximising storage and natural light were key.
The bathrooms were therefore positioned in the property in the two locations where natural light and ventilation could be achieved with frameless roof lights above and the layouts are efficiently designed to incorporate walk-in showers, bathtubs, double basins and stackable washer and dryers which were incorporated into a soundproof cupboard in the master en-suite, fully hidden by a decorative clad door. Bette sanitaryware
Sanitaryware ranges such as Grohe, Duravit and Bette were used as a timeless quality was important and the vanity units were chosen from Hudson reed for their sleek size and maximum storage capacity. Tiles were chosen from Mandarin Stone and Domus for a clean modern look.
Upstairs
Upstairs, the roof space has been opened up, exposing the trusses to make the rooms feel larger and allowing light in through new roof windows. The childrens’ bedroom has been cleverly designed to achieve maximum floor space for play by creating two loft-style beds at the mezzanine level, and a pull-down bed offers space for visiting guests.
Contemporary finishes and modern and textured materials complete the transformation of the home. Oak joinery has been used throughout, creating a seamless translation from one room to the next, and adding warmth to an otherwise calm interior palette. Care and attention have been paid to details such as bespoke joinery, and the interior of the house now does justice to the promise of the charming front facade. Art has been carefully placed to draw the eye and add interest and thoughtfully selected accessories give a finished look.
The quality of the building fabric has also been improved – a new roof, and insulated render, double glazed windows, and roof lights have brought the home up to modern standards while keeping the house within the character and aesthetic of Belgravia.
Beginning and ending in lockdown, with Brexit somewhere in between, and undertaken for a client on the other side of the world, this project was never going to be straightforward. But the result is a beautiful, considered home, which works perfectly for the unique needs of the homeowner.
Project Belgravia Mews House Client Private Architect finkernagelross.com Size 900 sq. ft. (90 sq. m) Budget Undisclosed Location Belgravia, London Year 2021 Photography Anna Stathaki
CRL’s EUFB19MBL Flat Bar, in a sophisticated matte black finish, is a strip of metal that can be easily installed on glass shower frames to create a stunning effect. This, coupled with the company’s range of shower frame hinges, handles and support bars in the matching finish, are the ideal products for achieving this on-trend look.
The metal-framed glazing gives the bathroom a contemporary feel, adding a hint of industrial style by taking a standard clear glass shower enclosure or screen and adding this important detail with ease.
For further information call 01706 863600, email crl@crlaurence.co.uk, or visit www.crlaurence.co.uk
Researchers from Techlab laboratory, based at Shiraz University in Iran, have won a £10,000 research prize to investigate how air humidity and rainfall can be used to aid indoor thermal comfort in arid regions, inspired by water absorption methods observed in the Namib desert beetle.
The Water Research prize is funded by GROHE and is part of the World Architecture Festival annual awards programme. This is the fourth time it has been awarded; other winners have included water filtration, generation and cooling systems in Peru, Brazil and Greece.
This year’s winning project, ‘Aquasorbant Façade’, was announced today (30 November) and Techlab laboratory presented the project as part of a virtual panel discussion on the Water Research Prize today at 13:00 – 14:00 (GMT) with panellists including Paul Finch, Director of World Architecture Festival, Jeremy Melvin, WAF Curator, Patrick Speck, Leader LIXIL Global Design, EMENA and Stefan Schmied, Leader, Business Unit Projects, LIXIL EMENA.
The winning project uses honeycomb-like modules with peaks and troughs to absorb and retain water molecules in the air, inspired by how air humidity is consumed by desert insects, flora and fauna through their ionic skin and body surfaces. The modules, also designed to best capture rainfall, will guide the water into vertical tanks embedded in the façade. Smart sensors, linked to the tanks, will monitor and record indoor temperature and humidity rates so water can be automatically distributed using cool-mist humidification systems when needed.
Researchers say the prize money will allow them to partner with other research divisions to research and experiment with the very latest digital fabrication methods, materials, and environmental sensors to progress the project. Although designed for regions where precipitation, underground water resources and running water supplies are hard to access, as water scarcity becomes a growing concern globally, its applications can extend to buildings in different climates around the world.
We expect a great deal of the once humble shower room. It goes without saying shower spaces should offer multi-generational accessibility, and in the wake of COVID-`19, hygienic features and easy-clean surfaces. However, we are also looking for a sense of spa-like luxury, a space to relax and rejuvenate.
Shower hardware combines all these elements, offering a practical solution that is included throughout the shower area to match bathroom accessories for a cohesive design-led feel.
Simon Boocock, CRL Managing Director agrees: “The shower enclosure has evolved into more of a wet-room, easy access and almost open-plan area, low-level trays coupled with frameless enclosures create a minimalist appeal. With very little on show, the shower hardware, including hinges and U-channels, as well as the brassware, has a chance to shine. Creating a cohesive look is important here, with hardware very often now chosen in keeping with shower brassware and available in a range of finishes to suit.”
Frameless style
CRL Cambridge Frameless Shower Enclosure
CRL’s Frameless designs such as the Cambridge maximise accessibility and deliver a clean, streamlined look. This range is designed to match CRL shower hardware with colours and styles to suit all décor schemes.
Access all areas
HEWI’s System 900 is also a response to the complex requirements of accessible bathrooms. The products boast long-lasting quality, clever installation solutions and a hygienic design. Matching accessories open up versatile design options in the bathroom and HEWI also offers practical toilet roll holders and new towel rails or toilet brush sets in stainless steel, chrome or with a powder-coated finish in white, shades of grey and black.
Hewi System 900 Powder Coated Finishes
Staying grounded
Some of the most serious accidents happen in the bathroom and we expect a high proportion are caused by slips and falls whilst getting in and out of the shower. For hoteliers, keeping bathrooms safe is a priority and the health and safety checklist requires handrails and slip-proof surfaces. For the home, an efficient anti-slip surface keeps all the family safe without having to include rails for open plan designs.
BetteAir Tile
The Bette-Anti Slip Sense surface is a new type of surface treatment for maximum slip resistance (in accordance with evaluation group C of DIN 51097) and claims to provide the highest level of slip protection. This surface is available on Bette’s new BetteAirshower tile for perfect level-access integration.
Smooth operator
Another key aspect when it comes to safe design is not having to fight with your amenities. Lakes Antigua Slider features an easy-glide door that closes effortlessly at the touch of a finger to a near-silent stop. Concealed wheels ensure easy cleaning and a cooler look plus a low threshold for easy and safe access, and a solid cast handle with smooth, rounded edges for a touch of elegance.
Let’s get personal
Lockdown gave us time to get creative and in the UK it fuelled a trend in home improvement, as life imitates art, art imitates life and so, the hospitality sector is creating bathroom spaces that feel like home. In our homes, we still want to emulate that luxury hotel feel. Personalisation delivers the best of both worlds.
Richard Eaton, Product Manager, RefleXion Enclosures by PJH comments: “The desire for personalisation is causing designs to evolve, for example, the black-framed or panelled look that we’ve seen of late is great for the industrial-inspired or monochrome look.”
“More patterns, colours and unusual finishes are now appearing, such as our botanical themed RefleXion Iconix ‘Black Leaf’ 8mm Panel and the use of materials other than polished chrome frames and clear glass will really grow in the next few years – such as gold or brass frames, and frosted or fluted glass.”
Just relax
Keely Greenhalgh, National Sales Manager at Mermaid Panels tells us: “We want our bathrooms to replicate the spa experience. Bathrooms are increasingly being treated as a treasured area of the home to truly relax and refresh so bathrooms that can capture that spa-like serenity at home will continue to be a standout style for 2022.”
Pursuing tones that give a sense of tranquillity and reflect the natural environment certainly feels like a trend that’s here to stay and using contrasting materials is a simple way to achieve this. However, we can expect a switch back to lighter shades for 2022, for example, greens and blues will still be popular but sage green and sky blue may lead in popularity.
Keely agrees: “Whether it’s a Swedish wood effect or a more traditional yet decadent marble, there is an increasing number of surface options on the market to create a hidden retreat in the home. Calming tones and colours are a perfect way to create serenity within the bathroom. Designers can look at muted tones combined with one stand out wall to create a relaxing, soothing area.”
Mermaid Panels – Elite Range – Himalayan Marble
Mermaid Panels has introduced 28 new décors to its premium Elite collection of bathroom panels. Offering an alternative to tiling, Elite has a 100% waterproof core and helps create a completely seamless, premium look and finish. The artistic post-formed edges add unique design detail that removes the need for trims or grouting.
PJH’s own brand of shower enclosures and trays, RefleXion, as featured in its Bathrooms to Love Collection, has evolved to become a popular choice with both the retailer and the consumer.
The collection is manufactured and designed to a high specification and includes a comprehensive choice of enclosures, wetrooms and trays to suit a wide range of bathroom projects. The RefleXion brand offers three enclosure families – Iconix, Flex and Classix – each offering a range of USP’s and price points to suit varying styles and budgets.
Richard Eaton, Product Manager, RefleXion Enclosures by PJH comments: “Over the last two years, sales for walk-in and wetroom enclosures have increased steadily as the demand for larger and more accessible showering areas continues to rise. Whether this is for easy access, perhaps in a multigenerational household, or simply for the desire to create a spa-inspired wetroom environment, there are more and more innovative designs being launched to a highly captive audience.
“Whilst the minimalist frameless plain glass screen look is still popular (see image below), it seems that less is no longer more. The desire for personalisation is causing designs to evolve, for example, the black-framed or panelled look that we’ve seen of late is great for the industrial-inspired or monochrome look.
One of the RefleXion 8mm Iconix Wetrooms from PJH
Richard continues “More patterns, colours and unusual finishes are now appearing, such as our botanical themed RefleXion Iconix ‘Black Leaf’ 8mm Panel (see very top) and the use of materials other than polished chrome frames and clear glass will really grow in the next few years – such as gold or brass frames, and frosted or fluted glass.”
Mermaid Panels has introduced a range of 28 new décors to its premium Elite collection of bathroom panels. Elite is Mermaid Panels’ most advanced collection yet with patented technology that allows you to create a completely seamless, premium look and finish in the bathroom and shower enclosure with solutions for every budget.
The new designs offer a wider range of styles: from textured stone effects and wood-style finishes to luxe, detailed marble-inspired designs.
As part of the new collection, the Mermaid Elite range also consists of seven new tile-inspired panel designs. Designed to align like tiles but without any of the hassle of grouting, the clever design ensures the pattern can continue seamlessly without interruption once the panels are fixed together.
Mermaid Panels Elite Range in Concrete
A perfect alternative to tiling, Elite has a 100% waterproof core and helps create a completely seamless, premium look and finish. The artistic post-formed edges add a unique design detail that removes the need for trims or grouting.
Mermaid’s Elite range fixes securely to existing surfaces including plasterboard and tiling and ensures no unsightly grouting, no mould, and a much quicker installation. Using a tongue and groove system to create a join that will remain watertight, fitters can create a smooth, seamless, and uniform finish.
Available in 3 sizes, Mermaid Panels can be sold separately or as part of a two- or three-sided kit which comes complete with adhesive and sealant for an easy one box solution. The panels can be cut on site without the need for specialist tools, and can be fitted by any professional fitter, plumber, or installer.
Mermaid Panels Himalayan Marble
With a 15-year guarantee when used with Mermaid Complete adhesive and sealant, consumers can have peace of mind in a long-lasting bathroom solution.
Astrid Tauber-Møller joined Unidrain on 1 November and takes the role of Sales & Export coordinator. Fluent in five languages Astrid will be in contact with Unidrain’s wide network of shops, distributors and architects, across Europe. A focus on maintaining a high level of customer service and delivering technical advice is a key part of the role.
Having previously worked for a number of major Danish design companies including Georg Jensen, GUBI and most recently Louis Poulsen, Asrid has extensive experience in supporting sales teams and has a keen interest in design.
“I have many years of experience in professional sales support and customer service; as I’ve lived and worked abroad for over 10 years, mainly in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, I feel this has enriched my ability in these areas” says Astrid Tauber-Møller.
For much of her career, Astrid worked with iconic Danish design companies; her most recent role was as internal sales assistant at Louis Poulsen, where she provided backup and support for the sales team.
“I’ve always been interested in design and architecture, especially interior design,” says Astrid and continues: “The role of Sales & Export Coordinator is an exciting opportunity to work with a key Danish brand that creates unique and beautiful design solutions. This really motivates me and I look forward to helping expand Unidrain’s export market, strengthening current and building new relationships with our foreign business partners.”
Astrid is 52 and has been married to a Swiss for 25 years, they have an 18-year-old son and live in Glostrup
Antigua is an elegant 2-metre high slider with a high specification design, while Aruba has all the features of the Antigua with the addition of a side panel.
Part of Lakes Premium Island collection, the Antigua Slider has got it all: an easy-glide door that closes effortlessly at the touch of a finger to a near-silent stop; concealed wheels for easy cleaning and a cooler look; a low threshold for easy and safe access, and a solid cast handle with smooth, rounded edges for supreme elegance.
An ultra-slim gap between the fixed panel and sliding door and a discreet Quick Release mechanism delivers practical and aesthetic appeal. With its side panel, Aruba adds the flexibility of a stylish showering space that’s ideal for corner settings. Both products have Lakes Glass – PureVueHD low-iron glass for superior clarity and AllClear® advanced glass coating for long-life looks. Glass thickness is 8mm.
Antigua and Aruba are designed with Lakes Definitions, the exclusive perfect finishing touch. Lakes Definitions is a new range of handle colours with matching profile caps, available in stunning rose gold, gold, nickel and matt black, with chrome as standard.
